Solution Seekers

Brenna Lenoir and Katie Fairbank of CodeSignal join the Solution Seekers Podcast with Paige Buck to discuss the journey of producing CodeSignal Beyond 2024, the company's biggest event yet. Tasked with creating a monumental moment, Brenna and Katie focused on curating an experience that would be remembered—starting with a theater venue inspired by Steve Jobs’ iconic iPhone launch. This decision set the tone for the event, reinforcing the gravity of their product launch and helping CodeSignal achieve three key goals: filling the room, engaging the right people, and generating social media buzz. The event was infused with creative elements, from the space-themed branding to the playful inclusion of Cosmo the Space Corgi, all designed to make attendees feel like they were part of something special. Brenna and Katie share how they navigated the pressure of coordinating a live event with multiple moving parts, including a simultaneous website launch and influencer marketing. They attribute much of their success to a strong team culture, which allowed them to divide roles effectively and ensure everyone knew their part in making the event a success. Brenna and Katie emphasize the importance of setting clear goals from the start and staying focused despite inevitable distractions or scope creep. Their leadership, combined with a deep understanding of brand identity and audience engagement, resulted in an event that not only met but exceeded expectations. With over 100,000 signups for CodeSignal’s new product and significant media attention, they’ve proven the lasting power of a well-executed live experience.

In this episode… ​​Arleen van Londen, founder of Diamond Street Live, brings over two decades of experience in the world of experiential event production, specializing in brand activations and creating immersive, memorable experiences for B2C audiences. On the Solution Seekers Podcast with Paige Buck, Arleen shares her journey from working in hospitality as a teenager in the Netherlands to curating live experiences for multimillion-dollar projects worldwide. Her passion for the emotional impact of live events was sparked during her first music festival, where she saw firsthand the power of music and atmosphere to transform audiences. Today, Arleen leads high-profile events with a focus on connecting brands to consumers in meaningful ways, often through unique, personalized experiences. In her conversation with Paige, Arleen also delves into the challenges of managing large-scale events, including her recent work during the Paris Olympics, where she navigated complex logistics and unexpected obstacles. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, transparency, and humor in fostering successful collaborations with her team and clients. With a deep belief in the intersection of art, creativity, and experiential marketing, Arleen is inspired by figures like Virgil Abloh, who embody multidisciplinary creativity. Her approach to event production is driven by a desire to engage audiences on a deeper level, making each moment both impactful and unforgettable.

Mallory Schlossberg's multi-faceted career spans brand management, theater, and editorial work, positioning her uniquely at the intersection of creativity and experience. Recently, the award-winning creative joined Paige Buck on the "Solution Seekers Podcast" to discuss her journey, the evolution of marketing, and the magic of mixing music, theater, and brand storytelling. Her vibrant career includes roles with Google Cloud, Google Fiber, Whole Foods Market, and Hearst Digital Media, where she has consistently crafted compelling stories and immersive experiences. This hybrid background allows her to blend theatrical elements into brand storytelling, making her campaigns both innovative and deeply engaging. Mallory's achievements in marketing are noteworthy, with a focus on creating impactful brand experiences akin to directing a play, requiring an understanding of audience, narrative, and emotional resonance. Recognized in 2023 as one of Chief Marketer Pro and Event Marketer's Top Women in Marketing, her ability to push creative boundaries and center the attendee in every experience she creates has been lauded. Despite the challenges of the pandemic and the shift to virtual events, Mallory's innovative thinking and adaptability have been crucial to her success. Beyond marketing, her passion for theater as a director, performer, and writer, along with her work as a musical improv instructor, underscores her belief in the transformative power of creativity. Her journey offers valuable lessons on versatility, innovation, and risk-taking, inspiring others to rethink their creative approaches.

In the latest episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with Shea Cibulsky, Senior Marketing Manager of Global Adoption and Retention Events at Adobe. The conversation dives into the intricacies of running successful customer learning event programs, focusing on “Experience Makers: The Skill Exchange.” This program emerged as a response to disjointed and ineffective events previously run by various Adobe business units. Through research and direct conversations with Adobe users, the Skill Exchange was designed to offer a seamless and engaging customer experience. One key takeaway is the importance of understanding what the audience truly wants: a blend of peer insights and company knowledge to ensure rich, actionable content. Shea elaborates on how continuous touchpoints with her team and advanced technology like Cvent have revolutionized their workflow. By employing an automated speaker resource portal, the onboarding process for their latest event—with 70+ speakers—was streamlined and received enthusiastic participant approval. Shea also articulates how crucial it is to measure the program’s impact using metrics that not only track attendance but product and solution usage as well. This evolving approach has been instrumental in optimizing both speaker and attendee experiences, exemplifying how robust feedback mechanisms and cutting-edge tech can elevate event programs in a digital-first world.

