--- title: Corralling the Chaos Podcast description: A podcast for companies and crew professionals in the event industry. We're pulling back the curtain to talk publicly about things event professionals worry about privately. Asking tough questions so we can give you the answers you need, and nothing is off-limits. --- # Corralling the Chaos Welcome to *Corralling the Chaos*, the podcast where we round up the world of event management.  Each episode, we'll unravel the complexities of managing events, from staffing and scheduling to embracing technology and adapting to industry trends. Explore success stories, learn from challenges, and discover the strategies that keep live events running like well-oiled machines. So, saddle up as we wrangle the chaos and find the order within. ![CorrallingTheChaos_WEB_Mobile](https://podcast.lasso.io/hubfs/Podcast%20Social%20Graphics/CorrallingTheChaos_WEB_Mobile.jpg) ## Listen wherever you get your podcasts [![Apple Podcast](https://podcast.lasso.io/hubfs/Apple%20Podcast.png "Apple Podcast")](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/corralling-the-chaos/id1635947568?uo=4) [![Spotify_Logo_CMYK_Green](https://podcast.lasso.io/hubfs/Spotify_Logo_CMYK_Green.png "Spotify_Logo_CMYK_Green")](https://open.spotify.com/show/5iyea5LNUZKhwoK9mrcib4) [![Amazon music](https://podcast.lasso.io/hubfs/Amazon%20music.jpg "Amazon music")](https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/9465a4b9-bfb0-4815-9d46-a0634f5b3d92) [![google_podcasts](https://podcast.lasso.io/hubfs/google_podcasts.png "google_podcasts")](https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnRoZWxvb3AuY2FzdG9zLmNvbS9mZWVk) [![stitcher-logo-transparent](https://podcast.lasso.io/hubfs/stitcher-logo-transparent.png "stitcher-logo-transparent")](https://www.stitcher.com/show/corralling-the-chaos) - [ ALL ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/all) - [ Event Company ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/event-company) - [ Real-Time Insights ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/real-time-insights) - [ Event Execution ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/event-execution) - [ Growing Revenue ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/growing-revenue) - [ Attracting Talent ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/attracting-talent) - [ Event Crew ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/event-crew) - [ Streamlining Ops ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/streamlining-ops) - [ Controlling Costs ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/controlling-costs) - [ Minimizing Risks ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/minimizing-risks) - [ AV Production ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/av-production) - [ Industry Trends ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/industry-trends) - [ Compliance ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/compliance) - [ Event Staffing ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/event-staffing) - [ AV Staffing ](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/tag/av-staffing) Attracting Talent ### [Episode 56: Nurturing Connections: Building Strong Relationships in the Events Industry](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-56-nurturing-connections-building-strong-relationships-in-the-events-industry) Discover the pivotal role relationships play in shaping reputations within the events industry in this episode of "Corralling the Chaos." Explore... Angela Alea Apr 29, 2024 ### [Episode 55: Streamlining Staffing: Angela's Quick Cash Flow Fixes](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-55-streamlining-staffing-angelas-quick-cash-flow-fixes) This is a “minisode” of "Corralling the Chaos", focused on providing guidance for event staffing companies to improve their bottom line. Angela Alea Apr 15, 2024 ### [Episode 54: Putting AV in Focus: How to Start at Level 1 in the Events Industry](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-54-putting-av-in-focus-how-to-start-at-level-1-in-the-events-industry) This podcast episode of "Corralling the Chaos" features a conversation with Stephen Jensen from SJP in Vegas, focusing on the importance of training,... Angela Alea Apr 8, 2024 ### [Episode 53: Classifying Employees vs. Independent Contractors: Navigating Compliance in the Event Industry](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-53-classifying-employees-vs.