Hosting an Event this Year? Here’s What You MUST-KNOW

What an eventful start to 2025, am I right? For me, January was packed with incredible opportunities to speak, connect and make an impact—and I’m beyond grateful and excited to kick off the year with so much momentum. Here's a snapshot of my event calendar:

?? Facilitated a half-day Team Wellness Retreat at my alma mater, Florida International University.

?? Got invited back to speak at Miami Dade College's Emerging Leaders Summit.

??? Facilitating Florida Professionals Association's Professionals in Paradise - 2 consecutive years!

?? Serving as Emcee for two powerhouse female founded events, Elevate 2025 and Move Breathe Grow.

? Speaking with 700+ elementary school students next week to empower them to use their superpower of kindness.

…and there’s so much more cooking behind the scenes my friends!

You know I’m sharing this to BRAG (Be Real And Grateful) and to claim that this year is going to be FULL of impactful events. If YOU are planning to host a conference, retreat, workshop (or any kind of event) I want to make sure you KNOW what the pros know so your event is stress-free, engaging, and impactful.

After two decades and 500+ events—and burning out a few times in the process—I’ve learned that event success isn’t about having the perfect venue, the fanciest AV setup, or the biggest budget.

It all boils down to this: what you KNOW (and what you don’t)!

As a burned-out event planner turned TEDx keynote speaker, facilitator, and emcee, I don't just show up to speak ... I help guide you through the MUST-KNOW questions that can make or break your event. You KNOW there's an acronym coming your way, so keep reading!

The 4 Must-KNOW Questions for Event Success

The biggest mistake most event hosts make? Jumping straight into logistics without stepping back to answer the right questions. So BEFORE you start booking your venue, speakers, and decor ... please pause and ask yourself:

K – What is the ONE key message you want your audience to KNOW?

Every successful event starts with clarity. If you don’t define the core takeaway from the start, your event can feel scattered and forgettable.

? What’s the most important insight or lesson?

? Why does this event matter to your audience?

? How will your program reinforce this message?

Without this KEY, even the best-planned events won't open the door to lasting success.

N – What does your audience NEED—NOW and NEXT?

Your audience’s experience isn’t just about what happens during the event—it’s about meeting their needs now and setting them up for what’s next.

? What do attendees need right now to stay engaged? (Inspiration, networking, hands-on learning?)

? What will they need next to apply what they’ve learned? (Resources, follow-ups, accountability?)

? Are you designing the event to be inclusive, interactive, and seamless?

Engagement doesn’t happen by accident—plan for it with intention!

O – What OUTCOME will make your event truly OUTSTANDING?

A great event stands out, but it’s not just about being memorable—it must move people to take action.

? What’s the next step you want attendees to take? (Sign up, donate, apply what they learned?)

? Are your calls to action (CTA) clear and easy to follow?

? Will your event leave a lasting impact, or will people forget it by tomorrow?

Events should spark momentum, not just moments.

W – What will make your event a true WIN/WIN?

As service-driven leaders, we focus so much on giving our audience value—but a truly successful event isn’t just a win for them… it’s a win for YOU, too.

? What will make your audience feel like, “I've WON from attending this event!”?

? What will make YOU say, “I feel like a WINNER, that was worth it!”?

? How will you measure success? (Engagement, feedback surveys, ROI?)

? How can you set yourself up with support to enjoy the event, rather than just survive it?

A one-sided event—where only the audience or only the host benefits—misses the mark. The goal is always WIN/WIN!

The Secret to Event Success? KNOW Before You Go!

Successful events don’t just happen—they are designed with intention.

When you take the time to KNOW your ...

? Key Message (What do they need to KNOW?)

? Needs (What do they need NOW and NEXT?)

? Outstanding Outcome (What makes it OUTSTANDING?)

? Win/Win (How does everyone WIN?)

...that's how you set yourself up for an engaging, impactful, and profitable event. Isn't that what you want? YES!!

While I've long retired from event planning and logistics, as a keynote speaker, facilitator, and emcee, I'm your secret weapon to elevate your event to the next level. I help you shine by bringing two decades of expertise to the stage, creating event experiences that audiences remember, rave about, and actually THANK you for. Imagine that!

So if you're planning an event this year and want expert guidance to simplify your life and make it effortlessly engaging, let’s chat!

?? Message me for the link to book a complimentary 15-minute Event Strategy Call—because when you KNOW, what the pros know, you can plan with confidence and create an event everyone will remember and rave about! ???