On this episode, we focus on the purpose and value of a destination management company. Melissa Zorko, VP, National Account Executive from Hello! Destination Management talks about her view on customer service and the changes she has seen over the years. She also talks about the hottest trends in the marketplace and how a DMC can provide customers …

Today is November 5, 2024, Election Day for the United States of America. As with every Presidential Election, we Americans are flipping the page, preparing to write a new chapter of this country’s history. The musical Ragtime examines a certain chapter of American history through a handful of characters from three groups in the New York City area …

Another season finale has arrived! For our final season six episode, we welcome director, actor, author, and Black Theatre United co-founder Schele Williams, who leaves us with gems of wisdom to carry us forward until we meet again! She may be the first Black woman to direct a Broadway musical in 50 years, but she certainly isn’t interested in bein…

This week we welcome Tony Award-winning costume designer Dede Ayite! You’ve seen her designs in Broadway shows like Appropriate, Days of Wine and Rose, Hell’s Kitchen, and Jaja’s African Hair Braiding—and that was just for this 2023-2024 season! We dive into why research is her favorite part of the design process, what she hopes audiences receive f…

This week we talk with Ambe J. Williams, a portrait and commercial photographer, director, and actor on sabbatical. We discuss the skills she relied on during her journey through the actor-to-photographer pipeline, the courageous cocktails that led to her film directorial debut, and the music videos that inspire her (when put on the spot).…

This week we chat with The Theater Offensive’s executive director, Giselle Byrd. We dive into how liberation and community has always been at the center of her artistic philosophy—from her leadership beginnings in college as President of 3rd Act to building momentum as a talent manager to crafting her vision as the first Black trans woman leading a…

This week we talk with writer, educator, and art critic Ricky Tucker. He is the author of And The Category Is…: Inside New York’s Vogue, House and Ballroom Community, for which he was a 2023 Lambda Literary Award Finalist in Nonfiction. We explore the idea of social versus stage performance, misconceptions of art criticism, and how the sacred space…

This week we chat with actor, dancer, producer, creative director, and wellness enthusiast Leroy Church. The Chita Rivera and Antonyo Award winner shares his story, starting with his church dance beginnings at age 13 all the way to his current expansion into producing and creative directing, like he did with the renowned Dreamgirls production on Cl…

This week we welcome Tony winner Nikki M. James! We discuss the beautiful breadth of Black women she has played in her career—from The Book of Mormon’s Nabulungi (which earned her a 2011 Tony Award) to The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin’s Viveca to real-life investigative journalist Ida B. Wells in Suffs, her current role that earned he…

This week we talk with the inaugural recipient of Vineyard Theatre’s Colman Domingo Award and the inaugural recipient of the John Singleton Screenwriter Award, playwright and screenwriter York Walker. We talk about the Disney kid to Broadway fan pipeline, his artistic philosophy as a playwright, and what he learned from working on his first profess…

This week we talk with Brooklyn McLain, the co-founder and COO of the first Black-owned Broadway merchandise company, “merch.” We chat about the musical that made him a self-described “theatre enthusiast,” why merchandising is so important to a show’s branding, and what it was like introducing the first durag to Broadway.…

This week we chat with Thaïs Bass-Moore, who both as a kid and a theatremaker has done “everything and anything!” She is an actor, director, writer, mommy, wifey, Co-Founder and Director of University of Texas’ Fearless Leadership Institute, and author of A Syllabus for Black Women: 110 Life Lessons for Sistahs in College. We dive into the moment t…

This week, we talk with Broadway Inspirational Voices’ Artistic Director Allen René Louis, who also works as a music director, arranger, composer, lyricist, vocalist, instrumentalist, vocalist, actor, creative director, and producer. We dive into how his Haitian roots influence his musical approach, why he embraces imposter syndrome, and the artist…

This week we welcome playwright, screenwriter, and former President of the Library Club, C.A. Johnson! We chat about the differences between collaboration for theatre versus television, how capitalism influences theatremaking, and what it was like seeing her play All The Natalie Portmans go from page to stage.…

An exciting conversation with BCD M&E’s Senior Vice President of Global Technology and Product, Ted Stone, and Senior Manager of Business Process Automation, Chris Clark, discussing Generative AI. In recent years, Generative AI has captured significant interest, bringing forth a wave of benefits including enhanced efficiency, the cultivation of inn…

This week we chat with Nate Shelton, a self-described “general theatre person.” He’s worn many hats in the theatre space—from actor to company manager to TKTS employee to Actors’ Equity Association Contractual Business Representative. Throughout all of them, his joy and enthusiasm for the theatre has never wavered. We dive into how he joined the th…

