Episode 1: Daphne Earp Hoppenot, Founder, The Vendry

Episode 1: Daphne Earp Hoppenot, Founder, The Vendry

Author: Charles Laughlin August 21, 2024 Duration: 37:48

Welcome to the first episode of the Craft of Conferencing Podcast. This show features enlightening and candid conversations with thought leaders in the B2B conferencing space. We are launching as a monthly podcast. However, the show’s frequency will eventually increase to weekly.

Our inaugural guest is Daphne Earp Hoppenot. If you are an eventing pro you will know Daphne as the founder of The Vendry, an event-tech platform built to fix what Daphne saw as a broken venue-search ecosystem.

The idea for The Vendry came to Daphne while at Yext, which produced multiple events a year and had a high-performing events team that struggled with some of the basics of doing their jobs because of a lack of efficiency, particularly in sourcing event venues.

The Vendry was launched in 2019 and in July of this year, it was acquired by the meeting sourcing and planning platform Groupize.

The conversation focuses on the story of The Vendry from its inception through its recent exit. We also share some candid observations about what makes B2B events tick.

One thread of the discussion touched on why people attend conferences. We agreed that some delegates are just “lobby people” who are there to do business, not to sit in the meeting hall and take notes during keynotes.

We hope you enjoy the show.

To learn more about The Craft of Conferencing, visit our website, or write to us at Charles@craftofconferencing.com.



Get full access to Craft of Conferencing Newsletter at charleslaughlin.substack.com/subscribe

Hosted by Charles Laughlin, The Craft of Conferencing Podcast digs into the often overlooked mechanics and strategy behind successful conferences and professional speaking. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a focused exploration for those who build, market, and participate in these events as a serious part of their business or career. Each episode breaks down the elements that transform a standard meeting into a meaningful experience, covering the intersection of logistics, technology, storytelling, and audience engagement. You'll hear practical insights applicable to conference organizers, seasoned speakers looking to refine their impact, and marketers aiming to leverage events for genuine business development. The conversations go beyond the stage, considering the nuanced craft that makes a conference resonate long after it concludes. Tune in for a thoughtful analysis of how we gather, share ideas, and build communities in professional spaces. Find more from this podcast and continue the discussion through the author's substack, where the dialogue extends beyond the audio. Whether you're deeply embedded in the industry or simply curious about the deliberate art behind the events you attend, this podcast offers a unique lens on a ubiquitous part of modern professional life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 4

The Craft of Conferencing Podcast
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