The Business of Meetings

Now is a great time to reflect on both personal milestones and business goals! Planning your priorities now can set you up for a strong finish to this year and prepare you for a successful start to 2026. Transitions and Emotional Awareness When your children start school or college, it can be emotionally intense as it reminds you how quickly time passes. Embracing the emotions of those moments can help you process change while you focus on other areas of life.  Planning Your Year-End Goals With roughly 85 working days left in the year, it is essential to define what you want to accomplish before this year comes to an end. You should also start thinking about next year.  Using Mind Maps Effectively Mind maps make it easier to translate abstract ideas into actionable steps. They can help you organize your ideas, set your priorities, and clarify your objectives. Mind mapping is a technique popularized by Tony Buzan that visually allows you to structure ideas around a central topic. Mapping your thoughts for the rest of this year and next will help you to identify your priorities and avoid distractions.  The 25-5 Rule Prioritization is the key. Identify your top 25 goals first, then select the five of your most critical objectives. Focus on those five, and deliberately avoid distractions from the remaining 20. That will ensure your energy goes toward what truly matters. Eric explains that even if the famous Warren Buffett story about this method is unverified, the principle of disciplined prioritization is still powerful. Action and Focus Once you have set your priorities, dedicate your energy to achieving your top goals. The rest of the year will go quickly, so focus on what matters most to determine your success, both personally and professionally. Preparing now will set the stage for a productive and fulfilling year-end and a strong start to 2026. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram On Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

We are delighted to welcome Kelly Knowlen, currently the Vice President of Sales Engagement and Special Events at Hilton, as our guest today. Kelly joins us today to share her career journey and talk about her work in the meetings and events industry.  This episode will be of particular interest to event planners who own their businesses and want to increase their engagement, using events as a strategic tool for their organizations. Bio: Kelly Knowlen Kelly Knowlen is a dynamic leader in the global hospitality industry with over 30 years of experience at Hilton, where she currently serves as Vice President, Sales Engagement and Special Events. In this role, she leads the execution and strategic priorities of Hilton Worldwide Sales customer events, industry events, and internal conferences for the Americas. Under her leadership, Hilton has launched groundbreaking initiatives such as the World’s Most Welcoming Events campaign, which leverages original research to unveil the future of the meetings and events industry. In recent years, Knowlen led the commercial workstreams to create and launch Hilton EventReady with CleanStay and the EventReady Playbook, a proprietary tool providing curated resources for teams and event planner customers. Before her current role, she spearheaded the launch of Global Week of Sales and Ready to Rise, two global initiatives focused on increasing sales engagement across the enterprise. Beginning her Hilton career as a Sales Manager at DoubleTree Concourse in Atlanta, Knowlen has since held more than 10 key positions, including Director of Sales and Marketing at several Hilton properties. Her journey continued as Regional Director of Sales and Marketing and into critical roles at Hilton Corporate, working in sales operations, global engagement, and events. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Kelly Knowlen On LinkedIn Download the Hilton Playbook  Email Kelly Knowlen: kelly.knowlen@hilton.com  

Today, Eric shares a recent coaching experience he had with an entrepreneur who was hesitant to grow her business because she was happy with her current setup and did not feel the need to expand.  Stay tuned as Eric takes a closer look at whether or not that way of working is, in fact, sustainable.  Growth Can Create Freedom Staying small might feel comfortable, but constantly jumping from one project to the next leaves little room for personal time or long-term progress. Growth allows business owners to step back from their daily tasks and invest their time where it truly matters- on clients, strategy, and the parts of the business they enjoy most. Delegation Is Essential Delegating is about sustainability rather than relinquishing control. Many entrepreneurs wait too long before trusting someone else with parts of their business, which often leads to burnout.  Delegation makes space for high-level focus and prevents the business from becoming overwhelming. Representation The most valuable contribution a business owner can make is representing the company and nurturing relationships, which includes sales, brand presence, and staying in touch with clients and prospects. Those are all time-consuming tasks, and the only way to prioritize them is by letting go of lower-level responsibilities. 80 Percent Is Good Enough Client satisfaction should guide your decisions around delegation, not perfectionism. No one will do things exactly the way you do. So, even if someone can only deliver 80 percent of your standard on your behalf, and the client is still satisfied, that is okay.  Personal Lessons from Early Burnout In the early years of his corporate events business, Eric believed no one could serve his clients as well as he could. So, he avoided delegating, fearing it would compromise his brand. This mindset led to exhaustion, and he nearly burned out. Only after hiring a project manager did he realize clients were happy even without his constant presence. That allowed him to build systems and focus on growth. Start with a Long-Term Vision You cannot make aligned decisions without a long-term vision. Defining what you want your life and business to look like in 10 years will give you the clarity to act with purpose. That clarity is also the foundation of strategic growth. Develop the Right Mindset Entrepreneurship is not linear. It is a rollercoaster of unpredictable challenges. To be successful, you must be mentally prepared, able to manage stress and stay focused on the reason you started. Surrounding yourself with the right kind of support and using tools like journaling and meditation can help you remain grounded. Manage the Chaos  Running a business means juggling high-level strategy with everyday tasks. Unpredictable factors add to the stress, especially in fast-moving industries. Learning to navigate the chaos is essential for staying grounded and moving forward. Stay Consistent  Progress comes from steady effort, not big leaps. Small, repeated actions will create meaningful change over time. Even when momentum feels slow, doing a little bit every day will impact your long-term results and the growth of your business. Sustainable Growth Requires All Three By combining your long-term vision with a strong mindset and daily consistency, you can create a foundation for healthy, sustainable business growth. Without those, it becomes much harder to build something lasting and fulfilling. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

