Production Value Matters: The Business Event Podcast

Who Speaks for the Events Industry? (And Why It’s Probably Not Associations) with Nick Borelli and Evan Babins

Jul 15, 2025

Nick Borelli, a 20-year veteran in event strategy, and Evan Babins, an award-winning event producer, engage in a lively discussion about professionalism in the events industry. They debate the waning influence of associations and the need for clearer standards. The conversation delves into the lack of regulation, safety standards, and the implications of self-proclaimed experts. They argue for accountability and ethical practices, drawing parallels with more regulated professions to push for the evolution of the industry.

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ANECDOTE

Event Revolution Crowdsourced Priorities

Matthew Byrne recounts participating in the Event Revolution workshop at CSE to crowdsource industry priorities.
The session gathered practitioner votes on standards like pricing, ethics and business practices.

INSIGHT

Associations Don't Represent Everyone

Associations can't legitimately speak for the whole events industry because many practitioners aren't members.
Evan Babins argues representation requires buy-in from the people being represented.

INSIGHT

Events Are A Collection Of Markets

The events market behaves like many overlapping markets rather than a single industry.
Nick Borelli says that fragmentation prevents unified standards and reduces external credibility.

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What does it really mean to be a professional in the events industry? And who gets to decide?

In this no-holds-barred panel, Matthew Byrne is joined by Nick Borelli and Evan Babins to dive into one of the most urgent and unresolved debates in business events today: what qualifies someone to call themselves a professional—and who’s responsible for upholding standards?

This episode covers the real implications of having no central regulation in the events industry. The panel discusses associations, licensing, liability, safety, and the risks that come when marketing trumps qualification. It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to see our industry evolve beyond being the “wild west.”

What You’ll Learn:

Why event associations have lost influence and what they need to regain it
The difference between networking groups and real regulatory bodies
Whether safety and ethics in event planning should be standardized
What other industries (like healthcare or cosmetology) can teach events
How to differentiate true professionals from self-proclaimed experts
Why your event’s success may hinge on more than just “going off without a hitch”
How insurance, client education, and policy reform intersect with event production
The role of producers vs. suppliers, and why titles matter

Nick Borelli is a seasoned event strategist with over 20 years of experience in digital marketing and live experiences. As the founder of Borelli Strategies and a former executive at Allseated, he’s helped shape event strategy for Fortune 500 brands and global organizations. Known for his work on hybrid meeting platforms and future-of-work solutions, Nick is a passionate thought leader driving innovation at the intersection of events, technology, and human connection.

Evan Babins is an award-winning event producer with over a decade of experience delivering high-impact in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. Recognized by Eventex, BizBash, and Bizzabo for his leadership in event strategy and technology, Evan has produced experiences across finance, pharma, and automotive sectors. A sought-after speaker and strategist, he brings a sharp eye for stakeholder management, vendor operations, and immersive brand storytelling.

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