In this episode, we sit down with Emilia Kim, founder of EM Collective Events, to talk about what it really takes to strike out on your own. Emilia shares how she thoughtfully prepared for the transition, and how defining her worst-case scenario gave her the confidence to take the leap.

Along the way, we explore the realities of freelance event work—from setting rates and managing scope creep to navigating slower periods and finding clients who truly value event professionals. Emilia also reflects on the rewards of independence, including the freedom to choose projects that inspire her, explore new creative opportunities and build a business on her own terms.

Whether you're dreaming of entrepreneurship, growing a side hustle or simply curious about life beyond the corporate world, Emilia offers an honest, refreshing and practical look at the challenges, risks and rewards of betting on yourself.

Resources:

Connect with Emilia Kim:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emcollectiveevents/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emiliajkim/

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Join Debbie and Laura as they reveal the results of the Ignite Worth It Salary Survey and—and where the conversation on value needs to go next.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

From “accidental planner” to independent event pro, Jodi Rodriquez, CMP, founder and owner, Eleven Events’ career is a masterclass in taking risks, embracing change and building resilience in the business events industry. In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Jodi to trace her journey from a government role to hospitality and, ultimately, launching her own thriving business.

Along the way, Jodi shares candid insights on navigating uncertainty, surviving the impact of COVID and the realities of running a solo operation at full capacity. The conversation also dives into bigger industry themes—from pricing transparency and peer support to redefining success and exploring what’s next. With a new focus on creating meaningful experiences for women, Jodi’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths aren’t always linear—and that the most impactful work often comes from following what matters most.

Resources:

Read our profile of Jodi in the Spring Issue of Ignite.

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Emilia Kim shares what she’s learning as she navigates the transition from in-house planner to event entrepreneur.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, hosts Laura Bickle and Debbie van der Beek welcome Natalie Lowe, founder of The Sustainable Events Forum and a 25-year industry veteran.

Natalie shares why the traditional “do everything, do it perfectly” mindset has stalled progress—and how a more practical, step-by-step approach can help planners actually get started.

This powerful shift in thinking: from chasing lofty sustainability goals to “raising the floor”—making meaningful, achievable improvements across more events.

We also dive into a newer, critical layer of the conversation: adaptation. As climate impacts become a real-time consideration, Natalie challenges planners to rethink risk, safety and preparedness in the face of extreme weather and evolving conditions.

Smart, honest, and refreshingly doable, this episode offers a grounded roadmap for planners ready to cut through the overwhelm and take action where it counts.

A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Quebec City Business Destination.

Learn More

Resources:

Download The Hierarchy of Actions PDF

Read The Sustainable Events Report, featuring Natalie Lowe in the Spring Issue of Ignite.

Learn more about The Sustainable Events Forum

Download the TSEF’s RFP Questions for Sustainable Events

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, hosts Laura Bickle and Debbie van der Beek welcome Sean Hoff, founder of Moniker Partners, for a lively and insightful conversation about creativity, leadership and the evolving world of incentive travel. The discussion kicks off with Moniker’s recent SITE Crystal Award win and the standout program behind it—one led by a rising member of Hoff’s team that highlights the company’s collaborative culture and growing next generation of leaders.

Hoff shares how his background in investment banking shaped Moniker’s unique approach to budgets and transparency, including the company’s Budget Guarantee. We also dive into some of the trends shaping the events landscape right now—from shifting destination choices and travel complexities to rising costs across the industry. Hoff offers a candid look at what he’s seeing globally and how planners can adapt.

Resources:

Read our profile of Moniker’s SITE Crystal Award-winning program.

Read about Moniker’s Budget Guarantee in Ignite's Spring issue.

Learn More about Moniker Partners >

Take the Ignite Worth It Salary Survey.

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Natalie Lowe, CMM, co-founder of The Sustainable Events Forum, shares what sustainability means now.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: attracting the next generation of talent. From ongoing labour shortages to outdated perceptions of what event careers look like, the gap between opportunity and awareness has never been wider.

Joined by four industry leaders who’ve banded together around this issue, the conversation explores why business events is such a dynamic and creative career path—and why the industry can’t afford to stay a “hidden” option for students. Our guests share how they’re working to change the narrative, reach students earlier, and open the door to meaningful, future-ready careers in events.

If the future of the industry matters to you, this is a conversation worth hearing.