Have you ever felt that a client was not the right fit for you, yet you ignored your gut feeling and worked with them anyway?  In this episode, Eric shares two examples of similar situations he experienced in his professional journey, explaining how he handled them and what he learned along the way. Trust Your Instincts It is essential to recognize when a potential client or project does not align with your values, standards, or business model. Ignoring your instincts when your gut tells you a client is not the right fit will likely lead to lots of frustration down the line.  Know Your Worth Never compromise your pricing just to win business. If a client pressures you to reduce your fees, always stand firm when you know your pricing is fair and reflects the quality of your work.  Let Go When Respect Isn’t Mutual Walk away from clients who fail to respect your work. Even though it may feel risky, it will protect your integrity and lead to better opportunities. Set Clear Boundaries Define the kind of clients you want to work with and the fees you need to sustain your business. By filtering out unsuitable clients, you ensure your business remains profitable and focused. Deliver Exceptional Work When you commit to a client, always over-deliver as your excellence will earn trust and repeat business. Long-Term Thinking  Prioritize sustainable relationships over quick wins. You may miss some deals that way, but you will build a stronger and more respected business over time. Understand Your Clients Take the time to understand your client’s needs, goals, and expectations. Always ask the right questions upfront to ensure your offer aligns with their objectives and avoid future misunderstandings. Communicate Your Values Be clear about how you work, your expectations, and what your clients can count on. Transparency helps to establish trust and discourages potential clients unaligned with your approach. There Are Always Better Clients Do not hold on to difficult or undervaluing clients out of fear. There are many respectful and collaborative clients out there who are willing to pay fair rates. When you are clear about the type of clients you want to attract and learn to say no to those who are not the right fit, you create space to find partners who truly support your values. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter  

