Event Explorer

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!
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#EventExplorer #EricRutherford #MoviePremieres #EventProduction #HollywoodEvents #1540Productions

Maker Faire - Dale Dougherty

New Episode Alert! Join Event Explorer as we explore the world of creativity and hands-on innovation with Dale Dougherty, founder of the global Maker movement. In this episode, Dale shares how #MakerFaires around the world—from Tokyo to Rome—bring communities together through interactive projects, sparking curiosity and collaboration across generations. Learn how these events inspire the next wave of creators and provide the tools and connections to turn ideas into reality.
Listen now on Event Explorer for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of hands-on learning and creativity.
#EventExplorer #MakerMovement #DaleDougherty #MakeMagazine #MakerFaire #Creativity #Innovation #STEMEducation #DIY #HandsOnLearning #Podcast

Dia de los Muertos Santa Fe - Raymond Sandoval

Ready to dive into the world of Día de los Muertos? Join me on this episode of Event Explorer as we explore Santa Fe’s rapidly growing Día de los Muertos celebration with Ray Sandoval, the visionary behind this beautiful event. 🎶✨
Discover why Santa Fe, known for its rich history of festivals like the 100-year-old Zozobra, is becoming a must-see destination for honoring the dead. From vibrant ofrendas to glow-in-the-dark parades, this celebration has its unique flair you don’t want to miss!
#DiaDeLosMuertos #SantaFe #EventExplorer #Podcast #CelebrateLife #Festival

Burning Man - Rachel Bowditch, Whitney Hancock, Chris Furste

In this special episode of Event Explorer, host Daniel Roth delves into the enigmatic world of Burning Man—a festival that transcends definition and challenges the norms of art and community. Joined by author and historian Rachel Bowditch, Daniel explores the rich history and cultural impact of this extraordinary event.
We also hear firsthand experiences from two first-time Burners:
Whitney Hancock of Move True Dance shares her journey of self-expression and the transformative power of dance on the playa.
Chris Fürste of @amansmemories recounts his adventures as a content creator, capturing the essence of Burning Man through his lens.
Together, they discuss the event's unique gifting economy, the sense of community, and the personal growth that emerges from participating in such a groundbreaking festival.
Join us as we unravel the magic of Burning Man and discover how it continues to inspire creativity and redefine cultural boundaries.
Subscribe to Event Explorer for more insights into events that shape our world.

Big Texas Comicon - John Hernandez

In this episode of Event Explorer, we dive into the world of comic cons with John Hernandez, President of Big Texas Comic Con.
John shares the story behind the rapid growth of this San Antonio pop culture staple, from securing major celebrity guests like Jon Bernthal and Charlie Cox to creating a must-attend event for fans of all ages.
We also explore how Big Texas Comic Con connects with the local community and supports charities, making a lasting impact beyond the convention floor.
Whether you’re a comic con veteran or new to the scene, this episode offers a fascinating look at what it takes to run a successful, fan-centered event.
Tune in for insights, fun stories, and what to expect from this year’s show.

Great American Beer Festival - Ann Obenchain

In this episode of Event Explorer, we dive into the world of beer festivals and the incredible role they play in the craft beer industry. We focus on the iconic Great American Beer Festival (GABF), the largest beer festival in the U.S. and a key event for both brewers and beer enthusiasts. Join us as we chat with Ann Obenchain, Vice President of Marketing & Communications for the Brewers Association, about the evolution of GABF, what it takes to organize such a massive event, and how festivals like this shape the future of craft brewing. Whether you're a seasoned beer lover or curious about the craft beer scene, this episode is for you! Cheers!

Yellowstone Songwriter Festival - Mike Booth

In this episode of Event Explorer, I sit down with Mike Booth, the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Songwriter Festivals. Since 2016, Mike has been at the forefront of creating three unique festivals that celebrate the art of songwriting while making a significant impact on local communities and music education.
We dive into the origins of these festivals, the importance of storytelling in songwriting, and the delicate balance of growing an event while maintaining its intimate feel. Mike also shares insights into the logistical challenges of running festivals across multiple venues, the role of digital marketing in attracting audiences, and the importance of supporting the next generation of musicians through education and mental wellness initiatives.
Whether you’re an event professional, a music enthusiast, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes workings of festivals, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how to create events that resonate deeply with both artists and audiences.
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San Diego Food + Wine Festival - Michelle Metter

Join us for an enriching episode of Event Explorer as we dive into the world of culinary excellence with Michelle Metter, the visionary founder of Fast Forward Events and the driving force behind the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. Michelle shares her inspiring journey from her early days in event production to creating one of the most celebrated culinary festivals in the country.
In this episode, we explore how Michelle has advanced the traditional festival format through innovative educational components and cultural collaborations. Discover the significant impact that food and wine festivals can have on the industry, local economies, and the culinary identity of a region. Michelle's festival is a prime example of how these events can go beyond indulgence to promote learning, sustainability, and cultural appreciation.
Highlights include:
Michelle's journey into the events industry and the founding of Fast Forward Events
The evolution and unique aspects of the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival
Educational partnerships with the James Beard Foundation and Food Tank
The festival's multicultural programming and collaboration with the Baja Board of Tourism and the Consulate of Mexico
Inspiring stories of chefs, winemakers, and small producers who have been transformed by the festival
Tune in to hear Michelle's passion for creating unforgettable experiences and her vision for the future of food and wine festivals. Whether you're a foodie, wine enthusiast, or event professional, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

The Fair - Nick Morgan

Dive into the heart of the UK festival scene with Nick Morgan on Event Explorer! 🚀 Join us for a riveting conversation with the man reshaping how we party and celebrate across the UK. 🇬🇧
Nick isn’t just a CEO; he's a pioneer steering the future of festivals with his roles at We Are Placemaking and The Fair. From the thumping grounds of Glastonbury to your local town fest, discover the trends, challenges, and innovations making waves in the festival world. 🎶
Don't miss this exclusive insight into the vibrant world of UK festivals. Tap the link to tune in and turn up your festival know-how! 🎧👇
#EventExplorer #UKFestivals #NickMorgan #FestivalCulture #PartyWithPurpose