-independent-contractors-navigating-compliance-in-the-event-industry) Learn more about the recent ruling by the Department of Labor on employee classification as Angela and Jennifer Watson explore the implications for... Angela Alea Apr 1, 2024 ### [Episode 52: 2024 State of the Industry Featuring Tom Stimson](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-52-2024-state-of-the-industry-featuring-tom-stimson) Tom Stimson joins us to discuss the events industry's current state post-report, covering challenges, opportunities, labor outsourcing, freelancer... Angela Alea Mar 11, 2024 Growing Revenue ### [Episode 51: Navigating Sales & Proposals: Iceberg Selling with Karl Becker](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-51-navigating-sales-proposals-iceberg-selling-with-karl-becker) This episode of Corralling the Chaos featuring Karl Becker discusses sales and proposals in the event production industry. Angela Alea Feb 12, 2024 Real-Time Insights ### [Episode 50: Best of 2023: Corralling the Chaos' Top Moments](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/best-of-2023-corralling-the-chaos-top-moments) In this episode, Angela takes a look back at some of 2023's best conversations on event culture, leadership, collaboration, AI capabilities in live... Angela Alea Dec 12, 2023 Attracting Talent ### [Episode 49: 2023 National Crew Appreciation Week](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/2023-national-crew-appreciation-week) Coming soon! November 6th- 10th will be a single week out of the year for the events industry to show its appreciation for the people who make the... Angela Alea Oct 31, 2023 Real-Time Insights ### [Episode 48: Trading Tradition for Innovation and Growth feat. Jon Kazarian](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-48-trading-tradition-for-innovation-and-growth-jonathan-kazarian) In this episode, Jon Kazarian, Accelevents CEO, redefines event success by bridging the C-suite gap, streamlining operations, and discovering... Angela Alea Oct 24, 2023 Attracting Talent ### [Episode 47: The Worst Trend in the Events Industry Right Now](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-47-the-worst-trend-in-the-events-industry-right-now) In this episode, Angela stresses the importance of on-time, fair pay for crew, recognizing their value and confronting late payment practices. Angela Alea Oct 3, 2023 ### [Episode 46: Educating the Events Industry From the Inside Out Feat. Zack Grant](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-46-educating-the-events-industry-from-the-inside-out-zack-grant) Zack Grant, CEO of SEAS Productions, joins us to share his insights on the immense value of events industry education for transforming businesses and... Angela Alea Sep 19, 2023 Streamlining Ops ### [Episode 45: How to Enable Your Team to Do Their Best Work Feat. Mark Eicher](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-45-how-to-enable-your-team-to-do-their-best-work-mark-eicher) Mark Eicher, Product Manager at LASSO shares tips on improving workflows - avoid outdated processes that cause mistakes, implement scalable systems... Angela Alea Sep 5, 2023 Growing Revenue ### [Episode 44: Building Events Around Your Clients’ Goals Feat. Huong Nguyen](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-44-building-events-around-client-goals-huong-nguyen) Huong Nguyen, CEO of Shiloh Events, shares insider tips on aligning events with client goals. Learn how she measures qualitative and quantitative ROI... Angela Alea Aug 22, 2023 Real-Time Insights ### [Episode 43: Results Are in: Putting Gaff Tape on Your Inventory & Logistics Solutions is No Longer an Option Feat. Clay Sifford](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-43-results-are-in-no-more-putting-gaff-tape-on-inventory-logistics-solutions) Clay Sifford, CEO and Founder of LASSO, joins us to examine inventory and logistics challenges faced by event companies. From lengthy proposals to... Angela Alea Aug 8, 2023 Controlling Costs ### [Episode 42: The Most Worthwhile 5-Minute Homework Assignment You'll Ever Do](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-42-the-most-worthwhile-5-minute-homework-assignment-youll-ever-do) Angela dives into the hidden costs of workers' comp and shares four important questions to ask yourself that could be eating into your margin by 2-3... Angela Alea Jul 25, 2023 Event Execution ### [Episode 41: Executing High-Stakes Events feat. Nicole Carson](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-41-executing-high-stakes-events-feat-nicole-carson) Nicole Carson, Warner Music's Event Production Director, provides insights on managing festivals, conferences, safety measures, budget management,... Angela Alea Jul 11, 2023 Real-Time Insights ### [Episode 40: Prioritizing People for Event Business Growth Feat. Seth Macchi](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-40-prioritizing-people-for-event-business-growth-seth-macchi-lemg) Seth Macchi, CEO of LEMG, shares