Not The Same As Last Year

Hi, I'm Clare Forestier, your guide to shaking up business events. Welcome to Not the Same as Last Year, where we ditch the predictable to focus on attendee-first experiences. Every week, we challenge the norm, offering tips to create events your attendees will love, alongside insights from event rebels. Ready to make your corporate events unforgettable? Join the movement. Let's transform audiences together!

Not The Same As Last Year is a business podcast hosted by Clare Forestier, with 37 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Clare Forestier hosts Not The Same As Last Year, a business show with 37 episodes published.

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  Episode #36

  Making Events Neuro-Inclusive

  Jul 27, 202529 minS0

  <p>Most event organisers aren’t trying to exclude people. But when it comes to neurodivergent attendees, that’s exactly what’s happening – unless you're planning with inclusion in mind from the very beginning.</p><p>In this episode, Clare chats with Andy Williamson, founder of Welcome Brain, about what a neuro-inclusive event actually looks like (and what it doesn’t). They talk about why making your event accessible for different types of brains isn’t just ethical – it’s practical. It increases your potential audience, boosts attendee satisfaction, and doesn’t have to blow the budget.</p><p>Expect honest chat about...

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  Episode #35

  Behind The Mic: Fixing On-Stage Roles

  Jun 12, 202540 minS0

  <p>Why do so many B2B panels fall flat? Why do keynote sessions sometimes miss the mark—despite having great speakers? And why is no one quite sure who’s in charge on stage?</p><p>In this episode, Clare Forestier is joined by Richard John—COO of Realize and co-author of the new white paper Behind the Mic: A Definitive Guide to On-Stage Roles at Events.</p><p>Together, they tackle one of the biggest problems in B2B events: role confusion. From misused moderators to misplaced MCs, we discuss why assuming any good speaker can fill any on-sta...

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  Episode #34

  Rethinking Swag for Better Attendee Experience

  Apr 28, 202511 minS0

  <p>Swag isn’t the enemy — badly thought-out swag is. </p><p>In this short but punchy episode, Clare Forestier asks event organisers to rethink their approach to giveaways. Instead of cluttering up attendees’ lives (and landfills) with throwaway items, what if we used swag to enhance the attendee experience and leave a meaningful impression?</p><p>Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to make your event giveaways memorable for the right reasons.</p><p>What You’ll Learn:</p>Why swag isn’t inherently a problem — bad swag is.How to flip your mindset and use swag to deepen at...

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  Episode #33

  Sponsor-Friendly AND Audience-First? It IS Possible

  Mar 24, 202530 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Not the Same as Last Year, Clare is joined by seasoned event sales and sponsorship expert Richard Morris, who’s been transforming how sponsors show up at events for over 25 years.</p><p>From tired sponsorship packages to cringeworthy on-stage moments, Clare and Richard explore the very real tension between what sponsors want and what audiences need. They share ways to shift the story—from last-minute fixes to building a better approach from the start.</p><p>This one’s a must-listen for planners tired of hearing “but that’s what we sold them,” and for anyone t...

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  Episode #32

  Gamification: Gimmick or Game-Changer for Events?

  Mar 12, 202515 minS0

  <p>Gamification at events, it’s everywhere. But does it actually work? Or is it just another buzzword slapped onto an event with no real impact? In this episode of Not The Same As Last Year, I break down what gamification should actually do and how to make it meaningful rather than just sticking points and badges on things.</p><p>The truth about gamification - why most attempts fail</p><p>How to use gamification to drive real networking and engagement</p><p>Creative ways to gamify sessions (without making them cringe)</p><p>Simple ideas that boost interaction...

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