In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers Podcast" hosted by Paige Buck, Pierce Larick, the visionary founder and CEO of New Revolution Media, shares deep insights into his entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the balance between creative innovation and the nuances of business leadership. Pierce shares his transition from a solo photographer to leading a video production team, emphasizing the importance of embracing diverse team dynamics and maintaining a positive work culture. He introduces a unique "no a**hole policy" to safeguard team morale and productivity and discusses educating clients on the creative process to better align project outcomes with client expectations. This strategic approach to client interaction, combined with a commitment to fostering strong industry relationships, plays a crucial role in his company's success. Larick also delves into the less-discussed aspects of entrepreneurship, such as the mental health challenges that come with running a business. He highlights the importance of support networks, particularly through groups of fellow entrepreneurs who understand the unique pressures of the industry. A case study of a successful campaign for Lululemon illustrates how granting creative freedom can lead to content that not only satisfies but exceeds client expectations, setting new benchmarks in storytelling. This podcast episode offers a wealth of insights for entrepreneurs on balancing strategic decision-making with creative passion and interpersonal relationships to thrive in business. Larick's journey underscores the importance of combining strategic planning with a passion for creativity and sincere interpersonal relationships. This balanced approach not only helps navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship but also contributes to a rewarding and successful business venture.

In today's episode, Paige is excited to sit down with the multi-talented Marianne Jackson, Senior Executive Producer and Director of Strategic Partnerships at Kennedy Events. Marianne dives into her colorful world, revealing her journey from producer to business development maestro, highlighting the evolving landscape of team celebrations in a post-COVID era. Expect to hear about her commitment to inclusive event planning and the way she faces challenges head-on with grace and strategy. Beyond event logistics, we'll explore the importance of core values, how they shape client relationships, and how Kennedy Events stands out by infusing delight into their work. It's a rich conversation filled with insight, laughter, and invaluable tips from one of the industry's best.

In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige Buck dives into the intricacies of event planning with Meg Fasy, founder of fazeFWD, and Sarah Bseiso, Senior Manager of Global Events at Informatica. They tackle the balance between structure and innovation in managing large-scale events and delve into the significance of building strong relationships within the industry. Both Meg and Sarah share their insights on the pivotal role of autonomy in event teams and the art of saying no to unfeasible ideas while remaining open to new trends that are reshaping the event planning landscape. The theme of maintaining a vendor relationship as an extension of the event team, as well as how to navigate the challenges when a vendor isn't the right fit, sets the tone for a candid conversation about the finer nuances of corporate event planning. But in a field where the expectations are as dynamic as the technologies and audience, how do event professionals strike the right balance between innovation and discipline? Meg and Sarah, with their wealth of experience, provide valuable perspectives on the challenges of trying to be everything to everyone versus the need to set boundaries and selectively embrace new ideas and opportunities to avoid team burnout and turnover. Their expertise shines as they advocate for the importance of understanding client needs, proving vendor competence, and treating contractors with respect. How does one navigate the twin demands of innovation and structure to achieve growth and avoid pitfalls? Listen to the seasoned insights of our guests as they recount personal experiences and lessons learned from managing flagship events and steering companies toward strategic branding and successful collaborations.

In this episode of “Solution Seekers,” host Paige Buck sits down with guest Carlin Putman, owner and founder of Page-One Meetings and Events, LLC, to navigate the intricate world of event planning and the road to establishing a successful business. Carlin, with an extensive background of over two decades in the industry, shares how she kick-started her career straight out of college where she honed her event-organizing skills in various roles, before bravely navigating through the AIG financial crisis, which prompted her to lay the groundwork for her own enterprise. Throughout the podcast, Carlin recounts her experiences with vibrancy and a deep understanding of the event landscape. Listeners will be entertained by her tales of near-disastrous last-minute challenges, and her candid recollections of the stresses and successes that come with leading an events team.