Life as an entrepreneur can often feel lonely. Being a solopreneur or small business owner in the meetings and events industry is a wonderful experience. However, with all the stress and challenges entrepreneurs face, they often find themselves alone, with no one to share their wins, doubts, and fears with.  In this episode, Eric reads an excerpt from the book he is currently reading and shares some valuable tips to help entrepreneurs avoid loneliness. Digital Nomads Unlike traditional nomads who rely on each other, digital nomads often go it alone. In his book 4000 Weeks, Oliver Burkeman explains that digital nomads, despite the appealing lifestyle, can feel lonely. They travel the world but miss the shared routines that create strong relationships.  Remote Work Without casual, in-person conversations, those who work remotely miss out on spontaneous connections. So entrepreneurs need to be intentional about meeting others and making space for interaction. Build a Circle of Advisors or Join a Community One solution is to create a board of advisors for your business. They should be people you trust and respect, and those you can share authentically with about the highs and lows of your business. You can also join a community of other entrepreneurs. The key is to make it a regular habit because if it is not on your calendar, it is unlikely to happen. Reconnect With What Matters Take time to pause and reflect on what truly matters to you. Ensure your daily actions are moving your business in the right direction, and keep your long-term vision in focus to remain grounded. Stay Flexible and Open Growth requires curiosity and adaptability. As a business owner, you must be willing to try new tools, adopt new services, and explore different ways of working.  Keep Your Vision in Focus  Regularly check in with your long-term goals. Stay open to learning and be willing to embrace new tools, services, and ways of working that support that vision. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Book Mentioned: Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Technology is no longer just a helpful tool for running small businesses. It has become the lifeline for small business success.  In this episode, Eric clarifies why technology is now non-negotiable when running a successful small business.  Tune in to learn why, as a small business owner, you must either evolve and adapt or risk getting left behind. AI Blackmail  An article on Entropic described a test scenario where AI named specific (fictional) people and made a blackmail demand. Even though the situation was fabricated for testing purposes, it highlighted the potential dangers of advanced AI behavior. A Double-Edged Sword Every major invention in history has had the potential for great harm and tremendous benefit. The outcome depends entirely on how humans choose to use these tools. AI is no exception. It represents a societal shift similar to the Industrial Revolution, with its presence growing across all industries. Today, adaptation is essential, especially in the meetings and events space, where technology is now deeply integrated. Those who ignore it risk becoming irrelevant.  From Fax Machines to Automation During his early business days in Brussels, Eric used to manually collect faxed proposals in the evenings after doing sales visits by day. Now, 70% of that work can be automated. Standard proposals and client-facing documents can now be systematized using technology, drastically reducing the time and effort required. People vs. Tech In the past, hiring a high-level executive assistant in Belgium came at a significant cost to Eric due to their high social security contributions. Today, however, business owners can find skilled virtual assistants anywhere in the world for a fraction of the cost.  Smarter Prospecting with AI Aspects of prospecting that used to take hours of manual outreach before can now be streamlined with CRM systems and AI. By scanning the online presence of a prospect through their LinkedIn profile, AI can recommend tailored messaging and communication strategies, making outreach faster, more personal, and far more effective. Embrace AI Now Now is the time to embrace AI and new technologies. Those who do so will be better positioned for success. So, whether you are starting a new business or evolving an existing one, tech literacy is a must.  Face-to-Face Is Still Irreplaceable Even with the rise of AI, the human connection is likely to become more valuable, not less, as people always crave genuine, in-person experiences.  Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric is a business builder and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively dedicated to helping and supporting business owners in the Meetings & Events Industry. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses better.  For two decades in a previous life, Eric has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and produced award-winning sales meetings, incentive trips, product launches, and conferences in more than 50 countries across diverse industries.  His podcast "The Business of Meetings" is the first podcast in the Meetings & Events Industry dedicated to business owners and the largest source of free information, with over 240 episodes and fabulous guests.  His first book, Meeting at C-Level, is the first book on the « Why? » of a meeting. It has been endorsed by 20 of the most influential leaders from the corporate and association worlds.  His second book, Before It’s Too Late, A Love Letter to My Daughters and America, is a story of grit, perseverance, and courage. It describes why and how he and his wife brought their daughters to America and why it is the greatest country on Earth.  Eric was the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Anthropic Article  

Eric knows that taking three weeks off each year is a European concept, yet he believes that it is up to each entrepreneur to decide for themselves when and how they choose to switch off. In this episode, he explains that it is not just about the time you take off, but rather about being intentional with how you recharge. He also shares the playful out-of-office email message he set up during the three weeks he recently spent in North Carolina. Decide How You Disconnect As an entrepreneur, you get to choose how and when you disconnect. Some people prefer complete time off, while others are okay with handling a few urgent tasks here and there. What matters is being intentional about taking breaks and allowing yourself the time to recharge and connect with your loved ones. No Need to Wait for Holidays Without regular rest, your creativity, focus, and overall effectiveness will gradually decline. However, there is no need to wait for holidays to recharge. Skipping work on Saturdays, setting aside time to meditate, and taking short breaks during the week can help you stay focused and energized.  You Are Not Always Needed With the right systems and support in place, your constant presence is not necessary as an entrepreneur. You may feel you need to stay connected initially, but over time, you will see that taking a step back does not mean that everything falls apart. It is also essential to understand that if a client cannot respect the time you take off, they may not be the right client for you. Protect Your Time Make a habit of scheduling time for yourself each day and week, and switch off completely during holidays. Spending time with the people you care about and doing the things that energize you while giving your mind a break from business concerns is the best way to recharge. Out-of-Office Message During his recent time off, Eric set up a creative and funny out-of-office email response. In it, he explained that he was away, offered a contact for urgent matters, and encouraged senders to imagine where he might be. The message reflected his personality while setting clear boundaries, showing that it is possible to unplug without being dull or overly formal. Bio: Eric Rozenberg Eric is a business builder and the founder of Event Business Formula, the only platform exclusively dedicated to helping and supporting business owners in the Meetings & Events Industry. He has helped thousands of entrepreneurs grow and manage their businesses better.  For two decades in a previous life, Eric has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and produced award-winning sales meetings, incentive trips, product launches, and conferences in more than 50 countries across diverse industries.  His podcast "The Business of Meetings" is the first podcast in the Meetings & Events Industry dedicated to business owners and the largest source of free information, with over 240 episodes and fabulous guests.  His first book, Meeting at C-Level, is the first book on the « Why? » of a meeting. It has been endorsed by 20 of the most influential leaders from the corporate and association worlds.  His second book, Before It’s Too Late, A Love Letter to My Daughters and America, is a story of grit, perseverance, and courage. It describes why and how he and his wife brought their daughters to America and why it is the greatest country on Earth.  Eric was the first European to serve as Chairman of the International Board of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter

We are thrilled to welcome rockstar business coach Bill Gallagher, the founder of Scaling Coach, as our guest.  Bill has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs organize their lives, refine their leadership skills, and elevate their performance. He joins us today to share his journey, insights, and the story behind his impressive startup success. Tune in to learn the strategies that have helped countless leaders scale with confidence, clarity, and purpose! io: Bill Gallagher Bill Gallagher is a highly rated business coach whose passion is helping CEOs and entrepreneurs manage growth more effectively, restore order and sanity to their lives, and achieve greater growth or faster growth. With over 40 years of entrepreneurial and executive experience and 20 years of coaching and training leaders seeking to enhance their leadership and performance, he now works with leaders and teams in more than 31 cities across 15 countries. He has led four companies as CEO/owner and was a partner/executive in two others as they grew from startup to more than $550 million in annual revenue. A former DJ and radio executive, Bill hosts the Scaling Up Podcast. In his free time, he is an avid surfer, sailor, skateboarder, pilot, scuba enthusiast, and recovering triathlete. Happily married for 30 years, he and his wife, Lori, live in the Oakland Hills and are parents to two very successful young adult entrepreneurs. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Bill Gallagher On his website Scaling Up Business (Podcast) Email: Bill@scalingcoach.com  LinkedIn  

We are excited to welcome Lil Roberts, the Founder of Xendoo, as our guest today. Lil is an exceptional entrepreneur with a sharp instinct for people and the confidence to speak the truth. She has served as President of the South Florida chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization (EO) and recently published a book called Small Business Defined: The Ultimate Guide for Small Business Owners. Stay tuned to hear about her inspiring journey and learn how Xendoo makes accounting easier for small business owners. Connect with Eric Rozenberg LinkedIn Facebook Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter Connect with Lil Roberts On LinkedIn Xendoo Small Business Defined: The Ultimate Guide for Small Business Owners  

Today, Eric tackles the truth about uncertainty.  Many business owners and entrepreneurs find uncertainty unbearable. Eric points out that if you, as a business owner, do not learn the art of navigating uncertain times, you may need to reconsider whether it is genuinely the right industry for you. Uncertainty Feels Tougher Without a Plan A friend of Eric, living in Israel, recently made the striking observation that he finds frequent missile alerts easier to handle than the uncertainty of running a business. That is because he has prepared himself for those situations. So, when an alarm sounds, he knows exactly what to do. However, navigating uncertainty in business is much harder because there is no clear structure or step-by-step plan to follow.  The truth is that uncertainty becomes far more manageable when you have a plan. Nothing Ever Goes According to Plan With decades of experience running meetings and events worldwide, the constant that always stands out to Eric is that things never go exactly as planned, and disruptions are the norm. So, even though we cannot control everything, we can always control how we respond to it.  When we learn to adapt and prepare ourselves with alternative plans, it makes all the difference! Focus on What You Can Control Control is not about fixing every problem. It is about identifying the next best step you can take. When unexpected challenges arise, the solution lies in focusing on controllable factors. Proactive problem-solving, negotiation, and networking help us create viable paths forward.  Keep Perspective During Chaos When stress builds, especially in uncertain times, return to your values, your purpose, and the progress you have made. Uncertainty will always exist, but so will your capacity to adapt, find solutions, and do what truly matters. That is often the only certainty you will need. Connect with Eric Rozenberg On LinkedIn Facebook On Instagram Website Listen to The Business of Meetings podcast Subscribe to The Business of Meetings newsletter