A special thank you to our episode sponsor, The Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Episode Guests

Harpreet Atwal, Director of Event Sales, JPdL

Samantha Mele, Founder and Chief Experience Officer, The Creative Connoisseur

Sasha Saladziak, Senior Director of National Special Event Sales, Canada, Live Nation

Carly Silberstein, founder and CEO, Cielle & Co

Resources:

Watch “Behind the Magic: Exploring the World of Events, Concerts and Experiences,” created by our guests.

Join or support the movement.

Read Is a Staffing Crisis Looming?

Take the Ignite Worth It: Salary Survey

Download the MMBC Advocacy Toolkit

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit Ignite on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Sean Hoff, founder and CEO of Moniker Partners, the award-winning corporate retreat planning agency, shares the motivation behind his company’s Budget Guarantee, as well as your business philosophy the lessons he has learned.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

Welcome to our annual Ignite team podcast, where we gather in the recording booth to take a look back at the big trends we predicted for 2025—and an honest conversation about whether they actually happened. And, of course, we’ll take a look forward at what’s shaping business events in 2026. We’ll also talk about a big project we are working on in 2026—the Ignite Salary Survey—and how you can get involved!

Joining Debbie and Laura today are:

• Angela Kryhul, Editorial Director, Special Projects, and the editor of Adrenalin Magazine
• Jennifer Newby, Director of Client Innovation
• Melaya Horsten, Director of Communications and Marketing
• Rose Filice, Senior Editor, Special Initiatives
• Tricia Viera, Manager, Audience and Finance Operations

Resources:

Read the Ignite 2026 Event Trend Report 2026 in the Winter Issue of Ignite! Learn more about Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC).

Take the Ignite Worth It Salary Survey

Download the MMBC Advocacy Toolkit at https://meetingsmeanbusiness.ca/resources/#_Advocacy-Toolkit

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: Event pros Harpreet Atwal, Samantha Mele, Sasah Saladziak and Carly Silberstein share the initiatives they are undertaking to shine a light on career pathways in business events to inspire the next generation to see the industry as a viable, creative and rewarding occupation.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2026

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Minto Schnieder. She is the Chair of Meetings Mean Business Canada, a coalition that brings together leaders from across the meetings and events industry to speak with one voice about the value and economic impact of business events in this country.

We’re talking about advocacy, federal funding and what the latest budget means for Canada’s business-events sector. Join us!

Thank you to our episode sponsor, Tourism Prince George. To learn more and connect with their team to start planning your next event visit tourismpg.com.

Resources:

Learn more about Meetings Mean Business Canada (MMBC)

Download the MMBC Advocacy Toolkit

Read these articles featuring Minto Schneider:

Advocate to Elevate (Summer 2025)

Tourism as an Economic Driver (Winter 2025)

Acronym Decoder:

ICAF: International Convention Attraction Fund. Learn more

CARM: The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Assessment and Revenue Management system, a mandatory system for commercial importers to manage duties and taxes on goods entering Canada, including goods for tradeshow and exhibits. Learn more

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Take the Ignite Worth It Salary Survey

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

Next episode: The entire Ignite team joins us in the podcast booth to share their insights on what’s new and noteworthy in events now. Be prepared to be inspired!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025

In this episode of Ignite Your Events, we sit down with Jennifer Beatty, a respected industry leader whose career spans roles with TIAC, Tourism Calgary, Resiada and Travel Alberta, along with extensive volunteer work for MPI, where she serves as chair of the Global Board of Trustees for the MPI Foundation.

Jennifer shares how the relationships she’s built throughout her career became a vital source of strength during her ongoing battle with cancer—a journey she has faced with honesty and courage. She opens up about the systemic challenges in cancer care and why she’s become an advocate for greater awareness of the essential role of pathologists. Jennifer also discusses her latest initiative, Tea for Advocacy, taking place October 31 in Ottawa—an event that blends community, conversation and purpose.

Resources:

Learn more about and register for Tea for Advocacy—you can attend in-person or virtually):

Visit the Worth It landing page on Ignite magazine’s website for resources, back issues, and ongoing conversations.

Sign up for a FREE subscription to Ignite magazine for more ideas and inspiration.

Visit us on LinkedIn >

Do you have a comment, a question or want to share a story about business practices in the event industry? We want to hear from you! Email us a voice memo or drop us a line at podcast@ignitemag.ca.

Be sure to subscribe to the Ignite Your Events podcast so you don’t miss any of our inspiring content.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of Ignite Your Events. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and practical advice to elevate your business events!

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We are not responsible for any losses, damages or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast.

Copyright Ignite 2025