Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Inside The Greenroom | AYR


Aug 22, 2019

Connect with us!

 Welcome Don Shaffer, the Executive Director at CADA, inside the Greenroom! In this episode, we discuss the true meaning of a dream stage – from winning the stage to winning over the audience.

The California Association of Directors of Activities(CADA) is the largest statewide support network for Activities Directors in the nation. Their mission is to promote and support leadership development through student activities. 

Don Shaffer has been the meeting planner for this event for 25 years, and it took me and my team a whopping 4 years to win his stage. BUT – it was worth it – the results were spectacular. The entire experience formed the foundation of a principle we use EVERY day today: A Dream Stage. 

We also cover:

  • How to find the REAL decision-maker at an event, and how to connect with them. 
  • Running 100 events a year: How they REALLY pull it off.
  • The keys to creating an unforgettable experience for your attendees.
  • Their Event Checklist: Before, during, and after the event.
  • Secrets to communicating so everyone has a great event experience! 
  • Finally, we dive deep into your WHY.

 Quick Episode Summary:

  • 4:35 Welcome Don Inside The Greenroom!
  • 5:00 How long Don has been with CADA
  • 5:39 What is CADA?
  • 7:06 How many speakers CADA hires every year
  • 8:39 How CADA runs 100 events each year
  • 10:15 What every event can learn from CADA
  • 11:39 How CADA generates revenue
  • 14:10 Who controls CADA's stages
  • 15:05 The definition of s Dream Stage
  • 17:10 How you can start booking more stages
  • 18:59 The mistake I made when trying to book CADA
  • 23:50 The careers CADA has launched
  • 25:44 Don's advice to all speakers
  • 27:41 The speaker who has impacted Don the most
  • 28:01 Don's favorite up-and-coming speakers
  • 28:50 Why live events still matter to Don
  • 29:35 Don's favorite moment inside a green room
  • 33:21 Always remember your WHY
  • 34:27 My biggest takeaway

Connect With Don: