Event Explorer

A Degree for Event Pros! with Dr. Tim Otteman

How do you train someone to run a music festival, a halftime show, or a citywide celebration? It starts with education.
In this episode of Event Explorer, we sit down with Dr. Tim Otteman from Central Michigan University—one of the only accredited event management programs in the U.S.—to talk about what it takes to prepare the next generation of event professionals.
From hands-on internships to classroom lessons in risk, budgeting, and cultural impact, Dr. Otteman shares how education is shaping the future of the events industry—and why creating meaningful experiences starts long before anyone arrives onsite.
🎓 A must-listen for educators, producers, and anyone looking to break into the world of live events.
 #EventExplorer #Events #EventProfs #Podcast #Education #FestivalLife #LiveEvents #Internships #CollegeToCareer #CreativeCareers #EventManagement #HigherEd #CMU #Leadership #FutureOfEvents

The Sound of East London - Brick Lane Jazz Festival with founder Juliet Kennedy

Juliet Kennedy, founder of Brick Lane Jazz Festival, joins Event Explorer to share how East London’s underground scene helped shape one of the UK’s most exciting music festivals. We talk about curating genre-blurring lineups, building community through venues, and what’s in store for the 2025 edition.
🎶 Brick Lane Jazz Festival returns April 25–27, 2025
Full Lineup and Venue Info: https://www.bricklanejazzfestival.com/
🎧 Listen in, then check out the official Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/31fywv2eq6ozscbxiqhgvia6syby?si=710e68238c884557&nd=1&dlsi=998b762fee904082
#BrickLaneJazzFestival #LondonJazz #UKJazzScene #EastLondonCulture #JazzRefreshed #TomorrowsWarriors #MusicFestival #Festival #Event #IndependentMusic #NeoSoul #Jazz #London

L.A.'s largest parade - The 126th Annual Golden Dragon Parade with Mamie Hong Weinberg

Mamie Hong Weinberg’s story is the story of Chinese American culture in Los Angeles over the last several decades. A lifelong resident of Chinatown, Mamie has watched her community evolve while playing an active role in preserving and celebrating its traditions. In this episode of Event Explorer, Mamie shares her journey from childhood in Chinatown to performing as a dancer, to her current leadership with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles. We dive into the 126-year legacy of the Golden Dragon Parade and how it has become a cultural anchor, shaping generations of Chinese American identity and expression in LA.
🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation about community, tradition, and the power of events to create lasting connections.
🎟 Don’t miss the 126th Annual Golden Dragon Parade on March 22nd from 1 to 4 p.m. along North Broadway in Chinatown!

Building Festivals That Matter: Troy Brown on Jazz in the Gardens

Now in its 18th year, this Miami Gardens institution brings together legendary artists like Ms. Lauryn Hill, New Edition, Toni Braxton, and Beenie Man for a weekend that celebrates Black music, community, and creativity.
In this episode, we sit down with Troy Brown, a powerhouse in the live entertainment industry, to talk about what it takes to grow a festival into a cultural movement. As a key player behind ONE Musicfest, TwoGether Land, and the Black Promoters Collective, Troy shares insights on festival ownership, curation, and the future of live events.
How do you evolve a festival without losing its soul? Why does Miami Gardens matter in the festival landscape? And what’s in store for JITG 2025? Tune in and find out.

Managing Burning Man with Charlie Dolman

On this episode of Event Explorer, Charlie Dolman, Event Operations Director for Burning Man, takes us behind the scenes of building and running Black Rock City. With more than 75,000 people gathering in the Nevada desert, Burning Man requires its own infrastructure, safety systems, and sustainability efforts to function.
We dive into the logistics of laying out the city, managing thousands of volunteers, operating an on-site airport, and adapting to extreme conditions. Charlie also shares insights from the 2024 event and what’s ahead for 2025.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @eventexplorerpodcast and let us know your Burning Man experience or what events we should cover next.
 
#EventExplorer #Podcast #BurningMan #BlackRockCity #BurningMan2024 #FestivalLife #EventProduction #BehindTheScenes #RadicalSelfExpression #LeaveNoTrace #MusicFestival #FestivalSeason #LiveEvents #FestivalVibes #EventIndustry #FestivalExperience #EventPlanning #FestivalCulture #ArtAndMusic #DesertFestival #PlayaLife #CreativeCommunity #MajorFestivals #EventTech #FestivalOrganizers #BurningManProject

From Pirate Radio to Mainstream Makers! On Air Fest with Scott Newman

On this episode of Event Explorer, we’re talking about On Air Fest, the festival that’s turning podcasting into a live, immersive experience. Founder Scott Newman joins us to share how the event brings together podcasters, journalists, musicians, and creative minds like Anderson Cooper, Penn Badgley, Seth Meyers, and The Kid Mero for performances, conversations, and unexpected moments that push the boundaries of storytelling.
From live tapings to experimental sound experiences, we get into what makes On Air Fest more than just a festival—it’s a space where audio comes to life.
#Podcast #Festival #OnAirFest #Brooklyn #AndersonCooper #PennBadgley #SethMeyers #TheKidMero #Storytelling #LivePodcast #CreativeFestival #MediaInnovation #PodcastingCommunity #SoundAndStory #EventExplorer #PodcastersOfInstagram #PodcastLife #NYCEvents #ImmersiveExperience

Providence, Rhode Island's Lumina with Nora Barre

Lumina, Providence’s winter light festival is transforming February into a season of art, connection, and community. Daniel Roth chats with Nora Barre, Executive Director of the Downtown Providence Park Network, about how public-private partnerships are revitalizing the city and showcasing its vibrant culture.
Discover how Lumina’s stunning light installations and local collaborations are boosting tourism, supporting businesses, and turning Providence into a winter destination. Subscribe now and share with someone who loves uncovering the magic behind the world’s best events!

Illuminating Imaginations - Portland Winter Light Festival with Alisha Sullivan

Even the darkest winter nights can shine brightly. On this episode of Event Explorer, we head to Portland, Oregon, to explore the magic of the Portland Winter Light Festival. What began as a grassroots effort to light the city’s bridges has become a dazzling celebration of art, technology, and community, drawing nearly 200,000 visitors each year.
Join us as we talk to Alisha Sullivan, the festival’s Executive Director, about the origins of this glowing event, the artists behind its interactive and kinetic installations, and how light can transform urban spaces. We also explore how light festivals around the world—from Lyon, France, to Sydney, Australia—bring people together in unique and meaningful ways. Don’t miss this illuminating conversation!
#Festivals #Events #Portland #Podcast #WinterFestivals #Art #Light #CityLife #Culture #Explore
 
 

Aspen, Colorado's Winterskol with Julie Hardman

Winter has a way of turning even the chilliest days into something magical, and nowhere does it better than Aspen, Colorado. For 74 years, Wintersköl has been the heartbeat of Aspen’s winter season—a celebration of snow, community, and creativity. From torchlight parades and dazzling fireworks to soup competitions and zany traditions like ski splashes, this festival has it all.
In this episode, Daniel Roth sits down with Julie Hardman, Senior Director of Events at the Aspen Chamber Resort Association, to uncover the history of Wintersköl, the secrets behind its long-standing traditions, and how this year’s festival is kicking off the season in style. Julie also shares how Aspen’s unique culture and its vibrant event scene continue to attract locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re a festival lover, a skier, or just someone who appreciates a cozy winter vibe, this episode has something for everyone. So grab your hot cocoa and join us for an inside look at one of the coolest winter festivals in the world.
🌟 Don’t forget to subscribe to Event Explorer and share your winter festival plans with us—we’d love to feature them in a future episode!
#Winterskol #AspenColorado #WinterFestivals #EventPlanning #SkiAspen #ExploreAspen #WinterWonderland #TorchlightParade #AspenCommunity #EventMarketing #SoupSkol #FestivalSeason #MountainLife #SkiCulture #ColoradoEvents #CelebrateWinter #FestivalPlanning #ExploreEvents
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The Magic of Movie Premiers - Eric Rutherford of 15|40 Productions

In this episode of Event Explorer, we sit down with Eric Rutherford, Senior Producer at 15|40, the creative studio behind some of Hollywood’s most iconic premieres—including Barbie, Dune Part 2, The Marvels, and more. From the evolution of movie premieres to crafting immersive, unforgettable experiences, Eric shares his journey from modeling and acting to producing high-profile events that connect audiences to brands and stories.
We dive into:
 The history and evolution of movie premieresHow 15|40 integrates storytelling and design into their eventsThe impact of social media and streaming on event productionBuilding inclusivity and cultural relevance into Hollywood’s biggest nights
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to create those show-stopping premieres or how events like these shape the entertainment industry, this episode is for you!
👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Event Explorer!
#EventExplorer #EricRutherford #MoviePremieres #EventProduction #HollywoodEvents #1540Productions