Neil Wu Becker is an award-winning marketing and communications executive who has led global teams at a variety of IT, security and enterprise software firms – from Dow Jones Component and bellwether stock companies to small-caps and pre-IPO unicorns. He is an adviser for startups and has been a CMO for various companies. He is also co-founder NextBound, which provides interim CMO and proxy CMO services, as well as brand marketing, PR, and corporate communication services combined. Maeve Naughton is the president and owner of MKN Consulting Group, a company that provides partner marketing consultations for tech companies. She has 25 years of experience creating event sponsorship programs, driving millions in revenue for large customer events and regional conferences. As an experienced marketing professional, Maeve focuses on lead generation to support sales and channel revenue goals by creating customer reference programs. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

As we begin 2024, we take a look back at some highlights from 2023. Paige sits down with some of the best in the business to discuss their insights into the event industry and how we can continue to move forward with excitement and innovation in this ever-changing landscape. We hope you enjoy, and look we forward to Season 3 starting in two weeks!

Nadia Rahali is the General Manager of the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, GA. She is a leader committed to empowering organizations and leaders in creating meaningful and purposeful convenings. She believes that hospitality is a virtue and it's a privilege to be given the opportunity to be of service to others

In the latest episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, Paige had the pleasure of speaking with Earla Jones, Director of Conference Services and Operations at the American Library Association. In a world where event planning is rapidly evolving, understanding the intricacies of creating memorable and inclusive experiences is more crucial than ever. This episode delves into this dynamic field. Jones, with over two decades of experience, brings a unique perspective on the importance of experiential design and accessibility in event planning. But how does one seamlessly integrate these elements to elevate the standard of events? Earla Jones brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table. Her journey from a psychology major to a renowned event planner showcases the diverse paths leading to success in this industry. She emphasizes the significance of experiential design in events, focusing on creating engagements that resonate with all five senses to leave a lasting impact. Jones also highlights the vital role of accessibility in event planning, discussing how inclusive practices can transform an event's appeal and reach. Her approach is not just about meeting standards but about innovatively enhancing the participant experience. Through her expertise, Earla Jones illustrates that successful event planning is as much about understanding people as it is about logistics and creativity.

In today's episode, Paige Buck had the pleasure of chatting with Johnice Veals, the Associate Director of Events and Employee Engagement at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Johnice takes her into the world of pharmaceutical events, sharing her insights and experiences in creating meaningful and impactful experiences for employees globally. From navigating time zones and cultural differences to fostering diversity and inclusion, Johnice discusses the challenges and successes in her role. They also delve into her previous work at Life is Good and how she brings elements of fun and music into the pharmaceutical industry. As a seasoned professional in the events industry, Johnice Veals brings a wealth of expertise and firsthand knowledge to the table. Throughout the interview, she candidly shares her insights on gauging employee satisfaction, managing global events, and fostering diversity and inclusion. Johnice's valuable advice centers around the importance of authentic connections, utilizing data-driven insights, and aligning events with company strategy. Her experience in bridging the gap between different industries, from apparel to pharmaceuticals, showcases her innovative and adaptive approach. Johnice imparts her wisdom on successfully orchestrating impactful events and creating a sense of community within organizations.

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, it is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and adapt your strategies to meet the needs of a rapidly changing market. But how can you effectively navigate these evolving landscapes? In this episode of The Solution Seekers Podcast, Paige Buck engages in an insightful conversation with Megan Hull, the Senior Director of Events at Technology Marketing Toolkit (TMT), a renowned marketing consulting firm in the IT services industry. Megan brings her expertise and years of experience as she discusses the challenges faced by the events industry and how TMT has adapted to the changing market. With over 30 events each year, ranging from small workshops to large-scale conferences, Megan and her team have developed effective strategies for ensuring the success of each event. As an experienced events professional, Megan brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion highlighting the importance of constantly enhancing and improving events. In response to a downturn in in-person event attendance, Megan shares how her team pivoted to hosting virtual events and focused on maintaining high engagement levels. This experience allowed her to embrace the importance of community and our natural deep craving for connection, especially in times of isolation. She also focuses on how her team uses their skill sets and understands the role and capacity each person can play to create the best experience for the client and their attendees. Megan’s depth of knowledge and passion for the events world will delight and inspire you to new ways of thinking within your team.