his take on fostering growth and success by prioritizing people and nurturing a team-oriented planning approach. Angela Alea Jun 27, 2023 Real-Time Insights ### [Episode 39: Navigating Event Production in Canada Feat. Jeremy Elliott](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-39-navigating-event-production-canada-jeremy-elliott-psi) Jeremy Elliott, General Manager at PSI, dives into the lesser-known challenges confronted by Canadian production companies compared to their American... Jess Cook Jun 13, 2023 Industry Trends ### [Episode 38: Orchestrating Impactful Moments with Evntiv's Sierra Thompson](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-38-orchestrating-impactful-moments-sierra-thompson-evntiv) Sierra Thompson, VP of Business Development at Evntiv, discusses creating impactful moments, connecting attendees, hybrid events, and AI technology's... Jess Cook May 30, 2023 Streamlining Ops ### [Episode 37: Automation as a Competitive Advantage Feat. J Ocana](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-37-automation-as-a-competitive-advantage-feat-j-ocana) J Ocana, co-founder and COO of Reaction Audio Visual, discusses leveraging automation, competing on value, industry voice, process reevaluation, and... Angela Alea May 16, 2023 Event Execution ### [Episode 36: Reinventing Events for the Future: Strategies and Best Practices Feat. Will Curran](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-36-reinventing-events-for-the-future-will-curran) Will Curran, founder of Endless Events shares insights on personal branding, successful event marketing strategies, embracing technology,... Jess Cook May 2, 2023 Growing Revenue ### [Episode 35: How to Build a Revenue Engine](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-35-how-to-build-a-revenue-engine) In this episode, LASSO's own heads of sales and marketing Anthony Zhang and Drew Brucker share their insights on how to create a scalable engine that... Angela Alea Apr 18, 2023 Real-Time Insights ### [Episode 34: Huntly Christie of Christie Lites: Leading with Strength](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-34-dont-let-the-crowd-be-your-leader-christie-lites-huntly-christie) Huntly Christie shares insights and strategies for the event industry, including the importance of being the best opportunity for someone, knowing... Angela Alea Apr 4, 2023 AV Production ### [Episode 33: Don't be Fooled by Low Rates: 4 Billing Misconceptions Debunked](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-33-dont-be-fooled-by-low-bill-rates-4-misconceptions-debunked) Join us in redefining our payment expectations for evolving industries. Let's resolve the common misconceptions about low bill rates and challenge... Angela Alea Mar 22, 2023 Event Company ### [Episode 32: Balancing Client Expectations with Crew Wellbeing (Feat. Korey Troyer)](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-32-balancing-client-expectations-with-crew-wellbeing) Korey Troyer, the Business Development Director at Heard Global shares why it's essential to balance the need for a sustainable work environment for... Jess Cook Mar 7, 2023 AV Production ### [Episode 31: Be the Company the People You're Looking for Are Looking For: AMA with Angela Alea](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-31-angela-answers-your-burning-questions) We put 8 listener-submitted questions in front of Angela to get her take on them in our first AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode. Angela Alea Feb 28, 2023 Event Company ### [Episode 30: Building a Culture of Creativity in Your Event Company (Feat. Charles Eide)](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-30-building-culture-of-creativity-in-event-company-charles-eide) In this episode, Charles Eide, the Founder and CEO of EideCom, discusses the importance of establishing and maintaining company values and culture... Angela Alea Feb 20, 2023 Event Company ### [Episode 29: What Live Event Companies Need to Start and Stop Doing Right Now feat. Kevin Danaj](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-29-the-one-thing-live-event-companies-need-to-start-and-stop-doing-right-now-feat.-kevin-danaj) President and CEO of MVP Collaborative, Kevin Danaj, sits down with Angela Alea to share what he thinks live event companies should and shouldn't be... Angela Alea Feb 13, 2023 Compliance ### [Episode 28: A Vision For The (Near) Future of Live Events feat. Angela Alea](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-28-a-vision-for-the-near-future-of-live-events-feat.