Event Planner Confessions

In this episode, we sit down with Nicola, CEO of ELX — the exclusive community for senior event leaders at enterprise companies. Nicola shares her winding career path from incentive travel dreamer to leading one of the most talked-about communities in the events industry.We dig into what makes ELX different, why event leaders feel so isolated in their roles, and how Chatham House rules create a space for real, unfiltered conversation. If you want to learn more about the community, visit https://www.eventleaders.com/.Nicola also gets into the data that keeps her up at night — like the fact that 28% of senior event leaders have no KPIs for their events — and why shifting from the "events business" mindset to the "business of events" mindset is the key to getting a seat at the table.Plus, she shares her biggest event confession: a Palm Springs rain disaster that had her avoiding outdoor events for her entire career — until dinner on Wrigley Field changed everything.What you'll learn:What ELX is and who it's forWhy measurement needs to start before you plan a single thingHow to make the case for your events using business languageWhat it takes to become an ELX-eligible leaderHow to spot and avoid burnout in a high-pressure events role

Tony Lorenz has spent 30 years in the events industry — building a company from the ground up, selling to Freeman, leading PRA through 16 acquisitions, and now serving on the board at Cohera. In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Tony shares how he scaled PRA from $65M to $200M, why the DMC category needs to move upstream, and how AI should be treated as a partner — not a replacement — for the human intuition and taste that make great events possible.Plus, Tony shares two hilarious confessions: the time his team lost a five-star general's luggage right before a Colin Powell keynote, and the time he flew to Hawaii for a $4M event… and didn't even know which island it was on.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ronnie Collins from Visit Anaheim as we explore what it takes to create truly engaging trade show experiences in today's distracted world. In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, we dive deep into strategic booth design, the importance of experiential engagement over traditional swag, and how to maximize value during appointment-based shows like IMEX and IPW. Ronnie shares why hydration stations and intentional conversation spaces outperform tchotchkes, and how Visit Anaheim is preparing for their brand refresh launching in 2026.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

Join us for an honest conversation about the evolving landscape of industry conferences and trade shows. We're breaking down what really influences event attendance decisions—from the macro factors like budget constraints to the micro moments like unexpected traffic jams.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!

What does it really take to build culture that lasts in a 24/7 industry?In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, we sit down with Carrie Campbell, longtime hospitality leader and the force behind Evergreen, formerly Fenway Park Events. With 16 years of experience building teams, experiences, and trust inside one of the most iconic venues in the country, Carrie shares the lessons that shaped her leadership philosophy.From the intentional rebrand of Evergreen to the often-overlooked power of recognition, Carrie unpacks why caring for your people isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a strategy. She gets candid about burnout, quiet quitting, and the small, human moments that actually move culture forward, especially in an industry that never truly turns off.Whether you’re leading a team, navigating growth, or trying to build a culture people want to stay in, this conversation is a reminder that what you do, and how you do it, matters more than you think.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

If the headlines feel chaotic, how do you figure out what is actually happening with the economy and what it means for your meetings?In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, host Cara sits down with Mike Dominguez (ALHI) to cut through the noise and translate big economic signals into practical, planner level decisions. From why the “story” about the economy often misses what the data is showing, to where budgets are actually moving in 2026, Mike breaks down what to watch, what to ignore, and how to plan with more confidence.You’ll learn:How to separate policy from politics so you can plan based on reality, not narrativesWhat strong corporate spending signals for meetings, hotels, and attendee experienceWhy CEO turnover can quietly drive more internal meetings and momentumWhat Gen Z is craving from live events and how to design for human connection (hint: more white space)Smart budget calls for 2026: where inflation is easing, why labor still matters, and why beef may not be your friend🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!

