Production Value Matters: The Business Event Podcast

Is your AV partner really your choice or your venue’s?Event technology is no longer just background. It's the very fabric of how audiences experience events. In this episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne speaks with Tim Lang, President of Proshow Audiovisual and President of the Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association (CAVPA), about the transformation of AV, industry advocacy, and the critical issues shaping Canada’s event landscape.Tim brings over 30 years of experience in Canada’s AV and live events industry, with a career that spans technician work, operations, executive leadership, and now advocacy for Canadian-owned AV providers nationwide. Together, Matthew and Tim dig into everything from client expectations to venue monopolies, sustainability, and what keeps AV pros inspired.What You’ll Learn:How AV has evolved from overhead projectors to LED walls and immersive videoWhy today’s AV technicians must also be network engineersThe challenges and consequences of near-monopoly in-house AV contracts at venuesHow CAVPA is giving Canada’s AV industry a long-overdue voice with governmentThe importance of transparency in venue contracts and RFPsLessons from pandemic-era advocacy and the risks of future policy blind spotsStrategies for Canadian AV companies to stay competitive in a global marketAdvice for young professionals entering the AV and live events industryThe biggest wastes (poor pre-event planning) and greatest values (video technology and sustainability) in event productionAbout the Guest: Tim Lang is President of Proshow Audiovisual, leading a team that produces over 1,500 events annually, and President of the Canadian Audio Visual Providers Association (CAVPA). With more than three decades of experience, Tim has led thousands of high-profile productions for corporate, government, and non-profit clients. At CAVPA, he champions fair competition, workforce growth, and collaboration among Canadian-owned AV providers to ensure the industry continues to thrive.Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsepFollow Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timlang-bc/For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.comIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.comCheck out our 3 most downloaded episodes:Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dr. David Burkus, a bestselling author and leadership expert, as he shares insights on navigating the future of event planning in an AI-driven world. Discover why in-person connections are crucial and how every event should be treated as a fresh team. Burkus reveals that constraints can fuel creativity, leading to innovative designs without the need for celebrity speakers. He also discusses smarter ROI measurement and the art of creating memorable moments, showing how real engagement goes beyond gimmicks.

Why does one of the world’s most powerful industries still struggle with fragmentation, burnout, and undervaluation? In this powerful episode of Production Value Matters, host Matthew Byrne sits down with Stacy Wyatt—publisher, producer, and founder of Canadian Special Events (CSE). Together, they unpack the urgent challenges facing the events industry and why now is the time to act. From unpaid overtime to the broken RFP process, Stacy explains why the Business of Events initiative is mobilizing professionals across Canada to finally push for unified standards and real accountability. Listeners will hear why she believes peer pressure and FOMO may be the key drivers of reform, how Canadian collaboration stands out on the global stage, and what event professionals can do right now to push for authenticity and purpose in their work. Stacy also reflects on her passion for events, the unique power of live connection, and the lessons learned from building Canada’s largest event professional community. What You’ll Learn: Why the industry must unify around standards to move forward The hidden costs of burnout and overtime in corporate events How RFP reform could transform fairness and transparency Why collective adoption, not associations alone, will create change The role of authenticity, purpose, and connection in event design How Canadian event practices compare to global markets The dangers of tokenism in cultural representation Why “festivalization” and AI are shaping the future of events About the Guest: Stacy Wyatt is a Canadian event professional, marketing strategist, publisher, and producer known for designing innovative conferences, trade shows, and brand experiences. As the force behind Canadian Special Events, she has built Canada’s largest community of event professionals and founded hallmark events like CSE Live and the Canadian Event Awards. Her career includes over a decade at the University of Manitoba leading 900+ events, including the opening of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Stacy is a passionate advocate for elevating the industry through innovation, education, and equity. Add your voice to the conversation about the future of events and take the Business of Events Survery HERE.You can also join The LinkedIn Group Here. Follow Matt on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/matthewbyrnecsep Follow Stacy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-wyatt-canada/ For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.com If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For additional resources for #eventprofs visit www.productionvaluematters.comCheck out our 3 most downloaded episodes:Measuring Value in Your Events: Insights from Jodi CollenEducating Clients and Managing Expectations in Event Production with Fransiska WeckesserThe Intersection of Event Planning and Psychology with Victoria Matey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join industry pros as they delve into what truly matters in event production. Discover which elements they refuse to compromise on and the budget wasters they're eager to ditch. Hear why authentic connections take precedence over fancy decor and the importance of collaboration in crafting memorable experiences. From stage design that intentionally fosters engagement to a critical look at overpriced coffee and outdated entertainment trends, this discussion is packed with practical insights for elevating future events.

Discover the secrets to crafting RFPs that vendors truly want to engage with. Learn why withholding information backfires, and how sharing your objectives leads to successful partnerships. Explore a simple seven-part structure to enhance clarity and boost collaboration. Delve into the importance of budget transparency and why events should never be treated as commodities. Uncover legal and ethical pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your proposals are both effective and respectful of creative work.

Explore the collapse of traditional formats as the podcast reveals how Colbert's cancellation mirrors the struggles faced in event production. Delve into the attention economy, where audience engagement is paramount. Discover innovative strategies for modern events, including virtual, hybrid, and micro formats that drive ROI. Learn how to reallocate budgets for maximum impact and create data-rich experiences that resonate with today’s viewers. Prepare to transform your events to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape!

Beth Lawrence is an award-winning event strategist and Chief Experience Officer of her own meetings and events firm. In a fascinating discussion, she emphasizes that empathy and audience understanding are key to planning successful events. Beth reveals how stress can be a planner's superpower, and she shares insights on designing experiences that engage all five senses. She highlights the importance of catering to different personality types and argues that logistics should enhance the stakeholder experience, especially for sponsors.

Delve into the pivotal moments before an event goes live. Discover how a missed pre-event meeting can lead to chaos in minutes. Learn the importance of alignment between executives and the AV team to avoid communication pitfalls. Gain insights into wardrobe strategies and rehearsals that empower presenters. Find out why early preparation can save the day and how to view your AV team as experience architects. This discussion reshapes the way you think about event production.

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.

In this engaging conversation, Brook Jay, CEO and Founder of All Terrain, dives into the transformative world of experiential marketing. She discusses how authentic brand experiences can’t be bought but must be earned. Brook shares insights on designing activations that align with business goals, measuring Return on Experience (ROE), and the crucial link between cultural integration and brand success. With striking examples, including a Las Vegas casino case, she illustrates how smart experience design can redefine engagement strategies.