Event Planner Confessions
Event Planner Confessions is a podcast by Cohera that shares candid, unfiltered stories from event professionals. Each week, hosts and guests discuss the successes, challenges, and behind-the-scenes moments of event management. The show highlights creativity, collaboration, and the human connections that make events memorable. It offers insights and laughter while protecting the anonymity of the people and companies involved.
Episodes
Why Every Event Needs a Plan C
Every event planner has a Plan B. But what happens when Plan B is not enough?In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara Pratt, Ashley Currin, and Sam Monroe share the behind-the-scenes contingency stories their attendees never saw.One indoor event was disrupted when a storm contributed to a generator failure and an electrical fire at the host hotel. Another required 500 attendees to be rer
Why Event Planning and Procurement Must Work Together
Modernizing an experienced event team does not mean starting over. It means knowing what to preserve, what to change, and who needs to be involved earlier.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara Pratt talks with Dawn Wesley, Senior Manager of Agency Operations, Agency Awards and Recognition at Allstate, about team modernization, attendee experience, AI, supplier strategy, procurement, a
The More AI Creates, the More Live Events Matter | Part 2
AI can generate content at extraordinary speed. It cannot recreate the trust, spontaneity, and shared memory of a live room.In Part 2 of this Event Planner Confessions conversation, Ashley Currin continues her discussion with Jimmy Knowles, Global Head of Experiential at Canva, about artificial intelligence, human connection, experiential marketing, and the future of live events.Jimmy explains why
How Canva Brings a Digital Brand to Life | Part 1
Canva is one of the world’s most recognizable digital platforms. Jimmy Knowles is responsible for making it something people can walk into, explore, and feel.In Part 1 of this Event Planner Confessions conversation, Ashley Currin sits down with Jimmy Knowles, Global Head of Experiential at Canva, to explore how creative careers are built and how digital-first brands can create meaningful real-worl
Why Forrester Is Betting on Smaller Events
More content is not always more valuable.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara Pratt talks with Tavar James, vice president of global events at Forrester, about why the company introduced shorter, more intimate Forums alongside its flagship Summits and shortened experiences across parts of the portfolio.Tavar shares how a listening tour with attendees, sponsors, clients, and internal
The Destination Rebrand Every Event Planner Should Study
Anaheim is one of the most recognizable destinations in the country, but recognition does not always lead to consideration.Visit Anaheim’s research found that roughly nine out of ten people knew the city, yet there was a 64 percent drop between awareness and the number of people who would consider bringing a meeting or convention there. The challenge was not getting people to recognize Anaheim. It
Why Event Teams Break Down Under Pressure
Most event problems do not begin on-site. They begin much earlier, when expectations are misunderstood, important details are missed, or everyone leaves the same conversation with a different version of what was decided.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara sits down with executive coach Evan Roth to explore the communication and leadership skills event professionals need when the pre
Why Being Busy Is Making You Less Productive
A packed calendar can look like ambition from the outside while quietly becoming the very thing that is burning you out. For event planners, every open space can quickly become another client call, site visit, internal meeting, networking event, travel block, or after-hours obligation. The work keeps getting done, but the margin disappears, the recovery time gets pushed aside, and eventually even
Why Your Event Gifts Keep Ending Up in the Trash
Event gifting sounds simple until the wrong item ends up in a hotel trash can, the timeline gets compressed, or the planner realizes too late that “custom” does not mean “available tomorrow.”In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Sam sits down with Jamie Cohen and Jenn Allen to talk about what planners need to understand before they choose the next branded gift, swag item, or attendee activ
Why "Experiential" Isn't a Buzzword… It's a Business Strategy
Experiential design gets talked about constantly in the events industry, but too often it gets reduced to flashy activations, trendy tech, or “wow factor” moments that do not connect back to the reason people gathered in the first place.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Sam sits down with Michael Cirino, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of House of Attention, to unpack what experient
The Furniture Company Behind The Biggest Events in America
Furniture is often treated like the last thing event planners figure out. But the right furniture can completely change how a room feels.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Ashley sits down with Sarah Bradley and Renee Pool from AFR Events to talk about the furniture company behind major events. From new event furniture collections to national-scale logistics, this conversation looks at
The Art of Knowing What's Cool in Events
Some event ideas feel impossible until the right creative partner figures out how to make them real.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Ashley sits down with Melis Feingold, Senior Director of Creative Partnerships at Cohera, to talk about the art of spotting what’s next in events and turning inspiration into live experiences. Melis shares how she pulls ideas from fashion, technology, au
