The Business of Meetings

I’m speaking to an amazing entrepreneur today! Greg Habstritt knows what it takes to organize extraordinary events. He has been one of the top entrepreneurs in Canada for many years. He has built several businesses, two of which were in the top 100 fast-growing companies in Canada.  Greg does many different types of businesses. He is a speaker, he has done training, and he’s in real estate. He is always ready and willing to share his knowledge, and help people. When the Covid crisis started, and we needed to react quickly, Greg was willing to participate in our popular Independent Business Owners: You’re Not Alone webinars. He has many gold nuggets of information to share in today’s show.  Greg dropped out of university when he was twenty-one, to start his first business. Since then, he has been in a wide range of different industries. As live events have always been a big part of what he has been doing, he became a professional speaker. He traveled a lot, speaking on different stages, and he started doing his own live events in 2000.  To read the full show notes, go to https://eventbusinessformula.com/ep07

Anything can happen when you make the leap as an entrepreneur, and this fear often holds people back, but not Dan Berger. When Dan Berger launched his career as an entrepreneur and founded Social Table, he not only met great success but was able to sell his business and propel himself onto his next project. In this interview, Dan shares his story, tips on how to position yourself in the meetings and events industry, and how to face crisis. This conversation is full of great advice on how to get traction for your business and an interesting perspective on generational cycles of the meeting industry.   Dan’s Bio: Dan Berger is an American-Israeli entrepreneur and investor. He is the Founder and former CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based Social Tables, which was acquired in October 2018 by Cvent, a Vista-backed company, for a reported 8-figure deal. Founded in 2011, Social Tables provides event sales, marketing, and operations software products, which have enabled over 250,000 hospitality and event professionals execute over 1.5 million events per year. The award-winning software is used by over 50% of all full-service hotels in North America. Show Highlights:  What inspired Dan to become an entrepreneur  Eric and Dan discuss how being an introvert or extrovert effects business leadership  How to overcome fear when becoming an entrepreneur  Challenges you overcome early in business  Dan discusses the importance of human connection  How to apply what we learn from crisis to highlight the importance of the meetings industry  How the meeting business model and generational re-skilling impacts event planning  Opportunities that the online community has created for the meeting industry  Dan’s story of building and selling his business  How to collect data, filter out noise, and listen to your gut  Dan shares what his upcoming projects look like    Resources: www.socialtables.com Social Tables LinkedIn Connect with Eric: www.eventbusinessformula.com/podcast Eric’s LinkedIn Subscribe to the Podcast

While we’re all currently facing unprecedented circumstances, there is still levity, humor, and hope to be found in our day-to-day lives. Today’s guest, Michael Dominguez, is the President & CEO at Associated Luxury Hotels International and is actively involved in leadership roles in the Meetings and Events Industry. Michael has an abundance of valuable insight and has been recognized for numerous honors within our industry.  In this conversation, Michael reveals how we can overcome stress and look to the future during an economic downturn, as well as ways to make sure your business is well covered and well protected. Michael and Eric discuss the importance of framing information and what they predict the recovery from the current COVID-19 pandemic is going to look like. Join Eric Rozenberg in this knowledgeable conversation with Michael to hear more about how you can keep you and your business safe.    Show Highlights:  What recovery from our self-induced downturn will look like  Michael shares why we should shift our perspective of stress in business   The importance of finding balance and blocking out unnecessary noise  During unprecedented times we should take initiative to support and learn together How to know whether to listen to your gut or data  Being a leader means putting the organization first and not worrying about being liked Michael shares what he thinks the transition back into the office after this pandemic subsides is going to look like  How social media has distorted information  How our current pandemic can connect and bring people together  What should independent business owners be focusing on now  Now is the time to look forward and be prepared for the future    Links:  Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mdominguez080389

During this global pandemic, we’ve all been impacted in some form or fashion. It’s likely you have questions or feel confused as to how things are going to move forward after this chaos subsides. If that’s the case, know you’re not alone. Today’s guests, Brad, Greg, Sherry Walling, and Tyra Warner all share their unique insight on how to approach these uncertain circumstances and how we can proceed in the future. Eric Rozenberg guides this Q&A session with valuable questions coming directly from listeners. Join Eric in part-three of this three-part series for tips on how to stay positive and productive during this economic crisis.  Greg’s Bio: Greg Habstritt has a unique skill set that not only allows him to be a successful full-time investor, but he also has the ability to teach others how to create wealth and prosperity for themselves. He truly "walks the talk", as he teaches principles and strategies that he personally has used to create a significant investment portfolio and net worth.   As the Founder of SimpleWealth, Greg has more than 20 years successful entrepreneurial experience in a number of industries ranging from telecommunications, information technology, event marketing, education and broadcasting. He started his first business at 8 years old, and is a self-confessed "serial Entrepreneur”. Brad’s Bio: After putting myself through college, I spent 34 years in corporate America and 29 of those years in executive or C-suite management. Communication as a cornerstone of my leadership journey rewarded me with a hybrid of experiences from hotel management, event third party management, association management and destination marketing management working for some of the most iconic brands in the industry: Experient, SmithBucklin, New Orleans & Company and Connections has prepared me for owning my own company where I have the pleasure of sharing and coaching my experience and models of success. Being a paradigm pioneer in a multitude of markets (association, trade show, corporate and government) has required a honing of communication and emotional intelligence skills. Whether it be working in organizational design and structure, implementation of a new direction or speaking in front of the masses…the foundation is communication. I have had the privilege of presenting around the globe as a trusted adviser. While I enjoy presenting, I am truly the happiest when I am working with someone to find their voice. A graduate of the University of Illinois and member of the American Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association, International Association of Exhibitions and Events and a Founding Supporter of the Association for Women in Events. My greatest accomplishment – being a husband and a father! Oh, and a rescue dog Dad! Tyra’s Bio: Tyra Warner (formerly Tyra Hilliard), PhD, Esq, CMP is an attorney and professor whose expertise is in legal and crisis preparedness issues for the meetings, events, and hospitality industries. Tyra teaches hospitality and business courses at the College of Coastal Georgia.  She is published and widely quoted on legal and crisis management issues in academic and trade publications. Her 25+ year meetings industry career has included management roles in hotels, travel, destination marketing, associations, catering, law, and academia.   Sherry’s Bio: Dr. Sherry Walling helps smart people do hard things. She works with leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle the common and uncommon challenges that go along with the pursuit of an extraordinary life. As a clinical psychologist, speaker, yoga teacher, podcaster, entrepreneur, and best-selling author, she draws from her professional expertise as well as her personal experience. Her best-selling book, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Shit Together, combines the insight and warmth of a therapist with the truth-telling mirth of someone who has been there. When she’s not in the consulting room or hopping stages around the world; Sherry can be found on her paddleboard, swinging from the rafters pretending to be a circus performer, or ushering her three kiddos through an art museum in some fabulous city.  Show Highlights:  Greg shares why we should prioritize relations and connections now more than ever  Staying at home can be a great time to tap back into your passion and reset  Businesses are currently in a vulnerable state and Tyra discusses how we can be supportive of people during difficult economic times  Sherri shares how we can practice being people we’re proud of in crisis Filing for general liability insurance and when you can cancel it  How to practice self-compassion during difficult shifts  How the Force Majeure Clause and travel bans dictate whether or not reservations can be refunded  Whether or not job and product searching should be put on a hold  How to approach clients during economic downturns  Whether or not how we approach the internet and meetings is going to shift  People crave human connection and this may increase the need for live events    Links:  Connect with Greg Habstritt: LinkedIn Website   Connect with Brad Weaber: LinkedIn Website   Connect with Sherry: LinkedIn Website    Connect with Tyra: LinkedIn Website   Connect with Eric: Linkedin Website

