Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Karen Eastwood. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Karen, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

ESPO Hub is the all-in-one marketplace for the event industry, connecting event professionals with the resources they need. Our mission is to simplify event planning and hiring across the nation. By providing direct access to local talent, vendors, suppliers, and staff, ESPO Hub empowers event planners and producers to source all their needs from their communities. This ensures opportunities for local businesses and professionals, keeping people employed and money circulating within the community.

Karen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Here’s a polished version that you can use in marketing materials, on your website, or for introductions:

With over 26 years of experience in the Event Industry, I’ve had the privilege of recruiting top-tier event staff, working with leading suppliers and vendors, and planning successful events nationwide. I started my business with just $500 and, within six months, expanded it across the country. Along the way, I’ve collaborated with well-known companies and produced memorable events—from corporate meetings and conferences to sporting events, music festivals, and nationwide tours.

I’m proud to be known as the “Master of Event Staffing,” a title earned through my dedication to ensuring that every team arrives fully prepared and informed. This level of preparation guarantees smooth, well-coordinated events for clients and fosters strong collaboration among event teams.

Planning events in new cities can be a stressful and time-consuming process for planners and producers as they search for talent, speakers, vendors, and suppliers. This challenge, paired with the growing demand for events nationwide, led to the creation of ESPO Hub.

ESPO Hub—which stands for Events, Suppliers, Planners, Opportunities—was developed to simplify event planning and hiring. It provides direct access to event professionals locally and nationwide. On ESPO Hub, event jobs and gigs are posted for staff and talent to apply directly. The platform also features profiles of event professionals, making it easy for users to connect and hire. Our mission is to streamline the event planning process and make sourcing local talent effortless, ensuring that events across the country are well-staffed and expertly run.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Before the pandemic, my company was managing over 150 events per month across five time zones, with meetings scheduled months in advance and event teams contracted and ready. When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, everything changed overnight. Events were canceled globally, and I was initially confident that this would only be a short-term disruption. However, as the months passed, the reality of the situation set in.

Recognizing the impact on my staff, I made the decision to pay them out early, providing them with financial support during this uncertain time. Like so many others, I faced immense challenges, but I chose to use this period productively. I spent quality time with my son and began rethinking my business strategy.

It was during this time that ESPO Hub was born. I realized the need for an event marketplace where professionals could connect and collaborate, even in a disrupted industry. I began sourcing IT companies to develop the platform, and today, ESPO Hub has grown to over 800 + paid subscribers nationwide and growing every day. It has been exciting to see event professionals working together and finding opportunities through the platform, driving a new era of collaboration in the event industry.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Throughout my event industry career, I’ve experienced the ups and downs of building a business from the ground up. I’ve put in countless hours of hard work, always maintaining a positive attitude. I rarely say “no,” as I believe that embracing opportunities helps me grow and improve. I’ve faced challenges, like companies declaring bankruptcy after successful events, and long, sleepless days to ensure the success of tours, meetings, conferences, or large sporting and music events. Through it all, I’ve learned to value and appreciate those who work alongside me as part of the team, always finding solutions and keeping a smile in the face of the unexpected.

During the COVID-19 shutdown, when our entire industry came to a halt, I wanted to create a simpler way to connect event professionals. That’s how ESPO Hub was born. I recognized the need for a marketplace where professionals could collaborate, even in uncertain times. After sourcing IT companies to develop the platform, today, ESPO Hub has grown to over 800+ paid subscribers nationwide. It’s been exciting to watch event professionals find opportunities and work together through the platform, driving a new era of collaboration.

Currently, I’m honored to have been invited to speak at The Event Planner Expo 2024 in NYC. I’m humbled to share ESPO Hub’s innovative Event Industry Marketplace, which is transforming how event professionals source, connect, and hire. I look forward to showcasing the future of event planning!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.espohub.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/espohub/?next=%2Ftse.staffing.events%2F
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556480160494
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/espo-hub/?viewAsMember=true
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ESPOhub123

Image Credits

ESPO Hub