Struggling to figure out what to wear to your next company event or conference? Let’s talk about what actually works.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe break down what actually works when you’re attending events. From hair and makeup decisions to blazers, graphic tees, denim, all-black onsite looks, and the great sneaker debate, they share real-world rules of thumb planners rely on when packing for long show days.You’ll hear how to balance professionalism with practicality, why branding yourself (sometimes down to your nails) matters onsite, and how to read the room so your outfit supports your role, not distracts from it. Whether you’re headed to your next conference or gearing up for a full install week, this conversation will help you dress with intention and ease.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

Convening Leaders isn’t just another conference. It’s a carefully designed experience that helps set the tone for the entire events industry year.Samantha Monroe and Ashley Currin sit down with Karla-Jean Zander, Director of Operations & Experience at PCMA, to break down what makes Convening Leaders stand out from intentional event design and first-timer experiences to education, wellness, and community connection. Karla shares how PCMA thinks about networking, learning, and flexibility, and why planning ahead matters just as much as giving yourself permission to go off-script.You’ll hear practical advice for navigating a massive conference, what to prioritize if you’re attending solo or for the first time, and what actually belongs in your bag (and what doesn’t). This episode offers a thoughtful, insider look at how great events are built and how attendees can get the most out of them. Connect with us → https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions/ Follow us for all the behind the scenes → https://www.instagram.com/eventplannerconfessions/ 🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!Learn more about the merge here → https://meetcohera.com/perspectives/360dg-csi-now-cohera/ 📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

Event marketing is changing fast and relying on last year’s playbook is one of the quickest ways to fall behind.Ashley Currin and Jay Schwedelson unpack the most common pitfalls in event marketing, why routine tactics no longer deliver, and how small shifts in email, social, and video strategy can dramatically improve engagement.You’ll hear how to create campaigns that stand out, where to test new ideas, and how to avoid sending the negative signals that quietly hurt registration.They also talk through ways to communicate the value of experimentation to stakeholders, so your team can move faster, try smarter approaches, and make better decisions with real data.If you want your next event cycle to perform better than the last, this conversation gives you the insights and tactics to make it happen.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

Is AI the way of the future for events, or is the human connection what truly matters? And how do you create an unforgettable vibe at a crowded industry show like IMEX?In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, we dive into the intersection of technology, energy, and career development in the events industry with event tech expert, Dahlia El Gazzar. You'll hear about how Dahlia Plus is helping planners bridge the gap between vision and technology, what happens when planners are simply burned out, and why sometimes, the most effective strategy is putting down the buzzwords and embracing the "woo woo."Get ready for an honest look at the state of event planning, the importance of "vibe eventing," and how to truly support your event talent.💡 You’ll Learn:Why AI is not the way of the future for events in the traditional sense, and how it's best used as a "weapon" to eliminate manual, time-wasting tasks.How to shift your mindset from focusing on automation to forming new, more efficient habits with tech.What "vibe eventing" is and why laser-focusing on the energy—where "the hugs and the kisses are real"—is a critical KPI for event design.The concept of the "Upskill Tech Bar" at IMEX and how it provides "Sherpas" to help attendees with personal branding, event technology, and strategy.Why the industry must address the emotional part of planning first, especially for those experiencing burnout, before diving into tech and non-human moments.Why suppliers and tech vendors must start coming to the table as strategists, not just sellers.If you're navigating a career shift, struggling with team burnout, or looking for practical ways to use technology without losing the human element of your event, this episode is a must-listen.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

Only 40% of attendees say they had a real “peak moment”, even though 80% of event planners think they delivered one. So… who’s right?In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara sits down with Ken Holsinger, SVP of Strategy at Freeman, to reveal what the data really says about creating experiences that matter.💡You’ll learn:Why attendees aren’t impressed by celebrity keynotes (and what they want instead)The rise of peer-to-peer connection and how to design for itHow to “architect serendipity” and make space for real momentsWhat DMCs can do to turn destinations into storiesWhy sometimes, the smartest move is to cut the menuIf you’ve ever wondered what actually makes an event memorable — and how to design experiences that make people come back year after year — this one’s for you.Check out Freeman’s full Trends report here → https://www.freeman.com/resources/future-of-commerce-for-trade-shows-and-conferences/ Follow us for all the behind the scenes → https://www.instagram.com/eventplannerconfessions/ 🔔Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!📧Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

