Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of in-person events with our esteemed guest, Anna, an event strategy guru with 14 years under her belt. We tackle the resurgence of face-to-face gatherings and the rich tapestry of experiences they offer, from cozy networking dinners to transformative retreats. Anna imparts her wisdom on crafting events that resonate, the art of leveraging sponsorships, and the nitty-gritty of managing big-ticket events. As we look ahead, we discuss the trend predictions for 2024, spotlighting the enduring appeal of retreats for their unparalleled ability to foster personal bonds and community spirit. In our conversation, we examine the hybrid event model, merging the educational with the experiential, to meet diverse community needs. We dissect the intention behind event planning—whether to sell or to serve—and its impact on ROI, be it in client acquisition or community nurturing. Listen in as we unravel the strategic aspects of integrating events into your business, from understanding your audience to personalizing experiences that leave a lasting impression. We emphasize the transformative power of personalized touches, like thoughtful welcome gifts and handwritten notes, and discuss financial transparency in event planning, including the real costs and potential returns on investment. Rounding out our discussion, we offer practical tips and considerations for event planning, such as the importance of starting early and the strategies for marketing to the right audience. We share firsthand experiences on the logistical challenges of selecting a venue, the importance of room setup, and how speaker selection can make or break your event. Furthermore, we discuss managing unexpected issues, the value of point persons, and balancing the multitude of roles as a host. Whether you're a seasoned planner or just getting your feet wet, this episode is packed with insights to guide you in hosting events that resonate with your community and align with your brand's vision. (06:36) The Amplified Desire for in-Person Events (10:05) Sales vs Community-Building Events (18:34) Understanding Your Community and Their Needs (24:45) Event Budgeting and Costing (33:34) Venue and Food/Beverage for Events (37:24) Importance of Venue Setup and Flow (46:17) Relationships Impact Budgeting for Speakers (51:01) Using Sponsorships for Event Goody Bags (55:43) Understanding Event Sponsorship Impact (01:04:29) The Importance of Market Research To connect with Anna on Instagram, click HERE. To learn more about ways to work with Anna, click HERE. To connect with Kate on Instagram, click ⁠HERE⁠. To apply for ITI, click ⁠HERE⁠.