😍 HEY! Make sure to join r/badgeribbons on Reddit! It's a subreddit all about badge ribbon culture where we post design inspiration, show what's trending, and help you connect with other fan convention enthusiasts. It's fun (trust us).

Let's talk about DRAGON CON! Meaghan, Molly, and Rylee break down their first reactions, plus all the magic, chaos, and inspiration they took away from attending the con's 40th year.

Listen as the three talk about badge ribbon culture, and how important it is for making friends, sharing fandoms, and showing off your unique personality.

TIMESTAMPS

-----

00:00 - Wooo! Celebrating 20 episodes!

01:59 - First-timer reactions to experiencing Dragon Con

03:34 - Reactions to cosplays and con culture

05:33 - The magic of badge ribbon culture

08:26 - Impressive badge ribbon collections

10:12 - Everything you need to know about badge ribbons

13:00 - What we heard at the pc/nametag booth

15:50 - Favorite badge ribbons, freebies, and trades

20:57 - Unexpected moments and stand-out stories!

23:11 - RIBBON CULTURE: The Badge Ribbon Swap

25:08 - RIBBON CULTURE: The Badge Ribbon Drop

25:56 - RIBBON CULTURE: Design Your Own Badge Ribbon

27:21 - Dragon Con Survival Tips from the pros ;)

29:34 - Check out r/badgeribbons on Reddit!

-----

Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!

Let's talk about sustainable event planning. How can event teams incorporate realistic eco-friendly practices and get stakeholders on board with eco initiatives without blowing their budgets?

In this episode of The Event Connection, we talked with Missy Nergard, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer at the University of Wisconsin - Madison, about how event professionals can implement practical sustainable event strategies, make eco-friendly swaps, and align environmental responsibility with attendee philanthropy.

Learn actionable, high-impact strategies to make your next event greener! Here's how to tackle common event sustainability challenges, find realistic eco-friendly alternatives, and make event planning more eco-conscious at any scale.

TIMESTAMPS

-----

00:00 – Introduction to sustainable events

01:09 – Sustainable vs. eco-Friendly events explained

02:58 – Missy Nergard, Ph.D., Chief Sustainability Officer at UW Madison

03:55 – Challenges with sustainable event planning

04:59 – Do sustainable events cost planners more?

06:25 – Easy, realistic strategies for hosting sustainable events

11:24 – Easy eco-friendly swaps for event planners

12:51 – Sustainable attendee swag and giveaway ideas

15:17 – How event sustainability and philanthropy go together

16:57 – How to get stakeholders on board with sustainable strategies

20:14 – Check out "Badger Talks" with UW Madison

-----

Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!

How can event planning teams collaborate with Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) to uncover local hidden gems, simplify site selection, and create unforgettable attendee experiences?

In this episode of The Event Connection, we chat with Amber Wiza, Director of Destination Services at Destination Madison, to discuss how event professionals can partner with local DMOs and destination services to elevate their events, source unique local activities, and plan successful experiences on any budget.

Learn actionable, high-impact strategies to maximize your next familiarization ("FAM") trip, discover off-the-beaten-path local spots, and turn any host city into an unforgettable destination for your attendees. Here's how to ask the right questions, find free or low-cost activities, and make event planning easier with expert local partners!

TIMESTAMPS

-----

00:00 – Let's get started!

01:13 – What is a DMO?

03:30 – What is Destination Services?

05:19 – Questions to Ask Your DMO

08:38 – What is a FAM trip?

10:19 – FAM Trip Activity Examples

12:36 – Finding After-hours Activities

14:07 – Hidden Gems in Madison, WI

17:34 – Finding Free/Low Cost Activities

19:27 – How DMOs Make Event Planning Easier

-----

Give us a rating and subscribe for more event planning ideas!