The technicalities behind contracts and negotiations during major economic shifts can leave us all uncertain and stressed. However, simply understanding and finding positive outlets for negative emotions during times of uncertainty can relieve the anxiety that it brings. Today’s guests, Tyra Warner and Dr. Sherry Walling discuss the terms of contracts and negotiations during economic shifts and important tools to use to cope with the stress and emotionally taxing changes. Join Eric Rozenberg in part-two of this three-part conversation to hear how you can find a sense of levity and lightness in unpredictable crisis.    Tyra’s Bio: Tyra Warner (formerly Tyra Hilliard), PhD, Esq, CMP is an attorney and professor whose expertise is in legal and crisis preparedness issues for the meetings, events, and hospitality industries.    Tyra teaches hospitality and business courses at the College of Coastal Georgia.  She is published and widely quoted on legal and crisis management issues in academic and trade publications.   Her 25+ year meetings industry career has included management roles in hotels, travel, destination marketing, associations, catering, law, and academia.     Sherry’s Bio: Dr. Sherry Walling helps smart people do hard things. She works with leaders and entrepreneurs to tackle the common and uncommon challenges that go along with the pursuit of an extraordinary life. As a clinical psychologist, speaker, yoga teacher, podcaster, entrepreneur, and best-selling author, she draws from her professional expertise as well as her personal experience. Her best-selling book, The Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Shit Together, combines the insight and warmth of a therapist with the truth-telling mirth of someone who has been there.   When she’s not in the consulting room or hopping stages around the world; Sherry can be found on her paddleboard, swinging from the rafters pretending to be a circus performer, or ushering her three kiddos through an art museum in some fabulous city.    Show Highlights:    Comparing and contrasting our current economic shifts to past downturns  Tyra discusses the technicalities and influence of the Force Majeure Clause  How we should approach business and relationships going forward during economic crisis   Sherri discusses the importance of self-care during times of uncertainty  The importance of focusing on controllable factors during stressful times  Practices that are easy to incorporate into daily routines that are proven to cognitively counterbalance fear and stress  How crisis can be a reminder of the importance of play    Links:  Connect with Sherry: LinkedIn Website Connect with Tyra: LinkedIn Website Connect with Eric: LinkedIn Website

During times of uncertainty, we all have spirals of questions and doubts running through our minds. However, what we do know is that all things eventually come to pass. In this episode, entrepreneurs and event organizers, Greg Habstritt and Brad Weaber, join Eric Rozenberg in sharing two major events they participated in that were drastically impacted by economic downturns. They also share how they found solutions and the impact it had within their positions. Join Eric in part-one of this three-part webinar to hear more from their unique perspectives and see how you can apply this to your own life and business now.    Greg’s Bio: Greg Habstritt has a unique skill set that not only allows him to be a successful full-time investor, but he also has the ability to teach others how to create wealth and prosperity for themselves. He truly "walks the talk", as he teaches principles and strategies that he personally has used to create a significant investment portfolio and net worth.   As the Founder of SimpleWealth, Greg has more than 20 years successful entrepreneurial experience in a number of industries ranging from telecommunications, information technology, event marketing, education and broadcasting. He started his first business at 8 years old, and is a self-confessed "serial Entrepreneur”.   Brad’s Bio: After putting myself through college, I spent 34 years in corporate America and 29 of those years in executive or C-suite management. Communication as a cornerstone of my leadership journey rewarded me with a hybrid of experiences from hotel management, event third party management, association management and destination marketing management working for some of the most iconic brands in the industry: Experient, SmithBucklin, New Orleans & Company and Connections has prepared me for owning my own company where I have the pleasure of sharing and coaching my experience and models of success.   Being a paradigm pioneer in a multitude of markets (association, trade show, corporate and government) has required a honing of communication and emotional intelligence skills. Whether it be working in organizational design and structure, implementation of a new direction or speaking in front of the masses…the foundation is communication. I have had the privilege of presenting around the globe as a trusted adviser. While I enjoy presenting, I am truly the happiest when I am working with someone to find their voice. A graduate of the University of Illinois and member of the American Society of Association Executives, Professional Convention Management Association, International Association of Exhibitions and Events and a Founding Supporter of the Association for Women in Events. My greatest accomplishment – being a husband and a father! Oh, and a rescue dog Dad!   Show Highlights:  Greg shares events he’s participated in that are tied to major economic events  Greg talks about the lessons he learned from his experiences  Brad shares how progression and leadership is revealed in crisis  Brad discusses lessons he’s learned from observing great leaders Brad shares how his business handled major economic shifts during 9/11 Eric shares how the economic downturn impacted his company and how they approached the situation  Eric shares how he prioritized a partnership during a major economic event    Links:  Connect with Greg Habstritt: LinkedIn Website    Connect with Brad Weaber: LinkedIn  Website  

If you are an independent business owner in the meeting and event space, this podcast is for you! Your host, Eric Rozenberg has created this show to bring you strategies, tips, and tactics to help your business grow. With more than 20 years in the event industry and planning events for Fortune 100 companies, Eric is prepared to let you in on the insider tactics so you can be successful too!