You’re gonna hear her roar! This week, we chat with Maya Boyd, the current star of &Juliet on Broadway! We discuss her experience of training in Russian ballet as a kid, how auditions helped her musical theater imposter syndrome, and what it was like making her Broadway debut in Merrily We Roll Along while she was still a senior at the University o…

Listen in to hear Shweta Sharma an Experience Designer from The Collective share her perspective on what we can all be doing to be more inclusive when it comes to picking menus, hosting events and frankly elevating menus even when going out to local restaurants with friends. Inclusivity starts with awareness, so thank you for listening to this epis…

Happy 10th anniversary, Holler If Ya Hear Me! A decade ago, today, a musical featuring a score from one of history's most influential rappers, Tupac Shakur, opened at Broadway's Palace Theatre and we are celebrating with a special episode. Though the production only lasted 17 previews and 38 performances, it impacted the Broadway landscape through …

Get stretching because this week we are going behind the scenes of America’s most famous kicklines! Formerly a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader and a Radio City Rockette, dancer Jacie Scott knows a thing or two about high-kicks. We dive into the similarities and differences of the two groups—from auditions to misconceptions to her experience as a Black w…

And I say, “Hey! What a wonderful kind of day!” as we chat with actor, cosplayer, and content creator Lillian Hope! We talk about why she got into cosplay content creation, why the Millennial generation is so nostalgic, and why Black Nerds Matter.

This week, we talk with Kelundra Smith about the many writing hats she wears as a culture and theater critic, playwright, arts and culture journalist, and Managing Editor of American Theatre Magazine. We dive into what inspired her to write The Wash and Younger (a prequel to Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun), how her Southern perspective in…

Creativity is defined as the ability to think about a task or problem in a new or different way, or the ability to use the imagination to generate new ideas. But how does that differ from being innovative? We dive into this topic with Aaron Price, Vice President of Creative at Access DMC. Listen in to learn more about this fascinating topic.…

The 2024 WNBA season tipped off just last week, and we are celebrating with Criscia Long! She is the Senior Director of Entertainment for NBA’s Brooklyn Nets, the Long Island Nets, and WNBA’s New York Liberty. We dive into how she embraces commercial and concert dance, what she learned during her time as a pro NBA dancer, and what it was like orche…

We are BACK IN THE HABIT, y’all! After three years away, we are kicking off season six with a catch-up episode. We highlight some of the incredible accomplishments of some podcast alums, as well as hear from four previous guests about how their lives have changed since their podcast episode aired. We chat with Marc J. Franklin (Episode 12), Vincent…

Happy 30th Anniversary to Beauty and the Beast! 30 years ago today, Disney’s first musical premiered on Broadway and we are celebrating with a special episode. In honor of the milestone, we chatted with three Black actors who have played Belle: Briana Brooks from ZACH Theatre’s 2018 production (Austin, TX), Jade Jones from Olney Theatre Center’s 20…

Discover how NeKeta Argrow, Strategic Solutions Advisor on BCD M&E's Performance Optimization team, is bringing the 'S' back into SMM, and revitalizing strategic planning's crucial role in meetings and events for maximum impact.By Nikki McLain

A chat with Anson Mulville, Senior Content Producer with BCD's Production & Content Team, talking about Films. A new offering powered by BCD M&E’s filmmaking house within the NORAM Production & Content team, Films utilizes decades of storytelling experience, along with award-winning directors, editors, and cinematographers, to help tell bold, beaut…

A chat about all things M&E and Peru with Diana Bauer, owner and operator of Be Peru and Luis Chang, Chief Tourism & Investment Specialist at PromPeru (Peru Tourism Board) in Houston. They discuss why Peru is such a hot destination for MICE attendees and if you've been to Peru before, what you can expect from some new venues and sites.…

It's hard to believe we're already in 2024, but 2023 was another successful, whirlwind of a year. Hear some of the highlights of the year as I chat with two of BCD's finest from the Venue Search and Meeting Solutions team, Regan Furtado and Erin Daoust to hear their insights into 2023.By Nikki McLain

Hilton is a great place to work…and don’t take it from me! Hilton was recently awarded the #1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine. Join the in-depth conversation with Gerilyn Horan, Vice President – Group Sales & Strategic Accounts with Hilton as we uncover why Hilton has won this prestigious award along with our disc…

After a long hiatus, we are BACK for a special holiday episode! We take you inside the creation of Sugar Hill: The Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker, the jazz-steeped reimagining of the classic ballet that runs at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre this month. We talk with producers Ron Simons and Valencia Yearwood, conductor and pianist Harold O'Neal, and …

For notes on all the places discussed today, check out www.orlandomeeting.com.By Nikki McLain

Take a listen to Senior Vice President, Mark Sergot, with IHG Hotels & Resorts® chat about the growth in hotels around the world. Listen to how IHG sees a very bright future for the hospitality business and travel industry. Mark discusses how IHG is meeting the increasing guest demand for trusted brands and finding fresh opportunities to grow globa…

