Ignite Your Events: The Podcast

The Perfectly Imperfect Case for DE&I in Events

In this episode we talk to Dwayne Rutherford, founder and managing director, Debonair Corporate Events, on the importance of keeping up the momentum with DE&I efforts at events. As some corporations seem to be retreating from DE&I initiatives, it is important for the events industry to forge ahead and set an example for creating experiences and spaces that are welcoming to everyone. You don’t need to be an expert in DE&I, you just need to keep it top of mind and continue to learn.
 
Special Guest:
Dwayne Rutherford, founder and managing director, Debonair Corporate Events
debonaircorporateevents.ca
 
A special thank you to our episode sponsors:
Bahamas Tourist Office
The Bahamas offers the perfect balance of business and pleasure. From its incentive worthy resorts and meeting spaces, to exploring nature and experiencing the local culture with festivals like Junkanoo, Bahamas is the perfect place to host your groups.
Learn more>
 
Live Nation Canada
With eleven venues nationwide and growing, Live Nation Canada offers a diverse selection of incredibly unique venues for your AGMs, award shows, receptions and more.  Learn more about venues such as Toronto's Lake House, The Velvet Underground, History, Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom, or the new Key to Bala in Muskoka, to name a few! Connect with their planning team here: specialeventsca@livenation.com
 
Resources:
Ignite's Pocket Guide on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion  Access Now >
Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.
Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.
Visit us on LinkedIn >
Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content. 
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!
 
About the Podcast:
Brought to you by Ignite, the magazine for business event professionals, Ignite Your Events explores the issues facing the industry—from RFPs and price setting to ethics and negotiating—and speaks to the innovative thinkers who are working on the solutions.
Your hosts, Debbie van der Beek, President and Chief Visionary Officer of Ignite and Editor, and Director of Content Innovation Laura Bickle aren’t afraid stir the pot and have the tough discussions necessary to move the industry forward.
Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation filled with real experiences, actionable advice and a sense of community.
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
Copyright Ignite 2024

Setting Boundaries and Defining Your Worth

In this episode of the Ignite Your Events Podcast, Laura and Debbie explore the challenges faced by event pros in aligning personal values with career growth. Whether you’re an independent planner, corporate event coordinator or supplier, this conversation delves into the importance of setting boundaries, managing workloads and confidently articulating your worth.
Listen in for valuable insights on pricing, client management and maintaining professional standards across the industry. Plus, hear inspiring stories of resilience and the power of saying no when values no longer align.
A special thank you to Ottawa Tourism for sponsoring this episode! Get in touch with the Ottawa Tourism Business Events team to build an unforgettable event in Canada’s capital. Learn more here >
Resources:
Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.
Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.
Visit us on LinkedIn >
Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.
Next episode: Dwayne Rutherford, founder and CEO of Debonair Corporate Events shares his career journey and why it’s vital the industry stays focused on DEI.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
Copyright Ignite 2024

The $14,000 Lesson

Julia O’Grady is the “chief futurist and head of schmoozing” at ITM Events based in Ottawa and has been in the industry for more than 15 years.
O’Grady is a fierce advocate for elevating the business proposition of the industry while promoting an approach that respects all stakeholders.
You’ll be captivated by her story of her losing $14,000 on a program and how that experience changed her entire approach to her business. And you’ll walk away with lots of actionable tips— and a handy pricing worksheet (see link below).
Guest: Julia O’Grady, Chief Futurist, Head of Schmoozing, ITM Events 
Resources:
Get O’Grady’s Event Pricing Worksheet here >
Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.
Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.
Visit us on LinkedIn >
Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.
 
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
Copyright Ignite 2024

An Event Pro's Tips for Work-Life Balance

Lisa Zivontsis started her career with various event and incentive firms before founding The Event Partner in 2016. Lisa is known for her advocacy in the event industry, speaking out about the need for fair, people-focused business practices. In this episode, she shares how a devastating loss sent her on a journey toward balancing her family life and her mental health with her love of the work.
Guest: Lisa Zivontsis, CMP, DES, founder of The Event Partner
Resources:
Visit Worth It on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.
Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.
Visit us on LinkedIn >
Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.
Next episode:
When event planner and entrepreneur Julia O’Grady decided to take a deep dive into her business practices, the results propelled her to completely overhaul her business model and how she sets her rates. Now, she’s sharing what she learned.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!
 
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
© Copyright Ignite 2024
 

An Event Pro’s Lessons Learned on RFP's

In this episode, we dive deep into the corporate event planning industry with Anita Carlyle, managing partner at Moore Carlyle Consulting and MCC Destination Management in Toronto. She’ll take us through how her company handles the challenges of the RFP process, protecting ideas, the impact of the economy on events and fostering mutually beneficial client relationships.
Guest: Anita Carlyle, Managing Partner at Moore Carlyle Consulting and MCC Destination Management. Connect with Anita at acarlyle@mccplanners.com.
 
Resources:
Visit Worth It on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.
Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.
Visit us on LinkedIn >
 
Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
 
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast on your favourite app so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.
 
Next episode: Event planner and entrepreneur Lisa Zivontsis shares how a devastating loss sent her on a journey toward balancing her family life and her mental health with her love of the work.
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!
 
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
© Copyright Ignite 2024

Worth It: Stand up for Business Events - How it All Began

This inaugural episode delves into the origins and impact of the "Worth It: Stand Up for Business Events Initiative," born from a profound session at the 2022 PCMA Canadian Innovation Conference in Niagara Falls, Canada. Debbie and Laura share compelling stories of industry challenges and triumphs to elevate the business events sector.
A big thank you to Quebec City for sponsoring this episode. Learn what makes Quebec City a unique and memorable destination for business events at https://meetings.quebec-cite.com/en.
Resources:
Visit the Worth It Resource Page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.
Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.
Visit us on LinkedIn >
Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.
Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content. Next episode: Learn the tricks of the trade from industry veteran Anita Carlyle, managing partner with Moore Carlyle Consulting and MCC Destination Management in Toronto. You’ll love her approach to RFPs!
We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!
This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.
© Copyright Ignite 2024