How can business and event professionals partner with an LGBT Chamber of Commerce to promote inclusivity, host welcoming events, and diversify the vendors they partner with?

We sit down with Jason Rae, President and CEO of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce, to discuss how event professionals can build more inclusive, welcoming, and successful events with the help of their local LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Learn actionable, high-impact strategies to diversify your supply chain, create safer event spaces, and ensure every attendee feels valued. Here's how to find niche vendors, earn the LGBTBE® certification, and learn plan truly inclusive event experiences!

TIMESTAMPS

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00:00 – Meet Jason Rae!

01:10 – Founding the WI LGBT Chamber of Commerce

03:22 – What does an LGBT Chamber of Commerce offer?

05:48 – How event profs can partner with LGBT Chambers

08:52 – Professional development opportunities with LGBT Chambers

11:13 – Inclusive event planning = good for business!

13:20 – Simple event DE&I strategies

16:00 – Best event DE&I learning resources & opportunities

17:19 – The LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE®) certification

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Are your virtual events putting your audience to sleep? Stop it!

In this episode of The Event Connection, Meaghan Maybee and Jay Schwedelson (Founder of SubjectLine.com, GURU Media Hub, EVENTASTIC, and Outcome Media; Host of the “Do This, NOT That” podcast) chat about why online events are flopping and how to fix it.

Listen to this episode for zero-fluff, high-impact strategies to turn your ordinary virtual events into "you-had-to-be-there" experiences, inspired by real-world examples! Learn how to create FOMO, gamify your agenda, engage attendees, reduce no-show rates, and more.

TIMESTAMPS

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00:00 – Meet Jay Schwedelson!

02:27 – Why Jay loves the events industry

04:15 – Are virtual events done wrong?

06:28 – Give a reason to show up live (“attend to receive”)

09:01 – Tip #1: Weird, fun surprises create intrigue

12:15 – Tip #2: Use personality quizzes to engage

14:44 – Tip #3: Get attendees up and moving

16:53 – Tip #4: Host a virtual “afterparty”

18:17 – Tip #5: Giveaways, giveaways!

21:29 – Tip #6: Use philanthropy-driven networking rooms

23:51 – ⚡LIGHTNING ROUND ⚡Fun Event Questions for Jay!

29:35 – Shout-outs: EVENTASTIC and Jay’s Book!

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How do you plan a successful non-profit event with little-to-no budget? In this episode of The Event Connection, Geoffrey Sandler, President of the NACE Madison Chapter, shares strategies for balancing mission-driven goals with high-impact attendee engagement.

This episode is for event professionals looking for non-profit fundraising ideas, event sponsorship tips, or ways to recruit event volunteers. Geoffrey breaks down non-profit event planning challenges, best strategies, and tips for maintaining momentum once the event ends!

TIMESTAMPS

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00:00 - Introduction to Non-Profit Event Planning

00:57 - Meet Geoffrey Sandler (NACE Madison Chapter)

05:05 - The Best Parts of Planning Non-Profit Events

06:19 - Overcoming Non-profit Event Challenges

08:04 - How to Promote an Event with No Budget

10:44 - How to Find and Secure Event Sponsors

13:37 - Increasing Engagement at Event Registration

16:22 - Creative Interactive Activity Ideas for Events

19:59 - Effective Strategies for Getting Event Volunteers

21:38 - Maintaining Post-Event Momentum and Interest

24:09 - 3 Essential Elements Every Mission-Based Event Needs

26:42 - Connecting with Geoffrey Sandler & NACE

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