A chat with Vice President of Global Sales, Maya Latinovic, about the recent joining of two iconic Virgin hotel brands, Virgin Hotels and Virgin Limited Edition, under one parent brand to focus on growth and driving positive change and differentiation within the luxury hospitality industry. She explains how Virgin is differentiating themselves in t…

Are your attendees sick of the same boring name badges? Do you feel you might have attendees who are more introverted and don't enjoy making small talk at networking events? The gals from JabberYak have a solution for you. I met Shideh at the Connect Marketplace event this August in Minneapolis and can't wait to share with you listeners what their …

BCD M&E has a robust technology department that drives our products and roadmaps and vets, selects, and manages our third-party technology partners. Our approach to technology is agnostic. There are many great technologies and tools on the market; we don’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, we look for gaps and find solutions to fill the…

Hear from BCD M&E’s global president, Bruce Morgan, and SVP of Global Marketing, Brittany Brocious, to discover What’s Trending 2024. This episode is packed with industry insights on the biggest trends in the industry, from both regional and global perspectives. Join in conversation with our experts to understand what to expect in 2024 in meetings …

Trusted advisor and critical friend, Katie Marshall from BCD's Collective team joins the podcast as she chats with us about reimagining the attendee experience when it comes to planning and executing an incentive trip. Gone are the days of the luau and hoe-down dinner offsite, attendees are wanting and asking for more and we can deliver it. This ep…

Join this Meetings Matter Chatter chat with Joyce Mendez from Discover Puerto Rico and Brenda Sastre from Innovation DMC, a woman-owned DMC servicing meetings, events and incentives in Puerto Rico. PR is the heart and soul of the Caribbean, a place where the Old World is mashed up with the new on an island that is small in size, but offers an immen…

Edwardian Hotels London is on of the UKS largest privately owned hotels groups, which has been operating and developing its hospitality portfolio since Jasminder Singh OBE began his career within the industry in 1977. Edwardian Hotels London owns and operated a collection of four- and five-star hotels and restaurants including The Londoner a member…

Join us for the latest episode with Norma Dean, Director of Specialty Sales from Delta Air Lines. She explains to us the importance of partnerships and why Delta keeps climbing and adding perks for its meeting attendees, business travelers and all Sky Miles members. Norma discusses her rule of 3: Partnerships, Technology and The Power of Connectivi…

This latest episode features Christine Wassell from Radisson Hotel Group and two BCD M&E colleagues, Jon Harrison (Supplier Relations) and Heather Thompson (Venue Search Operations) chatting about their perspective around contracting tips and tricks in a post-pandemic world. Learn what they believe drives the best types of partnerships and see if y…

Join us for a quick chat about Destinations West, a recent conference I attended hosted by Northstar Meetings Group. I chat with Managing Editor, Sally Braley about the evolution of the event and why planners and suppliers should participate.By Nikki McLain

Listen to the latest chatter with creative genius, Taylor Smith, Executive Creative Director of BCD's Production & Content team. Learn what's trending in production, what we wish would go away and what Taylor thinks about AI affecting our industry. We discuss contracting tips, budgeting, trends, creative ideas Taylor's seen onsite recently and much…

Learn more about what's new in the Luxury Hotel space with guest podcaster Amy Butterfield of Preferred Travel Group. She discusses some new destinations clients might not have previously considered and tells our listeners about some of their properties: The Brando, andBeyond Lodges, Three Camel Lodge, Global Ambassador Hotel, Pendry Washington DC,…

This episode features guest Nate Childress who joins the podcast to discuss a hot topic in the meetings industry - small meetings or simple meetings. We discuss how small meetings are defined, is there value to those smaller meetings and much more. Listen in for more information. What to Know About Simple Meetings Today (bcdme.com) https://bit.ly/B…

A recap of 2022 - what should we keep? What we would like to forget about. Guest Becky Vodilko, Director of Operations for Venue Search + Meeting Solutions from BCD Meetings & Events shares her insight into some of the best and worst trends in the meeting industry from this past year.By Nikki McLain

For the season five finale of call and response, we celebrate FREEDOM. In a time where fear and scarcity feel wide-spread, how can we claim freedom, abundance, and liberation for ourselves? We talk with five artist-creators about what artistic freedom means to them. Hear from actor and multidimensional storyteller Ja'Michael De'Shawn, director Mira…

For season 5's penultimate episode, we talk with artivist Britton Smith, who you’ve seen on Broadway in Be More Chill, Shuffle Along, and After Midnight, about how he learned to embrace his authentic self, what he’s learned from his work with Broadway Advocacy Coalition, and why he started his funk liberation band, Britton & The Sting.…