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Wow – 10 years. What an incredible moment to reflect on. We started LEO Events with one mission: to create unique and extraordinary experiences while providing unparalleled customer service. A decade later, we’re amazed at how far we’ve come thanks to our clients, vendors, partners, and LEO team members. Over…

12.28.21

What Event Planners Should Know About the Pandemic-era Economy

Inflation and labor shortages have affected all businesses, giving us yet another challenge to combat as the pandemic continues to compromise business operations. There have been disruptions in shipping and manufacturing supply that have caused increased supply prices, and in many industries, pricing insecurity is widespread. The practice of event…

11.09.21

The Solutions People

Creative Strategy

Amid the upheaval unleashed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing uncertainty as we emerge and recover, LEO Events remained focused, with our commitment to a solutions-first approach to every challenge. This summer, we repositioned the agency to reflect and amplify that mindset. Recent events have changed all events…

09.10.21

Understanding Recovery-era Event Budgets

The US economy is moving into a period of higher inflation than we’ve seen in the past 20 years, with inflation jumping 3.4% in May of 2020 – the biggest increase since the early 1990s. The price of goods will continue to rise sharply through the end of 2021,…

06.30.21

3 Strategies to Combat Inflation’s Impact on the Meetings Industry

Presented by David Waddell, President, CEO, and Chief Investment Strategist, Waddell & Associates during a recent CANVAS Conversations Supplier budgets and meeting costs are proving to be much higher than expected in 2021. Many corporate meeting planners are struggling to negotiate event budgets with their senior leadership. But prepare…

05.18.21

The Industry’s Comeback: Conversations and Considerations for Live Event Safety

LEO hosted its quarterly webinar, The Industry’s Comeback: Conversations and Considerations for Live Event Safety. Moderated by April Harbour, Director of Festivals and Public Events at LEO, the webinar featured an esteemed panel of experts to help planners and producers gain the confidence needed to return to live and hybrid…

05.04.21

Tennessee Is the Power of Travel

This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and its dynamic workforce. The 38th annual NTTW, taking place May 2-8, recognizes the Power of Travel and the critical role our industry will…

04.07.21

Experts’ Guide to Deducting 100% of Your F&B Costs

Did you know that most 2021-2022 company picnics, holiday parties, and incentive trips are 100% tax-deductible? Or that your organization’s profitability can improve by including food and beverage in your virtual meetings? LEO hosted a Three-Martini Tax Webinar with experts Will Clegg, MBA, and Britany Foley, CPA with Henderson…

02.25.21

Support These 6 Tennessee-Based Black Event Entrepreneurs

Tennessee is a destination like no other. It offers beautiful sights, incredible histories, and vibrant cultures. From the bluesy bluffs in Memphis to the scenic views of the Smoky Mountains, LEO’s home state is an excellent backdrop for any event. As a certified women-owned business, LEO seeks to support other…

02.10.21

It’s Time to Mix up How We Are Hosting Virtual Meetings

An Insider’s Perspective on Virtual Mixology Sessions During C&IT’s recent Global Report panel, a participant asked, “How can we coax attendees back to our events?” Their answer? Offer them a drink. Gone are the days of lackluster virtual event sessions. We want something … more. And so do our attendees.…

02.05.21

So, You’re Interested in Post-Vaccine Event Planning

We are, too. And we’ve done our research. As effective vaccines are being distributed around the globe to key demographics, the events industry has been given a dose of hope. Hope is a strong drug, but planners need to develop even stronger plans and preparations to move forward in a…

02.01.21

5 Steps to Launching Internal DEI Initiatives

Food & Beverage Strategy Technology

Live events are at the forefront of promoting diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging – everywhere. In our profession, we can amplify support for all cultures and backgrounds in many ways, from the first communication and continuing in themes and content to the selection of supplier-partners and onsite activations…

12.10.20

Reimagining Event Spaces and Safe Gatherings: Takeaways from Smart Meetings and MPI Hybrid Experiences

The return to large-scale events will be coursed with acts of responsibility and transparency by event professionals, vendors, and attendees. We all want to get back to what we do best – creating experiences, making moments, and telling stories. Virtual and hybrid events will continue to be important players in…

09.30.20

Virtually Flawless

Strategy Technology

When the destination is digital, LEO sets the standard. Full-service production for any virtual event. LEO STUDIO IS LIVE From sales conferences and vendor expos to press events and multi-year training programs, big brands look to LEO for digital solutions. We produce virtual events for globally-recognized organizations, including Acquia, AutoZone,…

09.08.20

Finding Clarity in the Crisis

We’ve zigged and we’ve zagged. We’ve pivoted and persevered. We’ve come together as an industry and as a community, in unexpected and astonishing ways. We’ve seen that creativity, versatility, and determination are communicable, too. We’ve been reminded that people will always strive to assemble; attending must be synonymous with belonging,…

