Raul came up the unlikely way, from theater kid to Freeman AV tech to running one of the country's largest medical conferences in the country. He breaks down what it takes to manage an event like ACEP Scientific Assembly, why he calls every vendor a partner, and how his years on the production floor made him a sharper planner. He and Timothy also get into the association budget squeeze and the shift that's changing why people show up: less about the education, more about experience, mentorship, and career growth.

Whether you're a supplier hoping to win the business, a planner eyeing the next step, or a tech wondering what's on the other side of the road case, this one delivers.

With 25 years in the industry, starting on the hotel side with Marriott before moving in-house, Angie now runs 80+ programs a year. She busts the myths ("banker's hours," the "unlimited budget"), explains why a 14-person executive retreat can be tougher than a 1,400-person event, and gets specific about what wins her business: rates, dates, and space, in bullet points, no fluff. She and Timothy dig into the corporate-versus-association mindset, why speed and detail beat creativity on most RFPs, and why the job ultimately isn't about logistics at all, it's about designing trust.

Whether you're a supplier trying to speak your client's language, a planner curious about the corporate path, or a young pro learning the ropes, this one delivers. 

Larry brings the thunder with a message that is equal parts uplifting and practical. He gets real about choosing your energy, leaning on the right people, and turning strong intentions into forward motion. You will leave with a full cup, a clearer mindset, and that “let’s go” momentum that carries into the rest of your life. 

If you have ever felt burned out, stuck, or like your energy is running on fumes, this conversation is the reset button you did not know you needed.

This episode takes you inside The RK Group, a powerhouse in meeting and event services, and into the legacy that shaped its rise. Jamie Kowalski shares remarkable stories of Rosemary Kowalski and the way her commitment to people, intention and genuine connection became the engine behind the company’s success. Through Jamie’s lens, you see how human connection is not just a value, but a strategy that can move communities forward and elevate everything it touches. It is an energizing look at leadership and legacy rooted in substance, clarity and purpose.

Hear from the President & CEO of ALHI and one of our industry’s leading-edge thought leaders, Mr. Michael Dominguez.  Michael brings forward-thinking clarity to where our industry is headed and what real progress looks like today in an ever-changing landscape. His perspective is sharp, refreshing, and shaped by years of guiding our industry through both calm and chaos.  Get ready for a conversation that will stay with you long after the episode ends.

This episode gives you insider insight into what’s waiting for you—and why you don’t want to be the one hearing about it after it’s over.

Tune in now, then grab your spot at TEC 2025 before it’s too late!  Head to Texas Education Conference (TEC25) to register or grab a booth.

Sidney Stoper is the Executive Producer at INSPIRE Solutions, where he’s spent more than 12 years bringing events to life with precision, creativity, and calm under pressure. Before joining INSPIRE, Sidney built a strong foundation in the hospitality industry, with over 15 years in hotel operations and event management. He is a past chair of the Meetings Industry Council (MIC) of Colorado and a past president of the Greater Denver Chapter of NACE (National Association for Catering and Events). His contributions to the industry have been recognized with the Industry Legacy Award in honor of Sandy Gerety from the MPI Rocky Mountain Chapter.

Carol is a Managing Director with HelmsBriscoe and a champion of continuing education in the meetings industry. With decades of experience in hotel operations and sales—from Hilton to Omni—Carol has helped shape the professional journeys of countless event professionals. She holds multiple certifications, including the CMP, CMM, and HMCC, and in 2017, she founded The CMP Experience Boot Camps—a program designed to guide and inspire others on their path to certification. Carol is not only a leader, but a mentor and motivator, deeply committed to lifting others as she climbs.

Before joining the convention center, Amy held leadership roles in luxury hotels and resorts, refining her expertise in high-end hospitality sales and customer experience. A proud graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, she is an active industry leader, serving as the Co-Chair of the IAVM Sales Sector for Venue Connect.

With a passion for connecting with people and creating unforgettable experiences, Amy is committed to making Austin the ultimate event destination.

Tim has partnered with leading organizations like Accor, Air France, IMEX, Northstar Media, and even the CIA, helping them embrace change through an entrepreneurial mindset. He’s also served on the Community Advisory Board for the Future Founders Foundation, supporting underserved youth in exploring entrepreneurship, and taught marketing and entrepreneurship with the University of Illinois Institute of Entrepreneurial Studies.

Tim is the author of The Marketing Starter: How an Entrepreneurial Spirit Will Make You a More Savvy Marketer - a must-read for anyone ready to shake up their strategy.

Angele joins us to share the “why” behind their big move, the challenges, and triumphs of building a team from the ground up, and the invaluable lessons she carries from her years in the hospitality industry. If you’ve ever considered seeking career advancement, making a career move, starting your own venture, or just love to hear other women succeed, check out this episode.