What really happens when two event powerhouses decide to join forces?In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, we sit down with Trevor Hanks, CEO of the newly launched Cohera, to unpack the chaos, strategy, and human side of one of the biggest DMC mergers in recent history.Trevor shares what it actually takes to merge teams, brands, and cultures without losing the magic that made each company special. From balancing transparency and timing to navigating private equity pressures and emotional loyalty to legacy brands. This is a candid look at what goes on behind closed doors.Whether you’re leading a growing agency, managing a rebrand, or just love the business drama that happens off the event floor, this one’s packed with real lessons from the trenches.Connect with us → https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions/ Follow us for all the behind the scenes → https://www.instagram.com/eventplannerconfessions/ 🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!Learn more about the merge here → https://meetcohera.com/perspectives/360dg-csi-now-cohera/ 📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

One event. Four generations. Infinite tension. In this episode, we unpack what happens when Gen Z wants a mocktail lounge, Boomers ask for printed agendas, Millennials chase the perfect vibe, and Gen X holds everything together, quietly judging us all.We’re diving into how each generation shows up at events: how they network, what they wear, how they want to be communicated with, and why planners are stuck designing four different experiences in one.Plus: we battle it out in The Generational Clash, decode post-event feedback in Who Said It?, and go head-to-head in our Draft Day Showdown to build the ultimate generational dream event.Whether you’re team QR code or team clip-on badge, this one’s for you.👀 Subscribe for new episodes featuring candid confessions and event planner tips!Connect with us → https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions/🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at  https://meetcohera.com/

Corporate event jargon can make even simple projects sound like rocket science. In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, co-hosts Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe unpack the buzzwords, decode the double-speak, and reveal how fancy phrases can quietly wreck budgets. From “white glove service” to “engagement metrics,” they’ll translate hype into plain English, show you when jargon helps—or hurts—and arm you with language that actually lands.Connect with us → https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions/ 🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at csi-dmc.com

Planners know the pain: you send out an RFP, wait for proposals, and what comes back doesn’t match what you envisioned. Cue the endless back-and-forth, wasted hours, and mounting frustration.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the hidden details that make or break a DMC RFP. From budget guardrails to audience profiles, brand guidelines to those small-but-critical “hot buttons” (like the CEO who hates poinsettias), these overlooked pieces of information are the difference between a proposal that hits the mark the first time and one that drags into revision after revision.Join Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe as we break down the biggest RFP red flags, share real stories from the field, and reveal what DMCs wish you’d tell them upfront. If you want to save time, cut miscommunication, and get the event you actually want — this episode is for you.Connect with us → https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions/ 🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at csi-dmc.com

Every client wants the “wow factor” but what does that actually mean?Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe get real about the most overused (and least understood) phrase in the industry: wow factor. What do clients actually mean when they ask for it? And how often are planners left chasing an illusion that blows the budget and misses the mark? From the psychology behind the ask to how to deliver lasting impact instead of fleeting spectacle, the team unpacks how to shift the conversation from “wow” to “why it matters.”Connect with us:Event Planner Confessions → https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at csi-dmc.com

