Event Industry News Podcast

In this episode James Dickson interviews Muhammad Younas, founder and CEO of vFairs, about how he built the platform from his experience running online events, scaled rapidly during the 2020 pandemic, and prioritised stability and hands-on support for customers.

They discuss vFairs’ evolution into hybrid and in-person events, global expansion of support teams, integrations with marketing and CRM systems, and the company’s plans to embed AI features to streamline event operations and improve attendee engagement.

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.

In this episode James Dickson is joined by Rainfocus CMO Ashleigh Cook to discuss how event data and AI are transforming attendee experiences and providing measurable ROI. She explains data-driven personalisation, real-time analytics, and AI-powered sentiment and recommendation tools that speed decision-making and improve conversions.

The episode covers practical topics like data migration, integrating event data with CRM/marketing stacks, pre-population to reduce friction, and using dashboards to track velocity and retention over time.

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.

Festival Republic MD Melvin Benn discusses the company’s ground‑breaking project to install mains power at London’s Finsbury Park — the first installation of its kind in the UK. The move, a collaboration with Haringey Council and National Grid, aims to reduce reliance on temporary generators and use renewable energy for major concerts.

Broke ground in March with the first mains-powered concerts scheduled for the end of June; the change offers operational efficiencies and modest carbon reductions as a statement of intent. Reading is already next in line for a similar installation in 2027.

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.

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.

In this episode James Dixon interviews Ross Wheeler, Business Director and Head of Live at Imagination, about his unusual journey from training as a ballet dancer to leading global live event production. Ross explains how theatrical thinking informs creative event design, the importance of time and rehearsal for impactful experiences, and how client collaboration and trusted teams deliver ambitious projects for brands like Guinness and Land Rover.

Ross also discusses talent development, the balance between creative instincts and formal qualifications, and Imagination’s worldwide work. Find out more at imagination.com.

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.

Maria O'Dea from The Event School London explains the school's new ATHE level 4–7 regulated event management diplomas, created to tackle UK industry recruitment shortages by offering a structured, vocational route into events.

The episode covers the school's hands-on, industry-led teaching, flexible course options from short masterclasses to degree alternatives, and how it prepares students and career changers for real-world challenges including AI, corporate events and weddings.

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 Area General Manager Nicola Betley to celebrate Hilton Birmingham Metropole’s 50th anniversary, exploring the hotel’s role at the heart of the UK events industry, long-serving team members, and evolving guest and event experiences.

They discuss partnerships, new ideas like glamping and leisure facilities, upcoming anniversary events, and how the venue plans long-term to stay relevant for future conferences and visitors.

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 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.

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 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.