Event Industry News Podcast

James Dickson sits down at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole with Rita Chandarana from Eventologists to explore how creative production turns standard hotel spaces into immersive, memorable events. They discuss collaboration with technical partners like Protec, designing multi‑zone experiences (wellbeing, charging and photo areas), catering to changing audience tastes, and the importance of meticulous planning and trusted partnerships.

The episode celebrates the hotel’s 50 years of events and highlights the art of meeting client marketing objectives while delivering flawless execution and inventive, inclusive experiences.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

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James Dickson records at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole to mark its 50th anniversary, interviewing Simon Jelley from Protec about the venue's vast event spaces, technical capabilities, and the on-site partnership that powers seamless productions.

They discuss the Monarch, King and Palace suites, arena-style load-ins, evolving AV technology and LED walls, hybrid event integration, staffing strategies, and practical planning tips - like accounting for major fixtures such as the World Cup.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

James Dickson sits down with Johnny Lance, co‑director of The Showman's Show, to explore the event’s 40+ year history, its role in the outdoor events industry, and how it evolved from a printed directory into a must‑attend trade show.

They discuss practical event infrastructure, sustainability wins, new technology, the family business ethos, and what makes the October gathering a social and trade fixture for organisers, suppliers and venues.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

Host James Dickson chats with Kieran Garlic, MD of Present Communications, about how modern AV, live streaming and hybrid production can extend the life and reach of events. They discuss leveraging event content, building resilient systems, the blurred lines between live and digital formats, and practical tips for making events more accessible and engaging.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

James Dickson interviews Alex Pearn, CEO of ClinkClink, about their new report 'Do You Sleep Well at Night? Sleep, Stress and Wellbeing in UK Event Management', which examines how in-house event managers experience stress, poor sleep and post-event crashes, and why last-minute changes and under-resourcing are top concerns.

The episode highlights the difference between motivating 'good' stress and damaging stress, practical steps for teams and leaders, and directs listeners to download the full 2025 report at clinkclink.co.uk for detailed findings and recommendations.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

At Confex 2026 James Dickson speaks with Katie Whitby, Head of Sales at The Venues Collection, about modern delegate welfare. They discuss practical, easy-to-implement measures venues can offer — from quiet spaces and residential options to allergen kits, accessible tech and inclusive catering — and why venues should act as trusted advisors to event organisers.

The episode highlights real examples and simple solutions that make events more inclusive, calm and effective for delegates, whether for small provincial meetings or large corporate conferences.

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these episodes possible.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

At Confex 2026, James Dickson sits down with Ash Austin of Evolution Dome to explore 15 years in the inflatable structure industry. They discuss the benefits of inflatable venues—rapid setup, acoustics, temperature control, and wind ratings—plus the launch of the educational "Pink Book" and a new private Nexus Pod product.

This episode highlights safety, sustainability, and best practices for event organisers considering inflatable structures, and includes practical insights from both indoor and outdoor event use.

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these episodes possible.

This episode of the Event Industry News Podcast is sponsored by Present Communications. Present provides broadcast-quality live, hybrid and virtual event production, trusted by organisations where reliability really matters. From corporate town halls and conferences to high-profile live streams, they design and deliver fully resilient systems that work first time.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

Recorded live at Confex 2026 inside an Evolution Dome, James Dickson sits down with Lefteris Angelidis, CEO and creative director of Visual Architects. They discuss the company’s journey from club and festival theming to a full-service creative production house with manufacturing, 3D, robotics and interior design capabilities.

The conversation covers how 3D renders and AI speed creative briefs, the importance of in-house synergy between design and production, sustainability through reusable assets, Manchester roots and international projects, and the logistics and opportunities shaping events today.

Find out more about Visual Architects 

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these episodes possible.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

Recorded live at International Confex 2026 from an Evolution Dome pod, James Dickson interviews Fran Starkie and Joe Chilvers about The Training Department’s new nine-module corporate production management programme. They discuss how the hands-on, modular courses bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world event production, while supporting students and career switchers.

The episode covers course structure, industry partnerships, networking opportunities, accreditation plans, and practical realities of event work, plus where to find more information and a discount code (EPS200) at https://thetrainingdept.live/.

Thanks to our friends at Evolution Dome for helping make these episodes possible.

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.

James Dixon talks with Jenny McNeil, founder of Feast & Fable, about creating immersive, narrative-driven dining experiences that use food as the central storytelling device for brands and events.

They cover Jenny’s career path, examples of multi-room and sensory activations, and how sound, scent, performance and context make meals memorable for press, influencers and consumers.

Visit https://www.feast-fable.co.uk/ to find out more

To keep up to date with all the news, subscribe for free here.
If you would like to take part in a podcast, then please complete our submission form.