-angela-alea) In this episode, we flip the script on Angela, she joins us as a guest to talk about the future of live events and event production. We delve into... Jess Cook Feb 6, 2023 Event Crew ### [Episode 27: Ensuring The Safety of Event Professionals feat. Ray Brock](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-27-ensuring-the-safety-of-event-professionals-feat.-ray-brock) Angela Alea speaks with Ray Brock, director of safety services at Insperity. Angela Alea Jan 23, 2023 Event Company ### [Episode 26: 5 Steps to Identify Your Perfect Customer](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-26-5-steps-to-identify-your-perfect-customer) Angela Alea walks us through her method for identifying a perfect customer and how that's different from an ideal customer or even a customer you... Angela Alea Jan 16, 2023 Event Company ### [Episode 25: The Importance of Community and Trust in the Live Events Industry](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-25-the-importance-of-community-and-trust-in-the-live-events-industry) In this episode, Angela Alea talks with Eric Newkirk, President of EPN, about his 36 years in the live events industry. Eric shares how he got his... Angela Alea Jan 9, 2023 Event Crew ### [Episode 24: Enter the Winners Circle: Advice From the Top AV Professionals](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-24-enter-the-winners-circle-advice-from-the-top-av-professionals) Drew Brucker, VP of Growth at LASSO interviews the 2022 National Crew Appreciation Week winners. Drew Brucker Jan 2, 2023 Compliance ### [Episode 23: Best of 2022: Corralling the Chaos' Top 5 Moments](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-23-best-of-2022-corralling-the-chaos-top-5-moments) Jess Cook, Head of Content at LASSO takes a look back at five of our most thought-provoking episodes and guests. Jess Cook Dec 26, 2022 Event Staffing ### [Episode 22: The 12 Must-Know State Laws that Affect Live Events in California](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-22-events-produced-in-california-12-things-you-need-to-know) Doing events in the state of California can seem daunting, scary, and super expensive. I've heard a number of companies out there say, you know what?... Angela Alea Dec 19, 2022 Event Crew ### [Episode 21: Becoming the Leader You Needed Early in Your Career feat. Tan Wells](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-21-becoming-the-kind-of-leader-you-needed-early-in-your-career) Angela Alea speaks with Tan Wells, VP of Client Services at Freeman about career growth, family, and having a life in live events. Angela Alea Dec 12, 2022 Industry Trends ### [Episode 20: How To Standardize and Simplify Pay Rules](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/how-to-standardize-and-simplify-pay-rules) Angela Alea's teaching us three ways we can standardize and simplify our pay rules and walking us through the benefits of doing so. Angela Alea Dec 6, 2022 Event Crew ### [LIVE National Crew Appreciation Awards Ceremony](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/ncaw-awards-ceremony-live) Listen to the live recording of the first-ever National Crew Appreciation Week Awards Ceremony. Angela Alea Nov 28, 2022 Industry Trends ### [Episode 18: Planning for Success: How to Achieve your Live Event Goals feat. Tom Stimson](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-18-planning-for-success-achieve-your-live-event-business-goals-tom-stimson) Do you have a plan for your live events business? Tom Stimson coaches live event professionals and 'accidental entrepreneurs' on how they can achieve... Angela Alea Nov 21, 2022 Event Crew ### [Episode 17: Daily Overtime vs. Weekly, Why Perception Isn't Always Reality](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/daily-overtime-vs.-weekly-why-perception-isnt-always-reality) When it comes to paying daily overtime vs. weekly the perception is not always the reality. Angela Alea unpacks this topic for us. Angela Alea Nov 14, 2022 Event Crew ### [Episode 16: Balancing Fatherhood, Travel and a Career in Events feat. Nate Nicholson](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-16-balancing-fatherhood-travel-and-a-career-in-events-feat.-nate-nicholson) Nate Nicholson joins Angela Alea for a conversation about life on the road as a crew member, and how difficult it can be to balance family time with... Angela Alea Nov 7, 2022 ### [Episode 15: The Importance of Finding Your Perfect Customer](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-15-the-importance-of-finding-your-perfect-customer) Learn how to save time, money, and angst by going through the Perfect Customer Profile exercise in this episode of Corralling The Chaos. Angela Alea Oct 31, 2022 ### [Episode 14: Handling More Shows With Less Crew feat. Susan Conner & Aaron Merkin](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-14-more-shows-less-crew-feat.