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Welcome to GatherGeeks, the event industry podcast, where people passionate about the power of live experiences and events come together. Join host David Adler as he discusses the latest news and trends affecting event marketers, meeting strategists, nonprofit organizers, and everyone in between. This podcast by BizBash is the destination for information, innovation, and inspiration for anyone involved in planning events and meetings, from conferences, trade shows, and fund-raising galas to product launches, festivals, award shows, weddings, and birthdays.

Jun 19, 2017

Hosts: David Adler, Beth Kormanik

Guest: Aaron Kaufman

In this episode of GatherGeeks, Beth Kormanik, executive editor of BizBash, and David Adler, C.E.O. of BizBash, hear from Aaron Kaufman, the Toronto-based president of Fifth Element Group. Kaufman and Adler have a frank conversation on the business of being an event planner, discussing the threats vendors face from big agencies, the rise in event-production costs, and the challenges young people face while entering the industry. Kaufman explains how advertising and marketing firms are increasingly discovering the value of face-to-face events, and how mom-and-pop firms need to evolve in order to compete. He also discusses why small event firms should be required to meet certain qualifications and a certain level of professionalism; otherwise, he theorizes that the entire industry is vulnerable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone that hires, owns, or wants to start a third-party planning company.

Download or subscribe to the show at bizbash.com/gathergeeks. Running time 46:32.