You’re wrapping up your days in the classroom and itching to leap headfirst into the world of events. Quick pause. Read these first! We’ve rounded up a handful of binge-worthy books and podcasts you should be diving into right now to immerse yourself in the real world of events. You’ll get the inside scoop on what’s trending in the industry, learn how to manage your time, tech and team, and get intel from the experts.
If you’re the kind of person who loves curling up with a paperback, we have what you’re looking for. If you’re more of an audio junkie, whip out your headphones because we have some heavy hitters for you, too. Let’s get to it.
The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters
Priya Parker
When Chris Anderson, the owner and curator of TED, recommends a book, we pay attention. Why this book matters? It will challenge the way you see gatherings. Parker says no to boring hangouts, instead showing a human-centred approach to getting people together that leads to invigorating and meaningful experiences all around. A must read.
Event Design Handbook: Systematically Design Innovative Events Using the #EventCanvas
Roel Frissen, Ruud Janssen, and Dennis Luijer
Jam-packed with visuals, this is no dull lesson. It will wrap your brain around the why, how, and what of event design with case studies to show what can happen when it all comes together. If you’re into a pragmatic approach that you can tap into when you’re designing events, get your hands on this handbook.
The Accidental Creative: How to be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice
Todd Henry
No pressure, but could you come up with a brilliant idea on the spot? The events world moves at lightning speed, and you’ll be leaps ahead if you can ditch the things that are draining your creativity so you can tap into your best ideas at will. From forming stimulating relationships to taking charge of the amount of energy you spend, this book is a master class in reclaiming your brainpower.
The Business Switch: Switch on the creative thinking of your people and turn their ideas into commercial results
Nigel Collin & Richard Foulkes
Every great event prof is surrounded by talented people who work together to make the magic happen. Removing the idea that there are “creative people” and non-creative people, this book will change your perspective on what creative thinking is so you can realise and nurture what each person on your team brings. There is no one ticket to success, but this optimistic mindset is a huge step in the right direction.
Event Tech Podcast
With hosts Brandt Krueger and Will Curran, Event Tech Podcast is your spot to stay up to speed with the latest tech. Wondering how to protect your events with cybersecurity or how to best tap into Chat GPT? Pop your headphones in, they’ll tell you.
Tune in at eventtechpodcast.com
GatherGeeks by BizBash: The Event Industry Podcast
GatherGeeks is the brainchild of live event geek David Adler, chairman and founder of BizBash. Every episode, Adler introduces an expert guest to speak to unmissable trends affecting the event industry. Things like “Top Secret Lessons from a Former White House Social Secretary” and an inside look at Spotify’s approach at the Cannes Festival. Juicy, right?
#EventIcons – Meet The Icons Of The Events Industry (Audio)
Picture this: you’re sitting down with the biggest names in events, sipping a coffee and chatting about events. We have great news! Tuning in to #EventIcons is just that. Every week, catch an interview with the who’s who of events and join in the conversation from the audience. You get to pick their brains and ask questions ChatGPT would never be able to answer.
Event Brew
We may have a biased opinion, but Event Brew has some incredible speakers. Let’s say, Dustin Westling for instance, plus Will Curran, Nick Borelli, and Thuy Diep. Grab a drink and sit in on a no-holds-barred conversation about what’s going on in the events world right now. Ever play “Event Budget Cuts: Kiss, Marry, Kill Edition”? Now’s your chance.
Join the convo at eventbrew.com
For more books, podcasts and even apps you should know about, sign up for our email list, where Dustin gives insiders a peek into his current favs.
Have a life-changing book or podcast we should add to our list?
