This week Karen and Jack were joined by Stephen, the visionary Founder of Clearwater Events. With a hands-on approach to event planning, client development, and legacy building, Stephen is committed to delivering excellence through diversity, equality, and innovation. His mission? To create unforgettable experiences with impeccable customer service, brilliant creativity, and cutting-edge technology.

Stephen's journey has been impressive. As Senior Account Director at MCI Events, he was instrumental in nurturing client relationships and developing impactful event programs tailored to client needs.

Previously, as Head of Events for North America at American Express Meetings & Events, Stephen led a team of 80 event professionals, driving their growth and ensuring they delivered creative, targeted event solutions that consistently exceeded client expectations. His career has taken him from Singapore and Hong Kong to North America, managing a wide range of global and local clients.

Outside of the event world, Stephen is passionate about aviation, collects model planes, and finds his true happiness on the slopes with a pair of skis.

Keep a track of all that's going on with the Podcast via;

www.theeventsinsight.com/
www.linkedin.com/company/the-events-insight-podcast/
www.instagram.com/the_eventsin/

See more about our Season Sponsor RedBox Events via;

https://www.redboxevents.com/

Find out more about our Shoutout Sponsor The Hospitality Partnership via;

https://www.hospitality-partnership.com/

Our Season Quickfire round Sponsor is Fuchsia Exhibition & Conference Services;

https://www.fuchsia-exhibition-services.com/

Our partnership with Standout Magazine is also worth following;

https://standoutmagazine.co.uk/

Music Credits go to;

Artist: Cathrine Rannus
Title: The Events Insight Theme Music

Music from #Uppbeat:
Forever - Sega Williams
https://uppbeat.io/t/sega-williams/forever
License code: 7F5KY293FYDFNVEV

Fly Away - Mountaineer
https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/fly-away
License code: EKN0IYNUKGUXMCTW

Clarity - Zoo
https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity
License code: GL25RXVDXIBQWSWL

Makenzie Stokel is the Co-Founder of EVA, an innovative platform that automates the process of booking entertainment for events.

Makenzie has been a young leader in the events and entertainment industries since starting EVA while attending Belmont University. With degrees in Music Business and Entrepreneurship, she is passionate about creating paid performance opportunities for up and coming artists.

She has been recognized as a leader in the Austin community on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and at the Austin Under 40 Awards.

She currently serves on the boards of ILEA (International Live Events Association) and STEP (Society of Talent and Entertainment Professionals).

During the chat with Karen and Jack you get to understand where that passion and drive came from. You will also here how the business has evolved over the years when faced with both challenges and opportunities.

Keep a track of all that's going on with the Podcast via;

www.theeventsinsight.com/
www.linkedin.com/company/the-events-insight-podcast/
www.instagram.com/the_eventsin/

See more about our Season Sponsor RedBox Events via;

https://www.redboxevents.com/

Find out more about our Shoutout Sponsor The Hospitality Partnership via;

https://www.hospitality-partnership.com/

Our Season Quickfire round Sponsor is Fuchsia Exhibition & Conference Services;

https://www.fuchsia-exhibition-services.com/

Our partnership with Standout Magazine is also worth following;

https://standoutmagazine.co.uk/

Music Credits go to;

Artist: Cathrine Rannus
Title: The Events Insight Theme Music

Music from #Uppbeat:
Forever - Sega Williams
https://uppbeat.io/t/sega-williams/forever
License code: 7F5KY293FYDFNVEV

Fly Away - Mountaineer
https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/fly-away
License code: EKN0IYNUKGUXMCTW

Clarity - Zoo
https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity
License code: GL25RXVDXIBQWSWL

Martin has masterminded some of the world’s most significant major events including the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Hull UK City of Culture 2017, Unboxed; Creativity in the UK and most recently the ceremonies and cultural programmes for Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022 and Eurovision in Liverpool on behalf of Ukraine. In January 2024 he was appointed Vice President of Global Live events at Tait, leading producing for the international renowned entertainment company.

He was an advisor to the Japan 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Dubai Expo 2020. In 2018 He was made CBE in The Queen's New Year Honours List. Eurovision has received two Royal Television Society and BAFTA awards.

In this epsiode Martin is generous with his time as he shares examples of how his journey has given him so many experiences that have shaped the person he is today.

Keep a track of all that's going on with the Podcast via;

www.theeventsinsight.com/
www.linkedin.com/company/the-events-insight-podcast/
www.instagram.com/the_eventsin/

See more about our Season Sponsor RedBox Events via;

https://www.redboxevents.com/

Find out more about our Shoutout Sponsor The Hospitality Partnership via;

https://www.hospitality-partnership.com/

Our Season Quickfire round Sponsor is Fuchsia Exhibition & Conference Services;

https://www.fuchsia-exhibition-services.com/

Our partnership with Standout Magazine is also worth following;

https://standoutmagazine.co.uk/

Music Credits go to;

Artist: Cathrine Rannus
Title: The Events Insight Theme Music

Music from #Uppbeat:
Forever - Sega Williams
https://uppbeat.io/t/sega-williams/forever
License code: 7F5KY293FYDFNVEV

Fly Away - Mountaineer
https://uppbeat.io/t/mountaineer/fly-away
License code: EKN0IYNUKGUXMCTW

Clarity - Zoo
https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity
License code: GL25RXVDXIBQWSWL