-susan-conner-aaron-merkin) This episode unpacks the relationship between the event companies and the suppliers they rely on. Angela Alea leads our conversation with Susan... Angela Alea Oct 21, 2022 ### [Episode 13: Announcing National Crew Appreciation Week](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/announcing-national-crew-appreciation-week) Coming soon! November 7th- 11th will be a single week out of the year for the events industry to show its appreciation for the people who make the... Angela Alea Oct 14, 2022 ### [Episode 12: How To Advance Your Events Career Through Education & Training feat. Omar Colom](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/how-to-advance-your-events-career-through-education-and-training) In today's episode, we speak with Omar Colom of Evolve Technology and AV Educate about his never-ending quest to build both his skills and his... Angela Alea Oct 10, 2022 ### [Episode 11: The Benefits of Being a W2 Crew Member](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-11-why-you-should-be-a-w2-tech-crew-member) Angela breaks down the difference between 1099 vs. w2 and most importantly, why people miss out on far too much money and opportunities due to... Angela Alea Oct 10, 2022 ### [Episode 10: Why The Live Events Industry Needs Advocacy feat. Nancy Shaffer & Dwayne Thomas](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-10-why-the-live-events-industry-needs-advocacy) In this episode, Nancy Shaffer and Dwayne Thomas of the Live Events Coalition, a non-profit group that speaks out and advocates for the live events... Angela Alea Sep 27, 2022 ### [Episode 9: How to Market Yourself as a Tech](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-9-how-to-market-yourself-as-a-tech) Michele Smith, joins us to talk about how event techs can really stand out in this industry. Angela Alea Sep 16, 2022 ### [Episode 8: AB5 - How California Events Have Changed](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/ab5-how-california-events-have-changed) So what is AB5? We're going to look at what's changed in California that now limits your ability to classify workers as independent contractors,... Angela Alea Sep 12, 2022 ### [Episode 7: Selling The Show](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-7-selling-the-show) This week on Corralling The Chaos we're talking with Dave Jensen, Jonathan Roffel and Karl Becker about the one piece of the event industry puzzle... Angela Alea Sep 2, 2022 ### [Episode 6: Corralling The Chaos On Show Sites feat. Mike Aubry and George Flores](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-6-corralling-the-chaos-on-show-sites) Angela Alea, and special guests Mike Aubry and George Flores unpack the chaos on event sites and what measures leaders can take to help their crew... Angela Alea Aug 25, 2022 ### [Episode 5: Five Things Threatening Your Company's Success (& How to Fix It)](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-5-top-5-missed-opportunities) This week, Angela Alea explains why businesses must stop overlooking these opportunities that their competition are already capitalizing on. Angela Alea Aug 19, 2022 ### [Episode 4: Defining Professionalism Ft. Mel Baglio & Bob Solsbak](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-4-defining-professionalism-ft.-mel-baglio-bob-solsbak) Join Angela Alea and special guests Melissa Baglio and Bob Solsbak as they define professionalism for both companies and crew in the industry. Angela Alea Aug 15, 2022 ### [Episode 3: Removing The "Us vs. Them" Mentality](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-3-code-of-the-west) In this week's episode join our host, Angela Alea, as she explores the Code of the West, a set of unwritten rules from cowboy culture that just might... Angela Alea Aug 8, 2022 ### [Episode 2: What Kind of Company Do You Want To Be? Ft. Clay Sifford](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-2-what-kind-of-company-do-you-want-to-be-ft.-clay-sifford) Clay Sifford, CEO and Founder, shares the story behind how LASSO came to be on this week's episode hosted by Angela Alea. Listen in as they unpack... Angela Alea Aug 1, 2022 ### [Episode 1: Talking Publicly About Things Event Pros Worry About Privately](https://podcast.lasso.io/corralling-the-chaos-podcast/episode-1-believe-the-best) Meet our host, Angela Alea, the President and Chief Revenue Officer at LASSO, as she leads our audience on a mission to set order to chaos in the... Angela Alea Jul 25, 2022 ### What Do You Want to Hear on a Future Podcast? ### Get the latest in your inbox Find industry insights, tools, and tactics for event and entertainment production companies, event staff and security, and crew members. Subscribe today to stay in the loop!