42. The Secret to Event Planning: Logistics, Luxury & Last-Minute Pivots | Laura Lawton | B Student

What makes an event truly unforgettable? In this episode of the B Student Podcast, Betsy welcomes Laura Lawton, founder of BASH Orlando, for a conversation about event planning, leadership, creativity, hospitality, entrepreneurship, personal branding, and building memorable experiences that go far beyond what shows up on Instagram.Laura shares how her identity as a seventh-generation Texan shaped her “go big or go home” mindset, how she built meaningful relationships after moving to Florida, and why the best events are rooted in personalization, trust, thoughtful logistics, and the guest experience. From parking and bathrooms to lighting, florals, playlists, signature cocktails, rain plans, and last-minute pivots, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to execute a successful event.This conversation is also a powerful episode for women in business, creatives, and professionals navigating reinvention. Laura opens up about staying home with her children for 18 years, returning to work, overcoming a confidence gap, and using credentialing and training to step back into business with confidence.If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, event design, hospitality strategy, women returning to work, leadership under pressure, or how to create luxury experiences through human connection, this episode is packed with insight.Time Stamps:0:00 Intro + Human in the Room preorder1:05 Meet Laura Lawton of Bash Orlando4:10 Seventh-generation Texan roots + “go big” mindset7:42 Building community in Florida + staying authentic10:18 What makes an event memorable: personal over performative13:52 Why Laura doesn’t do weddings + the pressure of Instagram-worthy events17:28 The new luxury: gathering people well + guest experience matters21:46 Behind the scenes of event planning: parking, bathrooms, weather, and pivots27:18 Returning to work after 18 years at home + confidence, credentialing, and imposter syndrome31:48 Hosting tips, entertaining trends, signature cocktails, final takeaways + book reminder-----------------------------------Listen to more episodes of The B-Student Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Like this video, subscribe, and comment your favorite London spot or what city has most transformed you.Follow Laura Lawton / Bash Orlando:Instagram: @bash.orlandoWebsite: bashorlando.com-----------------------------------Connect with Betsy Gardner:Website: https://www.betsygardner.com/ Learn More about Winter Park Chamber of Commerce: https://www.winterpark.org/Pre-order your copy of Human in the Room today! Use code BSTUDENT through Friday, March 27 to receive 10% off. Books can be preordered at humanintheroombook.com. --------------------------------Podcast produced by Hi Hello Labs: https://www.hihellolabs.com/