08.19.20

6 Ways to Make Your Virtual Conferences Family-Friendly

Creative Strategy Technology

Brands rely on their conferences to inspire, connect, and educate their employees and sales force teams. Typically, these attendees have the opportunity to travel to destinations for these meetings, but virtual conferences now lead the way for companies to unite with their teams. While virtual meetings open the door to…

08.18.20

Watch Now: LEO’s Digital Capabilities

For now, the destination is digital. We approach virtual events and hybrid experiences with the same sky-high standards and lofty ideals as we do for every traditional event. In efficient collaboration with you, we will find the right blend of creativity and technology to package and deliver a deeply engaging,…

08.06.20

Virtual Events: Making Data-Driven Decisions a Reality

Technology

We know that the value of live, face-to-face engagement is widely known. But sometimes, circumstances like travel restrictions or budget constraints lead us to virtually delivering compelling content for our audiences. Digitally re-creating an event isn’t enough, though. Brands must look to virtual events as an opportunity to track useful…

07.28.20

What Olympic Athletes and Event Producers Have in Common

We were supposed to be gathered around our TVs this week, watching as athletes from around the world compete in the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games. But like thousands of other events around the globe, the Olympics fell victim to the coronavirus pandemic. Rather than canceling the games, officials have…

07.21.20

6 Strategies for Marketing Your Virtual Event

Thanks to technology, virtual meetings have paved the way for brands and organizations to hold their annual meetings, engage their audiences, and continue forward with educational and interactive sessions. From a marketing perspective, you have the opportunity to greatly expand your target audience for these events. Normally when marketing live…

07.14.20

3 Ways Nonprofits Can Maximize Virtual Engagement

Nonprofit organizations are not typically thought of as brands; however, that’s exactly what they are. The overall objective is to raise awareness of a particular cause, and ultimately, the brand profile and values are what supporters buy into. While advertising, social media, and content curation can go a long way…

07.08.20

Evolving Budgets & RFPs in a Post-Pandemic World

Why is an RFP important? A Request for Proposal (RFP) is the key method to efficiently gather information for the bidding process within the meetings and events industry. The RFP process should ultimately result in a successful and solid working relationship between the agency and client. How will agencies support…

06.22.20

Dressing Up the Drive-In: Solutions for Live Gatherings

We’ve heard that all good things make a comeback, and that’s exactly what is happening with the drive-in concept to safely bring back in-person gatherings. This classic throwback in time may be exactly what is needed for planners to get back to live events – and many are starting to…

06.03.20

Entertainment in a Virtual World – Why it Matters and How it’s Affordable

It’s no secret that the entertainment and event industries have drastically been impacted by COVID-19. As we’ve watched both areas (along with the entire population) pivot over the past few months, one truth has remained abundant: people need to feel connected – and that comes in many outlets. In an…

05.26.20

LEO’s Playbook: Solutions for Public Spaces

As we’ve seen the world take a pause over the past few months, our sole mission remains the same – to provide our clients with the best and safest solutions moving forward. We have worked with you to postpone and modify programs affected during the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are…

05.20.20

Planning With Confidence When Your Event Goes Virtual

We’ll say it first: You can’t replace face-to-face. Yet as the coronavirus pandemic progresses, most of this year’s remaining events must shift to digital venues. For brands, agencies, and attendees fueled by experience, tradition, and the incredible impact of in-person connection, moving the magnificent symphony of an immersive physical event…

05.07.20

Pandemic Planning for Future Events

Organizations are preparing for the future and determining what precautions should be taken at different stages of event planning – from the alert phase through the return-to-normal phase. Many hotels and venues are beginning to release guidance on updated capacities, as well as distancing and safety guidelines for their spaces…

04.09.20

Anticipating the Impact of COVID-19 on Face-to-Face Meetings and Events

As we all endure the strain and uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic, it’s natural for agencies, producers, designers, and suppliers to wonder what a post-COVID-19 world looks like for events. Of course, adjusting the way we work and operate is necessary now, but virtual formats will not forever replace face-to-face.…

03.26.20

5 Rules For A Successful Virtual Workplace

You might be literally working alone right now, but you’re actually in good company. In a survey conducted by Owl Labs last year, it was found that 62% of 1,202 full-time workers worked remotely at least sometimes. For many employees around the globe, however, a virtual workplace during the COVID-19…

03.18.20

COVID-19: A Meeting Planner’s Perspective

In the numerous 2020 year-ahead predictions made at the start of the year for the thriving events economy, the prospect of mass event cancellations and the postponement of major sporting and music festivals never approached the scene. Fast-forward 10 weeks into the year, and the impact the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is…

