Tune in to this week’s episode of the Experience University podcast as we delve into the transformative power of events in rural economic development. Join host Dr. Kristin Malek as she explores the realm of ag (agriculture) tourism, cultural events, and the strategic nuances of tourism marketing with the insightful director of Visit Knox County, S…

Have you ever noticed how EVERYTHING is a funnel? In this episode, Dr. Kristin Malek, our host, and student Lydia Tobin introduce the key competencies essential for a career in events and marketing. They dive into practical insights on marketing and events, sharing the interdisciplinary benefits of their experiences. Tune in to explore unique event…

How can understanding psychology transform your approach to event planning? In today’s episode, host Dr. Kristin Malek introduces the concept of event psychology with Event Psychology Advisor and Co-Founder of Matey Events,Victoria Matey. Together, they explore how events serve as catalysts for behavior change, emphasizing the integration of behavi…

Step into the immersive world of LARPing with Experience University, hosted by Dr. Kristin Malek! Discover how live-action role play transforms events, fosters authentic connections, and promotes storytelling and community building. In this episode, Dr. K and event planner Erika Shaefer explore the fascinating realm of LARPing and its application i…

Ever wondered if event keynotes are truly driving lasting change or just offering surface-level motivation? In this episode, Dr. Kristin Malek discusses her approach to speaking on AI, Gen Z, and neuroscience, emphasizing behavior change. She shares her journey from a successful AI session for rural leaders to landing more speaking gigs through Lin…

Join us as we explore the role of authentic connection, debunk myths surrounding networking, and navigate resistance. In today’s episode, Dr. Kristin Malek and Scott Gould examine engagement, focusing on its necessity for relationships. The discussion also touches on leveraging social platforms for community engagement and experimenting with three-…

Curious about the power of community in event planning? Tune in as Dr. K sits down with Chris Catania, a trailblazer in community development, to explore how understanding your audience and fostering shared values can revolutionize event experiences. This episode discusses the growing significance of community building in events. Chris shares his e…

Ever wondered how neurocoding and clowning intersect? In today's episode, we welcome Marcus Weiss, former member of the Blue Man Group and current clown for O in Cirque Du Soleil’. Marcus is a versatile individual with a background in acting, improv, directing, and neuro coding. He shares insights on balancing structure and spontaneity in events, i…

Dive into the world of wellness trends in events! Dr. K here, and I am pumped to be back with another episode of the Experience University Podcast! In today's episode, we discuss the realm of wellness trends within the events landscape, accompanied by the insights of Natalie Brown. Natalie, a Sound Healing Practitioner and the visionary behind the …

Embark on a journey of innovation culture. Today's episode explores the concept of innovation culture with Claus Raasted, Director at The College of Extraordinary Experiences & Chief Learning Officer at Academics Academy. Raasted shares captivating insights into navigating stagnant systems and revealing the untapped opportunity space within seeming…

Get ready to explore the evolving landscape of event management with Dr. K and guest Sarah Griffin. In today's episode, we dive into the dynamic world of event management and industry insights with Sarah Griffin, a Certified Exhibition Manager and seasoned professional in the field. Sarah shares her unique perspective on the evolving trends in the …

Hello, hello my favorite people on the internet! Dr. K here, and I am pumped to be back with another episode of the Experience University Podcast! Today’s episode explores the concept of radical inclusion and its distinctions from diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The episode discusses creating a passionate community that also encourages…

Ever wondered about the transformative effects of sound healing workshops? Today’s episode discusses sound healing workshops and the potential benefits sound healing has on physical and mental health. The episode highlights the untapped potential of using sound healing for mindset and behavior change through events. Be sure to watch out for our las…

How can you tailor your keynote speeches to resonate with your audience on a deeper level? Today’s episode is about customizing keynotes to perfectly fit your audience. The episode highlights the adaptability required for different speaking styles and emphasizes the need to understand the audience's psychographics to deliver valuable content. Overa…

How does Neurolinguistic Programming contribute to emotional breakthroughs and behavior change? The episode discusses the importance of crafting a transformative experience journey for participants and emphasizes the significance of event planners shifting their focus from tangible outcomes to the process itself. Be sure to follow along for more ep…

Discover the driving force behind effective learning and behavior change as we delve into the power of intrinsic motivation on the Experience University Podcast! In today's podcast, we discuss the complex interplay between various factors in shaping human behavior. Ultimately, this episode emphasizes encouraging individuals to discover and connect …

