Event Planner Confessions

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...

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 th...

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 compan...

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...

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 jargo...

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...

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 t...

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 imp...

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...

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 connectio...

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 sto...

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-driv...

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...

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....

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...

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-...

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...

The journey from student to event planner is a unique one, full of exciting opportunities and unexpected lessons. In this episode, we’re diving into the path that James Madison University (JMU) alumni took to transition from passionate planners to successful professionals in the event industry. From pivotal academic choices to hands-on internships and career-defining moments, we’ll uncover the key...

Unsurprisingly, AI has touched every sphere of society and economy, and the destination management industry isn’t the exception.  In this episode, Cara and Ashley dive into the growing role of artificial intelligence in destination management and how far the AI disruption in the industry is getting. They explore how AI can streamline event logistics, enhance creativity, and improve personalization...

Have you ever wondered how an event planner navigates the chaos of surprise monsoons, unexpected decor disasters, and even last-minute chocolate mousse dessert crises—all while keeping the show running smoothly? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the wild, unpredictable world of event planning. From high-stakes problem-solving to behind-the-scenes chaos, we’re sharing real stories...

Trends are constantly evolving, and in 2025, it looks like luxury will take center stage more than ever. We’re talking curated, high-quality events that create memorable, FOMO-inducing experiences. Imagine immersive environments that bring sophistication, personalized touches that make your guests feel special, and mental health wellness becoming a priority.  With luxury leading the way, exclusive...

Are we over balloon drops? Beyond tired of burlap mason jars? In this episode, we’re diving into the trends we think need to disappear from the event scene forever. We shake things up with a game of This or That to decide which event fads deserve to stick around, and which ones should be retired for good. From logistical nightmares to Instagram moments that aren’t worth the mess, we’re calling out...

What happens when the unpredictable meets the unforgettable? This episode, we’re diving into YOUR event planning confessions—and trust us, these stories will have you laughing, gasping, and shaking your head in disbelief. We’re kicking off the new year by sharing some of the craziest, funniest, and most shocking confessions from our listeners and our own event planning archives. From horses in bal...

By 2030, Gen Z will make up 35% of the workforce, and their expectations are reshaping the event planning industry. Are your corporate events ready to engage this dynamic, tech-savvy generation? In this episode, we explore how generational shifts—especially the rise of Gen Z—are influencing corporate event design and strategy. From personalized experiences to sustainability and interactive technol...