Event Planner Confessions

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 The food and beverage landscape is shifting fast, and what wowed guests last year might feel outdated in 2025.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...

As the year winds down, how can your events leave a lasting impact beyond the ballroom? In this episode, we uncover the growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and the latest trends in gifting, offering creative strategies to inspire attendees and give back meaningfully. Cara and Ashley explore how organizations are incorporating meaningful give-back experiences that align with...

What if your next event could leave a lasting impression and a lighter footprint? Discover how sustainability is reshaping the events industry—and why it’s no longer just a nice-to-have, but a necessity. In this episode, we explore the growing demand for sustainability in event planning, driven by client values and industry trends. From eco-friendly transportation solutions to partnerships with or...

Event planning is a high-wire act—keeping clients, budgets, and every last detail in balance, all while staying calm under pressure. Today, we’re diving into the mental health side of the industry, unpacking the stressors event pros face and sharing real-world strategies to handle burnout and find balance. In this episode, we talk about the often-unspoken pressures of event planning, especially ar...

Planning a corporate event in an unfamiliar destination? Without local knowledge, you're risking a major flop.  In this episode, we dive deep into the crucial role that destination expertise plays in planning successful corporate events. Ashley and Cara share real-life stories that highlight the challenges of planning events in unfamiliar locations and the critical importance of partnering with De...

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the biggest events in the hospitality industry! In this episode, we're dishing out the real scoop on what it's like to attend a major trade show as industry insiders.  Join us as we dive into the highs and lows of a week-long industry extravaganza. We'll share our experiences navigating the bustling show floor, reveal our strategies for meaningful c...

It’s a woman’s world in the DMC industry. Get ready for a lively discussion about why so many women are thriving in this space and how their unique experiences shape the industry. We explore the roots of DMCs, which were often founded by women, and how that legacy continues to influence the field today. The conversation highlights the importance of flexibility in work-life balance, especially for...

Ever wonder how top event planners stay ahead of the curve? We’re pulling back the curtain on the secrets of staying trendy in the fast-paced world of corporate events. Join us as we dive into the art of staying inspired and innovative in event planning. We share our go-to sources for fresh ideas, from social media platforms to industry blogs, and discuss how we adapt trending concepts for our own...

Ready for a confess sesh? Corporate event planners tell all. In this inaugural episode, industry veterans Cara Pratt and Ashley Currin pull back the curtain on the often misunderstood realm of DMCs, sharing insider knowledge and confessions that every event planner needs to hear. From their unexpected journeys into the DMC world to the evolution of the industry, Cara and Ashley dive deep into what...