03.06.20

How Brands Uplift Women Through Events

In honor of International Women’s Day, we are reflecting upon the significant strides that have been made in the last century with record numbers of female executives and entrepreneurs. As a certified women-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WEBENC), and an agency comprised of a 70% female…

01.23.20

Navigating the Meetings & Events Industry – A Look at the Value in Mentorship

January is National Mentoring Month, and we’re highlighting the power of mentorship through a look into the thoughts and values of event industry professionals from all age ranges and levels. As mentorship plays a key role in opening up opportunities, developing two-way relationships, and leaving the next generation with the…

12.10.19

How Event Pros Plan An Internal Meeting – The Roar 2019

Event pros deliver engaging events all day, every day, so how do they ensure an internal meeting is just as exciting? By incorporating the same components we would for a client program, LEO hosts an annual meeting – affectionately called The Roar – that is festive, engaging, and leaves each…

12.02.19

Avoiding Tech Fatigue at Your Next Event

Technology

Picture this: You’re planning to attend an event and from the onset, you are expected to engage with multiple electronic channels. Tech fatigue is when a user becomes so overwhelmed with the technology choices that they choose to do nothing or engage in a very limited capacity with the options…

11.23.19

How to Explain Event Production at the Dinner Table this Holiday Season

As everyone prepares to spend time with family this Holiday Season, event professionals face an age-old struggle; how to describe the events industry. At first mention, well-meaning extended family members assume a career in events involves wedding planning or concerts. It can be difficult to articulate the nuances and complexities…

10.02.19

A Very Merry Meeting: How Walmart Kicks off the Season of Celebration

Reindeer games, tacky sweaters, and merchandise galore – it’s no secret that Walmart is definitely that place for the holidays! It’s the time of year when incredible sales and crazy crowds are just around the corner – and Walmart wants to ensure every celebration from Thanksgiving to the Superbowl (and…

09.12.19

Living Like A Local – Apply These 3 Incentive Travel Trends Now

The world of incentive travel is changing – it’s no longer just about the destination. It’s about an immersive, engaging experience. Incorporating destination-specific elements helps your attendees truly experience a destination. If you want to really get to know a destination, you’ve got to ditch the guided tour and hit…

09.12.19

The Latest Food & Beverage Trend That Has Everyone Bugging Out

As food costs continue to rise, chefs are looking for new sources of protein, and snacking on insects is becoming the practical choice. Cricket-based snack brands like Chirps and Exo utilize this sustainable option because cricket powder is good for you, good for the planet – and as it would…

09.12.19

An Event Producer’s Insights into the Emmy’s

This year is the 71st annual Primetime Emmy Awards – a night of glitz, glam, and for the winners, often a turning point in their career. While the actors and actresses are the stars of the show, there is a behind-the-scenes team of unsung heroes planning every second of the show…

09.05.19

Meet Mempho: 3 Reasons to Attend Year 3

While there are a million reasons to attend the third annual Mempho Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee, we’ve made it easy and narrowed it down to the top three. 1. Line-Up Headlining this year’s festival on Saturday night will be the Raconteurs, fronted by Jack White with Sunday’s headliner…

08.06.19

5 Things to Avoid When Engaging Millennials at Meetings

In the current meeting space, it is apparent to appeal to millennials as they now make up a sizable portion of the attendees. Here’s the thing: millennials have very peculiar characteristics. They take notice of the little things, meaning meeting planners must be strategic in creating ways to engage this…

07.30.19

3 Ways Speakers Influence Your Audience

Choosing a guest speaker for your event is of vital importance because it makes or breaks the success of your conference. The keynote speaker not only creates value by increasing the buzz around the event but has the power to positively advocate for your brand’s reputation. LEO Events’ approach is…

07.11.19

5 Tips for Negotiating a Venue

Venues are one of the most important components to successful events. However, the venue you use is most likely one of, if not the biggest, expense on your event budget. The planners at LEO Events have shared some tips to help event organizers keep their venue costs as low as possible.…

07.02.19

LEO Events’ Guide to Fourth of July in Tennessee

Every year, the 4th of July brings Americans together to feast on hot dogs and barbecue, drink beer, witness colorful explosions in the sky, and celebrate the founding of the United States. From sea to shining sea (or in our case, across the hills of Tennessee), there are some pretty amazing…

06.17.19

Mocktails for the Sober Curious

You’ve probably heard the term “Sober Curious” by now… and if not, now is the time to get on board. The term originated in Ruby Warrington’s book, Sober Curious: The Blissful Sleep, Greater Focus, Limitless Presence, and Deep Connection Awaiting Us All on the Other Side of Alcohol, and taps…

