From locking in tech vendors to booking high-impact speakers to ensuring the cocktail hour goes off without a hitch, planning meetings or events can be a daunting task, and the likelihood of something going sideways is inevitable. No matter your experience level or the number of events you've planned.
Brought to you by eSpeakers, No More Bad Events is the professional event planner's best resource for navigating this tenuous universe towards event perfection every time.
Hosted by Scott Bloom, No More Bad Events provides an inside look into the world of flawless event execution, insider secrets, non-traditional approaches, and must-have tactics, as shared by legendary event organizers and contributors. Each episode also provides key insights to ensure your next event is met with rave reviews and resounding success.
Tune into No More Bad Events on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows.
No More Bad Events is produced and presented by eSpeakers.
Hey, Look Over Here: Magic, Mindset, and Meetings (ft. Ken hartley | CSP Keynote Speaker| Leadership Expert & Award-Winning Illusionist)
What if the biggest opportunity to improve an event isn’t something to add to the program, but something to see differently?
In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott Bloom welcomes Ken Hartley — keynote speaker, illusionist, and singer — for a conversation about perspective, belief, and creating experiences that deliver more than applause. Ken uses illusion to illustrate a central idea: the problem people see may not be the problem they need to solve. Together, they explore how that principle applies to both audiences and the professionals designing their experience.
For Ken, changing behavior starts with examining the beliefs beneath it. His keynotes help audiences recognize overlooked patterns, including disconnection between leaders and their teams. Rather than overwhelming attendees with multiple messages, he focuses on one or two issues, creating a clearer path from recognition to action. Magic supports the message; it does not replace it.
For event professionals, the discussion encourages looking beyond familiar agendas to consider the attendee’s experience. Does the schedule allow enough travel time between sessions? Can breakout rooms accommodate demand? Is there space for the informal conversations that often become a conference’s most valuable moments? Ken shares how overlooked details can undermine a strong program — and how a fresh perspective can reveal opportunities for improvement.
Scott and Ken also challenge the perceived choice between entertainment and substance. Combining illusion, leadership messaging, and a musical finale, Ken designs his presentations around a question for the planner: What needs to happen during this keynote for it to be worth the investment and solve an important problem? That answer shapes a presentation around the organization’s needs rather than a generic inspirational message.
The conversation extends beyond the keynote to workshops, continued learning, and carrying the message forward. Inspiration is a starting point; the more meaningful measure is whether attendees apply what they heard.
30 Sept 2026
Tomorrow’s Attendee Is Already Here. Stop Designing for Yesterday. (ft. Jim Russell | Global Head of Events | Maritz)
The expectations surrounding live events are changing—and organizers can no longer rely on a familiar format or a strong agenda alone to fill the room.
In this episode of No More Bad Events, Scott welcomes Jim Russell, Global Head of Business Event Solutions for Maritz, a global experience design company, for a timely conversation about how event professionals can prepare for the needs and preferences of today’s attendees while building for the generations that will define the future of events. Drawing on Maritz’s Next Gen Proofing Your Events report, Jim shares research and perspective on what leads younger attendees, including Gen Z, to decide an event is worth their time, money, and attention.
They explore why attendees increasingly want more than information and traditional networking. Connection, community, relevance, and an experience that cannot be replicated online are becoming central to the value proposition. Scott and Jim also discuss how personalization can simplify the attendee journey, why intentional introductions and reverse mentoring matter, and how hands-on learning can be more effective than passive session formats.
The conversation also looks at designing experiences that work across generations, making destinations part of the agenda, and creating moments attendees will want to share. It is a practical discussion for event professionals seeking to balance proven approaches with the evolving expectations of the people they hope to bring together.
16 Sept 2026
MOVE Hearts. MOVE Minds. MOVE the Needle (ft. Seth Friedman | Senior Creative Director | MIG Productions) (Re-release)
In this engaging episode of No More Bad Events, Scott welcomes guest Seth Friedman, an expert in creative direction for events, to discuss the evolving landscape of the events industry. As they catch up, Seth reflects on how the pandemic has acted as a catalyst for positive change, pushing event professionals to create more impactful and concise presentations. Together, they delve into the necessity of shortening speeches, crafting captivating narratives, and ensuring meaningful audience engagement. Seth shares his insights on the importance of storytelling in business meetings, fostering empathy, and moving hearts and minds to drive action. This episode also explores the concept of ongoing conversations and relationships with audiences, emphasizing the vital role of empathy and dynamic content in creating memorable and effective events. Whether you're an event professional or simply interested in enhancing presentations, this conversation offers invaluable takeaways for achieving lasting impact.
Who has been a guest on No More Bad Events
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Anne Gorman
John Di Domenico
Lisa Mendenhall Johnson
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
80
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
60
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Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about No More Bad Events
Who hosts No More Bad Events?
Scott host the show. Published by Scott Bloom, eSpeakers, Joe Heaps.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes bi-weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does No More Bad Events take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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