You're listening to The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi sits down with Ricardo Hicks, a veteran audio visual executive with more than 20 years in the field, to explore the world of AV, event production, and mentorship. Ricardo’s career began in a major recording studio and grew through roles as a recording engineer, hotel manager, business developer, and trusted guide for others in the AV space.

Seth and Ricardo share early memories of large-scale productions, discuss how church and community events shaped their professional paths, and trace Ricardo’s journey to founding his successful AV company, Tech Factory. Their conversation touches on more than just technology; they delve into the importance of interpersonal skills, developing talent, and fostering a strong workplace culture.

Whether you’re an event planner, small business owner, or a fellow AV pro, you’ll find actionable tips on collaborating with in-house teams, supporting employee growth, and even navigating the dynamics of working with family.

Tune in for a candid, insightful conversation packed with stories, lessons learned, and plenty of inspiration for anyone passionate about creating exceptional events!

Resources:

https://techfactoryproductions.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eventtechnology/

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

The Event Pro Show is your trusted source for everything corporate events. In this edition, host Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, tackles one of the biggest challenges event professionals face: building a clear, effective AV Request For Proposal (RFP). Whether you're new to planning or have years of experience, Seth outlines the crucial details and questions that help AV vendors provide accurate, tailored proposals. From locking in basics like event dates and venue specs to outlining must-have technical needs and optional enhancements, this conversation is filled with practical tips and real examples. If you're looking to eliminate confusion and boost the quality of your AV bids, these strategies will help you get there with confidence.

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with one of his production favorites, Julie Leithoff. With nearly 30 years of experience in live events and an impressive track record managing audiovisual components for corporate gatherings nationwide, Julie has seen and solved it all. From her beginnings at Vista Productions in Kansas City to her years of freelance work, Julie shares how her unique ability to bridge the worlds of event planning and AV brings every project to life and keeps budgets on track. Together, Seth and Julie dive into her early memories that sparked her passion for events, the lessons learned from “school of hard knocks” moments, and why building transparent, respectful partnerships is key to success. If you want expert tips, real-world stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to produce seamless events, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Resources:

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Thanks for joining us for another episode of The Event Pro Show! Host Seth Macchi, CEO of Charlotte-based AV production company LEMG, gets to the heart of how to stretch your event budget by using one of your most powerful tools: time. Seth breaks down practical steps corporate event planners can take to secure essential AV elements early, helping you lock in top-tier technicians, the right gear, and more predictable costs. He discusses the importance of clearly outlining your must-haves from the start and building strong communication with your AV team from the beginning. These moves can prevent last-minute stress and expensive surprises. Whether you’re organizing a large-scale conference or an intimate breakout session, Seth offers a behind-the-scenes look at how smart planning up front leads to better outcomes and serious savings. Don’t miss his expert advice on how to balance vision and execution so your next event impresses without overspending.

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Get ready for an episode packed with stories and advice from the world of corporate events! On this episode of The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi sits down with Brandon Crumpton, owner of Key Signature Entertainment—a company responsible for booking and producing live music for more than 750 events each year. Brandon shares his journey from an awe-struck kid at an MC Hammer concert to becoming a top resource for live entertainment at corporate events.

Whether you’re an event planner, a producer, or someone curious about integrating live music into your next event, you’ll hear firsthand how Brandon and his team bridge the gap between musicians and event professionals. Plus, you’ll get invaluable tips on networking, common misunderstandings about booking live entertainment, and why live music can create unforgettable guest experiences. Stay tuned as Brandon pulls back the curtain on the art and science of creating memorable moments through music in the fast-moving world of corporate events!

Resources:

https://keysignatureonline.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncrumpton/

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

On today's episode on The Event Pro Show, host Seth Macchi discusses turning live events into virtual experiences—a topic that’s top of mind in uncertain economic times and beyond. Whether you’re an experienced planner looking for a quick refresher, or you’ve never organized a virtual event before, this episode breaks down the different levels of virtual production, from simple Zoom-style meetings to multi-location broadcasts and fully interactive, platform-driven conventions. Seth explains the key differences between production and platform, the potential of hybrid events, and why having the right production partner is crucial for success. If you're ready to expand your event toolkit and stay ahead in the evolving world of corporate events, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and resource recommendations to help you make your next virtual or hybrid event a standout success.

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Welcome to The Event Pro Show, your go-to resource for all things corporate events, experiential marketing, and live event production. In this episode, host Seth Macchi sits down with Wendy Porter, founder and chief event strategist of Wendy Porter Events, to discuss the evolving world of corporate events. Wendy brings over 23 years of industry experience, including a pivotal role as head of events at a Fortune 25 company, and recognition as one of the 100 most influential people in the US events industry.

In their conversation, Seth and Wendy explore Wendy’s unique journey from her early memories of Hawaii’s King Kamehameha Day parade to her unexpected foray into corporate event planning. They discuss the often-overlooked complexity of creating seamless events, the disconnect between C-suite leadership and event teams, and Wendy’s advocacy to raise the profile of the live events industry—especially during the pandemic.

Wendy also unpacks innovative concepts like “fractional head of events” roles, shares practical tips for managing event costs (especially when dealing with union venues), and reveals her signature “cranberry thread” approach to crafting high-impact, cohesive experiences. Plus, you’ll hear about her passion for networking, mentorship for the next generation of event pros, and her optimistic view on the future of event technology and personalized attendee experiences.

Get ready for a fascinating look at what it takes to create memorable, strategic corporate events—and hear firsthand from one of the industry’s top voices on how to stay resilient and innovative in a rapidly changing landscape.

Resources:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/live-events-coalition/

wendyporterevents.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyporter/

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/

Welcome to another episode of The Event Pro Show—the ultimate guide for corporate event professionals seeking to elevate their experiences! In this episode, host Seth Macchi dives into a timely topic: why so many events end up being, well, a little bit boring—and how you can break the mold. Drawing on years of experience in AV and event production, Seth shares a fresh perspective on collaboration, highlighting the value of bringing your AV and production partners into the creative process earlier.

He offers practical strategies for building stronger, year-round relationships with your partners so you can tap into the latest trends, gain invaluable venue insights, and unleash creative solutions that make your event stand out. Whether you manage one big event a year or oversee an entire portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable tips to strengthen your professional bench and keep your events from falling flat. So tune in for a dose of inspiration and get ready to reimagine what’s possible at your next corporate event!

The Event Pro Show is a production of LEMG.

LEMG is a leading event production company known for delivering exceptional experiences. From site planning and event design to technical production, staging, lighting, sound, and more—we do it all. As a second-generation company, we’re proud of our rich history and commitment to innovation. Whether it’s a corporate meeting, conference, convention, or live event, we’re the team our clients trust to execute their vision flawlessly.

https://lemg.live/