05.31.19

3 Ways to Incorporate Golf into Your Next Meeting

With LEO Events’ headquarters city of Memphis gearing up for the 2019 World Golf Championships-FedEx St. Jude Invitational, it’s only natural that we have golf on the brain. The golf course can be a valuable tool in creating an interactive meeting experience. From receptions on the course to interactive golf-themed…

05.18.19

LEO Gives: Red Bank Elementary School Art Burst 2019

What do you get when 6 of your officemates are volunteers with United Way’s Emerging Leaders of Chattanooga, your local philanthropy is focused on arts, and you love reaching out to little ones? Art Burst 2019! In May, LEO Events was proud to partner with the United Way of Greater…

05.06.19

A Guide to the 2019 Experiential Marketing Summit

The 2019 Event Marketer Experiential Marketing Summit takes place in Las Vegas. This pinnacle conference brings together more than 1,800 marketers from around the globe. This pinnacle conference brings together more than 1,800 marketers from around the globe and includes sessions that explore emerging trends, explain best practices and highlight…

04.30.19

Breaking into the Events Industry

Ahhh… graduation season is upon us once again. The time of year where college seniors pace frantically awaiting final exam scores and rifle through pages of google searches in hopes of stumbling upon a job. It’s a stressful process, we get it. And breaking into the meetings and events industry…

04.26.19

The Power of a Mutually Beneficial Request for Proposal (RFP)

Most brands understand the challenges of searching for the right agency and the stress factors that can come along with the request for proposal (RFP) process – so do the agencies. While an RFP is the key method to efficiently gather information for the bidding process in the meetings and…

04.22.19

Quick Tips for Producing a More Eco-Friendly Event

Everyday, you see more and more companies taking steps toward sustainability to help the environment, such as restaurants reducing their use of straws or stores switching to reusable bags. A small difference can make a huge impact so why not practice these efforts in the events we produce? Here are some…

04.03.19

The Importance In Early Venue Booking For Incentive Trips

It’s never too early to begin securing venues for incentive trips, especially around the holidays. There are a number of reasons why booking early is an important factor in the success of an incentive trip. First and foremost, it gives you time to really put some thought into it and…

02.26.19

Making Your Meeting Theme Memorable

All meeting and event planners strive for outstanding programs, and one of the best ways to accomplish this is with a striking, unforgettable theme. Here are three tips that you should consider when selecting a theme that will be as engaging for your attendees as it is for you to…

02.22.19

Culinary Trends You Need to Know for 2019

Check out our 2019 food forecast and tips for incorporating new trends into your upcoming event: 1. Sustainability An emphasis on sustainability will continue to rise in 2019 with a focus on biodegradable packaging and waste reduction. Majorcities like San Francisco and Seattle enforced straw bans in 2018 and…

5 Best Practices for Festival Digital Marketing

The rise of music festivals is at an all-time high. In 2018, more than 800 music festivals were scheduled throughout the country and over 32 million people are attending at least one U.S. festival every year. With those competitive numbers continuing to grow, how do you keep attendees returning to…

5 Ways to Boost Event Engagement

What do giveaways, interactive displays, and breakout sessions have in common? These are all highly effective hacks for boosting attendee engagement in events. 1. Gamification People love to test their luck – making contests the perfect way to get attendees engaged. Offering prizes is an even more promising way…

The Live Events Industry: A Generational Perspective

Engaging a multi-generational audience can be challenging for even the most experienced of planners. Today, attendees range from Baby Boomers to Gen Xers to Millennials, each with different passions, values, and goals. Success ultimately begins with the planner, so LEO Events sought to discover what the attitudes and thought processes…

Road Warrior Hacks for Making Business Travel Effortless

Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, working while on the road can become quite chaotic. However, thanks to technological advances and years of experience, the experts at LEO Events have discovered simple, effective tactics to stay up to date on all things work related. Keep reading for 5…

02.18.19

Booze Without the Booze – The Big Beverage Trend for 2019

We all know about Dry January –if we participate or not is a different story. However, with the growing popularity of skipping alcohol for the first month of the New Year, 2019 will see a shift towards alcohol free beverage choices during events. People have become increasingly mindful of what…

02.18.19

Event Safety & Security: 6 Tips for Minimizing Risk

In the era of routine terrorist attacks, record-breaking natural disasters and devasting cyber security breaches, ensuring event safety and security has never been more important. Yet many in the industry are rightfully asking, “How could this have been avoided” and “Where did we go wrong?” By following the six simple…

02.15.19

The Festivalization of Meetings & Events

Now, more than ever, brands and organizations are fiercely competing for consumer attention and engagement. According to a Nielsen report, 32 million people attend a music festival in the United States each year. So, it’s no surprise that companies are opting for this new approach to reach internal audiences at…

02.15.19

Why Agencies That Give Also Receive