We Planned an Event for Event Planners (This is How We Did It)
Planning an event is already hard. Planning one for a room full of event planners raises the stakes even more.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara, Sam, and Ashley go behind the scenes of Cohera’s inaugural “Imagine That” event and unpack what it takes to create an internal event for people who live and breathe meetings and events every day. From bringing nearly 400 employees togethe
The Event Theme You Need to Stop Using
Event creativity in the DMC world isn't about copying Pinterest boards... it's about building something no one's ever seen before. In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara Pratt sits down with Danny McMillan, Director of Design and Development at COA Orlando, to unpack what it really takes to stay creatively sharp when you're producing thousands of events a year. From his journey as an i
The Real Business of Events
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 sp
What Technology Can’t Replace in Events
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
What Actually Gets Attention at Trade Shows
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 IM
Why Attendance Looks Different Now
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!
The Leadership Shift Event Teams Can’t Ignore
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 h
The Economy Is Better Than You Think in 2026
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 show
What to Wear to Your Next Event (and What to Skip)
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
Attending PCMA Convening Leaders? Watch This.
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
Fix Your Event Marketing in 15 Minutes
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
Why the Best Events Feel Different Now
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
Attendees Want THIS at Their Next Event
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 w
Behind the Scenes of Merging Two Event Giants
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
Here’s What Every Generation Wants At An Event
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 Explained
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
The Hidden RFP Details That Deliver Better Events
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 C
Why Do Clients Always Ask for "Wow Factor"?
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
The Rise of Micro-Events: Is Smaller Better?
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
Hidden Costs That Kill Your Event Budget
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 l
Season One Recap: Our Favorite Moments, Unfiltered
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
The Inclusivity Gaps Every Planner Overlooks
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
The 2025 Food & Beverage Trends You Need to Know
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-drive
How Top Planners Build Elite Vendor Lists
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 t
How to Write Event Proposals That Win in 2025
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. B
The Event Contract Mistakes Nobody Talks About
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
If We Could Start Over in Event Planning, We’d Do THIS
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-e
Welcome to Event Planner Confessions
This is Exactly Why Meetings Matter in 2025
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 Career Shortcut Every Student Needs to Know
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
What’s Changing in DMC with AI (and What’s Not)
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—
When Fire, Floods, and Chocolate Mousse Strike
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 f
The 2025 Event Trends You Can’t Afford to Ignore
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
Event Trends We Wish Would Go Away
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
Confessions, Confessions, Confessions
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 ball
The Gen Z Effect: Transforming the Corporate Event Planning Workforce
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 technolo
Giving Back Through Events: CSR and Gifting Trends You Need to Know
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
Green Events, Big Impact: Making Sustainability Non-Negotiable
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 org
Event Planners and Burnout: Let’s Talk Mental Health
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 aro
How to Plan a Corporate Event Without Local Knowledge (LOL, You Can’t)
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 Des
From Booths to Buzz: Navigating the IMEX Experience
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 cl
Women Leading the Way: The Rise of Female Power in DMCs
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 w
How to Stay on the Cutting Edge of Event Planning
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
How UNFORGETTABLE Corporate Events Happen
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 m
Recommended
TED Talks Daily
Learn English B1 with Daily News | English Listening Practice
Talk About Talk - Executive & Leadership Communication Skills
English with Olivia | Slow Conversations & Vocabulary
Stand In The Circle
SLOW ENGLISH PODCAST (A1-A2) With Subtitles | Daily Videos | English With Us Podcast
Learn English A2 with Daily News | Simple English Listening Practice
پلی لیست | PlayList
Conspiracy Files with Paige Carter
Bad Friends
Learn 50 English Phrases While You Sleep | Everyday English Phrases & Vocabulary
This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