In this enlightening episode of The “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck, is joined by Michelle Allbon, Fractional CRO and Managing Director of Grounded Advisory. During her interview, Michelle dives deep into the dynamic world of sales, marketing, and operations. Drawing from her diverse career path and wealth of experience, Michelle sheds light on the complexities and challenges of navigating these intersecting domains. Michelle's valuable insights highlight the need for a harmonious relationship between sales and marketing. She emphasizes the importance of establishing clear swim lanes and a shared understanding of goals and responsibilities. By aligning these functions and leveraging modern practices like revenue operations (Rev ops), companies can optimize lead generation, conversion, and customer tracking. Michelle also challenges the traditional view of sales as a linear process, advocating for a holistic approach that embraces the power of data-driven strategies while fostering genuine customer relationships. Through her expertise as a fractional Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), Michelle provides a fresh perspective on how operational change and uncertainty can be approached strategically. She stresses the significance of distinguishing between tactical and strategic work, empowering leaders to focus on the broader context and make informed decisions based on concise, bottom-line data. This episode paves the way for professionals across sales, marketing, and operations to explore innovative ways of driving revenue, fostering collaboration, and navigating the ever-evolving landscape of business. Michelle Allbon's insights serve as a guiding light for those seeking to excel in the intertwined realms of sales, marketing, and operations.

In the latest episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joel Costa, a seasoned hospitality professional, advocate for sustainable practices and aromatherapy, and the Director of Sales and Marketing at 1 Hotels. Joel shares his extensive experience working in the industry and his current role with 1 Hotels, a brand focused on minimizing their environmental footprint. This insightful episode also delves into Joel's expertise in event planning and marketing, where he highlights the importance of engaging with digital customers, staying on top of trends, and fostering creative collaborations. Joel's passion for sustainability, aromatherapy, and creating meaningful experiences shines through in this conversation, painting a picture of how the hospitality industry can transform and embrace a more eco-conscious and relaxing approach. Tune in to this episode to discover how Joel Costa is paving the way for a greener future in the hospitality world.

In this episode of the “Solution Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck speaks with Joshua Steinberger, a seasoned professional in the realm of strategy and communications. With an impressive portfolio highlighting his work with organizations such as Tipping Point and the Presidio Trust, Joshua shares his experiences and provides valuable insights into the world of communications, events, and driving impact. Throughout the episode, Joshua emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and connecting with people on a meaningful level. From his work with Tipping Point, where he witnessed the organization's nimble response to crises like the North Bay fires and the COVID-19 pandemic, to his involvement in the transformation of the Presidio into a public space, Joshua's expertise shines through as he shares valuable tips on storytelling, spokesperson selection, and event planning. His ability to simplify complex topics and connect with others quickly is a testament to his mastery of the field. Overall, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for professionals looking to make a significant impact within their organizations and communities.

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with guest Justin Dorfman, Co-Founder and CEO of AssetMule and an experienced sales professional with a passion for enterprise sales. Throughout the episode, Dorfman shares valuable insights on managing the sales process, emphasizing the importance of listening to customers, understanding their needs, and presenting tailored solutions. He highlights key moments in the sales process, such as the proposal stage, where both parties come together as partners to make the case internally. Dorfman also delves into his journey of starting a company, highlighting the significance of customer discovery and building a community before launching a product. With a diverse skill set and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by sales and product marketers, Dorfman offers practical strategies and ideas for creating interactive sales materials that engage prospects and drive successful enterprise sales - cue AssetMule, the SaaS that helps companies create high-quality personalized sales assets in minutes.

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, we had the pleasure of chatting with Gene Hwang, a seasoned event photographer and co-founder of Orange Photography, the San Francisco Bay Area's premier corporate photography agency. With decades of experience in the industry, Gene shared valuable insights and anecdotes about the art and science of event photography, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes efforts that make events truly unforgettable. Gene shares that good lighting not only enhances the overall ambiance but also allows photographers to capture captivating images that truly reflect the essence of the event. Sound quality, another pivotal element, ensures the success of an event, significantly impacting the audience's engagement and overall satisfaction. So whether you're an event professional looking for tips on how to make every moment picture-perfect or simply curious about the art of event photography, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode of the “Solutions Seekers” podcast, host Paige Buck sits down with the remarkable Heather Mason, CEO and Founder of Caspian Agency, for an insightful and inspiring conversation on the importance of strategy in the event management industry. Renowned in the industry for her strategic approach to event management, Heather shares her experiences, expertise, and vision for the future of the events world. Gain invaluable insights into financial planning, creativity with money, and the evolving role of logistics and strategy, and discover how Heather's experience as a social entrepreneur and her dedication to empowering women in the industry is ushering in a new era of event management. This enlightening episode will not only leave you inspired but also equipped with practical advice to enhance your own event-planning endeavors.