Nonprofit events are being asked to work harder than ever. As donor expectations shift and organizations rethink traditional fundraising models, the event itself has become an important part of how nonprofits build stronger relationships with the people who support their mission.

In this episode of The Event Pro Show, Seth Macchi sits down with Marla Neely, Senior Director of Venue Operations at Foundation For The Carolinas, to discuss her career in events and the role hospitality plays in creating spaces where people feel supported and included. Marla also looks at the changing expectations of nonprofit donors, why traditional fundraising events may need a fresh approach, and how event planners can become valuable partners for organizations working with limited staff and resources.

With a background that spans stage management, performing arts, venue operations, and nonprofit events, Marla brings a thoughtful perspective on building strong teams, maintaining trusted industry relationships, and creating events that support a larger purpose.

Resources:

Foundation For the Carolinas

Marla's LinkedIn

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

You spent hours putting together a detailed RFP, so why does a potential AV partner still have so many questions? Those follow-up discussions may feel like one more demand on an already packed schedule, but they can make a significant difference in the accuracy of your proposal and the success of your event.

In this installment of How to Get More from Your AV Partner, Seth Macchi looks at why communication with potential AV providers matters before a contract is signed and throughout pre-production. He discusses how giving AV teams the context behind your event can create more accurate proposals, make comparisons easier, and reduce surprises on-site. Seth also recounts a large conference project that shows what can happen when planners and production teams take the time to get the details right before event day.

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Event planners are often expected to make everything work, even when they are brought into the process after major decisions have already been made. For Ebony Loadholt, M.Ed., changing that dynamic starts with recognizing the planner's role as a strategic leader, not simply the person responsible for execution.

In this episode, Seth Macchi chats with Ebony about the leadership behind successful events and the responsibility planners carry long before attendees arrive. They discuss why event professionals should be brought into the planning process earlier, how Ebony approaches team alignment, and why learning to say "no" can protect both the event and the people producing it. She also offers a thoughtful perspective on burnout, including why planners sometimes need to set boundaries with themselves when their passion for the work makes it difficult to step away.

Resources:

Ebony's LinkedIn

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we're proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it's a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we're the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/