Dive into the transformative power of co-habitation at events. This episode discusses how living with others, even for a short amount of time, can help foster more valuable connections and truly allow DEI to happen through these interactions. Be sure to follow along for more episodes in the coming weeks! Today we are discussing: Cohabitation Friend…

Today’s episode is all about sponsorships and how to create a sponsorship package that is relevant to the needs and wants of you and your sponsors. In this episode, I discuss the basic sponsorship models and my innovative sponsorship package that satisfies all parties. Thank you so much for listening, and be sure to follow along for more episodes i…

Hello, hello my favorite people on the internet! Dr. K here, and I am pumped to be back with another episode of the Experience University Podcast! Today’s episode is about the neurolinguistics of public speaking. This episode discusses the important concepts of stage presence and body language when speaking. Be sure to follow along for more episode…

Hello, hello my favorite people on the internet! Dr. K here, and I am pumped to be back with another episode of the Experience University Podcast! Today’s episode is about behavior change in your unconscious AND conscious mind. This episode paints a picture of how your brain works like a garden, and it explains behavior change as a system. Be sure …

Hello, hello my favorite people on the internet! Dr. K here, and I am pumped to be back with another episode of the Experience University Podcast! Today’s episode is about the number one question I get asked: How is behavior change design different from change management? I will explain the benefits of behavior change design and the many difference…

Hello, my favorite people on the internet! Dr. K here, and I am so excited to be back with another episode of Experience University! Today’s episode is all about the different roles and careers in the event industry. I will also explain the role of a behavior change designer in events, which is a term not often used in the industry. Be sure to foll…

Hello, my favorite people on the internet! Dr. K here and I am so excited to be BACK and bringing you a brand-new podcast: Experience University! This has been in the works for so long and I have many new things to share. It has been quite a year since I last posted a podcast and today we are going to get into all that has changed. Today we are dis…

In this podcast I discuss all the things I have done this summer - to include programs, trainings, events, lawsuits, grants, and other things that I think you will find of value! I also share about some awards the podcast and I have won over the summer, COVID, super spreader events, and most importantly....sticky walls! Things mentioned in the podc…

In this podcast I discuss three mini stories where I was at an event or professional development training where a side comment from another attendee changed my life in a much more transformational way than any of the training sessions themselves. Here we talk about where event management should really live in academia, how compromise is bad (profes…

This episode was a topic requested by a listener who was dealing with a lot of vendor relationship problems. How exactly do you effectively "deal" with an "annoying vendor"? Well - there are many things to consider! Are they "annoying" because of a bad attitude, bad communication, or bad organization? Are you interacting with them on zoom/in-person…

Episode 100!!! Part of my can't believe we have been on this incredible journey together! Join me as I share about the new adventure in my life - inspired by all of you!!! Things mentioned in the podcast: Ep 56: Approaching Sponsors We would love to hear from you! Please stay in touch with us through one of our many platforms: Instagram, Facebook, …

Join me as I debrief my time in Austin, Texas for my cousin's bachelorette party and how they have targeted this very particular niche of bachelorettes. I then go on to talk about how any town or company can create their own life-event style niche, like divorce parties, instead of choosing an existing target market and competing in a saturated mark…

In this episode, I talk about navigating difficult conversations! This includes poor advice you can glean from the internet, why I think a lot of top 10 lists with this advice don't work, and my own tips and tricks for navigating difficult conversations with your employees, clients, or managers! We would love to hear from you! Please stay in touch …

As we near 100 episodes, I wanted to fill you in on the SUPER cool project I have been invited to join, provide some education on what speculative design is and how we can use it for the events industry, and talk about our MBECS shift from the podcast to the video series! We would love to hear from you! Please stay in touch with us through one of o…

It's been a rough week in my world - life, death, imposter syndrome, future stuff, and overall existential crisis. This is a rumble in my mind of what I am seeing in my students, in my industry, in my world, and in my head. It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to shift in life. What's most important is your attitude about the shift. Next week we ret…

We are talking all things meeting and business event competencies! This includes some slight historical information on why I started this podcast, how it has evolved, and it's course for this year. I also cover the first MBECS competency - Developing mission, goals, and objectives of meetings and events (MBECS 1.1.01). Thank you for listening to th…

Let's talk about Dubai and the World's Fair! In this episode, I give an overview of the World's Fair, my top three lessons learned from the World's Fair that can apply to any of your events on the day to day (such as innovation and ideas in signage and inclusivity) and some of the new countries on my short list to visit! Things referenced in the po…

