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.
If you think you know what’s trending in event catering, think again. The food and beverage landscape is shifting fast, and what wowed guests last year might feel outdated in 2025. In this episode, we're diving into the boldest, most unexpected catering and beverage trends that will define corporate events next year. From immersive dining experiences to high-tech cocktails and sustainability-driven menus, we’re breaking down what’s in, what’s out, and what your guests will be raving about. If you want your events to stand out, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.
Your vendor list can make or break your success as a corporate event planner. The right vendors will make your job easier, elevate your events, and impress your clients. The wrong ones? They’ll cost you time, money, and your reputation. In this episode, we’re breaking down how top planners build, refine, and protect their vendor lists. You’ll learn how to identify the best vendors, the red flags that should take someone off your list immediately, and the strategies to ensure you always have the right team for every event. If you’re tired of scrambling for vendors and want a trusted network that guarantees seamless execution, this episode is for you.
If you've ever poured your heart into an event proposal only to get ghosted by the client, this one’s for you. In this episode, Samantha, Cara, and Ashley crack open the secrets behind proposals that don’t just impress. They win. From the biggest proposal mistakes to the small tweaks that seal the deal, this is your no-fluff guide to writing smarter, sharper, and more successful pitches in 2025. Bonus? We’ve got real proposal makeovers, spicy “hot or not” takes, and confessions you won’t believe actually happened.You’ll learn:The most common mistakes that get proposals rejected (and how to avoid them)How to turn vague ideas into value-packed, client-focused languageWhy following up like a pro can make or break your proposal’s success.A behind-the-scenes look at how we’d pitch a major influencer event (and why it works)
Contracts can be a corporate event planner’s greatest protection, or their biggest liability. A single overlooked clause can leave you footing the bill, trapped in unrealistic expectations, or worse, completely unprotected. In this episode, we’re breaking down the event contract mistakes that don’t get talked about, the hidden traps that have cost planners time and money, and the clauses you need to consider before you sign anything. If you think your contracts are airtight, think again.
Event planning may look effortless from the outside, with incredible venues, satisfied clients, and seamless experiences. But behind the scenes, it’s a constant battle against unexpected challenges, last-minute changes, and lessons learned the hard way. If we had the chance to start over, there are plenty of things we’d do differently. In this episode, we’re sharing our biggest regrets, the hard-earned lessons we wish we knew from the start, and the strategies that can help you sidestep the same pitfalls. Whether you're new to the industry or a seasoned pro, these insights will change the way you plan events.
In this special episode of Event Planner Confessions, we're celebrating Global Meetings Industry Day, a true holiday for our world of events! Hosted on April 3rd and powered by the U.S. Travel Association, this day shines a spotlight on the undeniable impact of in-person meetings across the globe. We dive into the heart of why meetings matter for people, communities, and businesses, and unpack how they’re shaping the future of connection and collaboration.Key takeaways:The human power of connection: How in-person events build trust 2x faster and foster relationships that elevate careers and companies alike.The community ripple effect: Discover how a 100-person meeting can impact 1,000+ local jobs and what that means for economic growth.Business transformation through events: From incentive trips to medical breakthroughs, we explore how meetings fuel innovation and strategic growth.Advocacy in action: Stats that will blow your mind (like attendees spending 10x what organizations do!) and why it’s time to shout the value of meetings from the rooftops.