In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, co-hosts Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe unpack the rise of micro-events and what this shift means for planners and clients alike. They explore why smaller gatherings are dominating the conversation, what clients are prioritizing now (hint: it’s not massive budgets), and the challenges that come with scaling down without compromising impact.Whether you’re rethinking your event strategy or selling the value of intimacy over size, this episode delivers real talk and actionable insight.👀 Subscribe for new episodes featuring candid confessions, event planner tips,📍 Timestamps00:00 - Introduction & Micro Events TrendWelcome, dropped earrings, and the rising demand for micro events. Why smaller gatherings are becoming a big deal in event strategy.00:51 - Defining Micro Events: What Makes Them Special?Exploring the true definition of micro events, typical group sizes (10–50 guests), personalization, and targeted networking opportunities.02:10 - Hyper-Personalization for Event ExperiencesHow smaller headcounts enable customized itineraries, demographic-driven design, and curated guest experiences.03:10 - Creating Impactful Micro EventsReal-world examples of brand activation, immersive activities, talkable wow moments, and branded giveaways at intimate gatherings.04:22 - Targeting Niche Demographics & Industry OffshootsHow industry leaders use micro events to reach exclusive groups—like C-level executives or women in finance—during larger conferences.05:58 - Satellite & Concurrent Micro EventsStrategies for integrating micro events alongside macro conferences for deeper engagement and actionable discussions.07:41 - Personalization Tactics in Small Group EventsNaming attendees, customized welcome experiences, room drops, and leveraging attendee data for unforgettable moments.09:32 - Using Technology for Intimate ConnectionBlending tech tools seamlessly and meaningfully into micro events to foster connection—not replace it.10:30 - Surprise & Delight: Memorable TouchpointsMonogrammed gifts, surprise experiences, pajama parties, and the importance of thoughtful, tailored event swag.11:07 - Deepening Connections & Networking OutcomesHow micro events cultivate genuine, long-lasting relationships versus surface-level conference interactions.12:09 - The True Cost of Micro EventsWhy intimacy and high-touch experiences mean higher per-person spend—busting the myth that smaller equals cheaper.13:26 - Industry Trends: Tech, DEI, and ROI in Micro EventsWhich sectors are investing in micro events, and how organizers are using metrics to prove value and return on investment.14:19 - Social Media ROI & FOMO MomentsWhy micro events drive more Instagrammable content, exclusivity, and create lasting online buzz.15:49 - Staffing Challenges & Outsourcing for Micro EventsThe need for higher staff-to-guest ratios and the growing role of third-party event partners as teams shrink.16:27 - Love It or Hate It: Interactive Event Planner SegmentRapid-fire takes on popular micro event elements: cutting guest lists, structured networking, purposeful entertainment, and long keynotes.20:27 - Personalized Guest Journeys: Best Practices & PitfallsDebate on scent bars, custom tastings, and why extreme personalization needs thoughtful execution.22:38 - Event Planner Confessions: Summer Outdoor MeltdownReal-world story about outdoor event disasters—heat, rain, staffing drama, and logistical chaos.25:28 - Next Episode Preview: The Wow Factor ExplainedTeaser for the next episode, diving into “Wow” moments and how to truly impress event attendees.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at csi-dmc.com 

Every event planner has faced it, the creeping dread of unexpected costs throwing the whole budget off course. In this episode, Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe break down the most common hidden expenses that sabotage your perfectly laid plans.From client changes to sneaky staffing fees, they share battle-tested strategies and insider tips to catch these costs early and handle them like a pro.Connect with us→ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/event-planner-confessions/🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and rate us!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at csi-dmc.com

In this candid and laughter-filled season finale, hosts Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Samantha Monroe reflect on their favorite moments from the inaugural season of Event Planner Confessions. From the anonymous (and not-so-anonymous) tales of ballroom horses and accidental shoplifting, to heartfelt conversations on imposter syndrome and career growth, this episode captures the spirit of connection and chaos that defines life in the event industry. The trio also teases exciting changes ahead, including a major brand transformation and what that means for the show. Tune in to relive the best confessions, behind-the-scenes bloopers, and what’s next as the team looks forward to season two.

Hosts Ashley Currin, Cara Pratt, and Samantha Monroe share a candid conversation about what true inclusivity looks like in event planning. From sensory-friendly experiences and dietary flexibility to accessible transportation and thoughtful digital design, they uncover the gaps that too often go unnoticed—and offer practical ways to bridge them. Along the way, they share unforgettable personal stories, including a dramatic confession involving a frozen river, a rescue effort, and a dinner cruise no one saw coming.