Happy 2022 all! In this episode, I recap my last two and a half months! This involved traveling nine out of eleven weeks all around the world! I share my top three lessons learning from events and travel during COVID to include: how the United States is when compared to the rest of the world, preconceived notions of other countries, and the rise an…

Guess who's back! In today's podcast, I share and reflect on the events that have happened recently in my life. I'm an example of how events are coming back with a HARD swing! I'm so grateful of these experience and witnessing the impact that has happened to not only me but my students and others within the industry! Want a personalized video from …

In today's podcast, I talk about a common request I get from my peers, colleagues, and students. Event Marketing! It's been a topic that has been highly asked by everyone for me to teach or just provide a crash course about it. I go over my experience, reflect on the event marketing I did, and provide some insight for you and your future events! Wa…

Today's episode is hosted by one of our students, Denae Jones! Denae gives some insight and other ways event planners can give themselves time to de-stress. Denae provides her experience as a student and the awareness of the stress event planner go through. She provides examples from Maria Weida's “Tips Tuesday: 33 Soothing Ways Event Planners Can …

New episode! Today I talk about the information I would get from events. From a recent experience, I had at an event made me realize the importance of where this information is coming from. Have you ever say at a fireside chat or participated in a panel and retrieved at least one significant comment? Tell me about it! Want a personalized video from…

As we are in our "new normal" way of life within the event industry. It's been interesting witnessing, experiencing, and adapting to these new encounters! Today I have one of my students Matthew Duhs, who is interviewing Christina Krueger from Club Management Association of America! Join in the conversation and maybe you can take a thing or two as …

Hello hello friends! Today's topic is something I touch one frequently and I wanted to go into further detail! I want to talk about how to curate and design an experience for your audience from where they are at. Designing the attendee's journey if you will. How do you design experience for your target market? Want a personalized video from me? Rat…

Do you think events are everything? Well, I'm here today with Ash Banaszek! We got to talk about her experience within UX and how it correlates within the event industry. There's so many parallels of our industry, it's almost as if they are complementary! Do you know any other industry that would complement events? Let me know! Want a personalized …

Can you tell how passionate I've been recently? Today, I'm adding on a bit to our last episode in addition to how under-employment is and my thoughts on the potential resolutions. And I had the opportunity to respond to someone on this episode! I love hearing from you guys! Keep the conversation going! Want a personalized video from me? Rate this p…

Ever wondered about how the Super bowl is planned? On today's podcast, our curious student Amanda Kleker informs us of what she found based on her research! Want a personalized video from me? Rate this podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, and send a screenshot of your rating to theeventsinitiative@gmail.com to rece…

Do you understand how to price your work? The value of your efforts and content? In today’s podcast, I talk about the importance of knowing your worth, understanding your deliverables and pricing your event! Want a personalized video from me? Rate this podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform, and send a screenshot of y…

We gravitate towards working with urban events however how about bringing it closer to home? Reagan Ostrander talks about the benefits and examples of how rural events boost the economy with tourism. By having the impact and positive outlook for local communities provides a start to build more of a tradition and personalized experience that people …

How is your LinkedIn profile? Today's I talk about some tips and tricks I've experienced with my LinkedIn profile and how it can not only be applicable to students but non-students as well. What else do you need to update on? Dr.K’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinmm/ Lilly’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eventmethod76 Want a p…

I am joined by the inspirational Janet Sperstad! Janet is an educator and innovation working as the Faculty Director Director at Madison College. She founded and developed the nation's first Associate Degree in Meeting and Event Management! Join me learn more about Janet and experience her wisdom in the industry! Janet’s LinkedIn: https://www.linke…

I had the honor to be on the Event Design Collective Podcast with Ruud Janssen and Anthony Vade!! We had a conversation about my experience utilizing the Event Design Canvas with my students! Be sure to check out more of Ruud and Anthony’s Design to Change series!! They have many different perspectives to have these types of conversations! Event De…

We're surrounded by different people, from different backgrounds and cultures. Join us as Lili van Wegen provides us some advice and explains the importance of culture in events! Culture has many layers, by understanding “cultural onions” is key to successfully event planning! Want a personalized video from me? Rate this podcast on Apple Podcast, S…

This episode today is slightly different, more spontaneous if you will. I talk about the end goals. A successful end goal can be different to anybody and it doesn't mean you have to end up in the C-suite to be successful. End goals are what makes you happy and proud with your work. What's yours? Want a personalized video from me? Rate this podcast …