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Event Planner Confessions
CSI DMC
32 episodes
5 days ago
Welcome to Event Planner Confessions, a Cohera podcast.
Every week, we dive into the candid, unfiltered stories of event professionals navigating the vibrant world of event management. From behind-the-scenes wins to lessons learned the hard way, we explore how creativity, collaboration, and a little chaos come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Hosted by the team at Cohera (formerly CSI DMC), we spotlight the people and passions that shape the industry, revealing what really goes on when the lights go up, the guests arrive, and the magic happens.

Tune in for insights, laughter, and confessions that celebrate the power of human connection and how events truly have the ability to change the world, one story at a time. 

Disclaimer: These confessions and stories have been altered to ensure anonymity and protect the identities of the individuals or entities involved. Any identifying details have been modified. The purpose of sharing these stories is to foster learning, celebrate our profession, and honor our clients and partners across the hospitality industry.
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Business
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All content for Event Planner Confessions is the property of CSI DMC and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to Event Planner Confessions, a Cohera podcast.
Every week, we dive into the candid, unfiltered stories of event professionals navigating the vibrant world of event management. From behind-the-scenes wins to lessons learned the hard way, we explore how creativity, collaboration, and a little chaos come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Hosted by the team at Cohera (formerly CSI DMC), we spotlight the people and passions that shape the industry, revealing what really goes on when the lights go up, the guests arrive, and the magic happens.

Tune in for insights, laughter, and confessions that celebrate the power of human connection and how events truly have the ability to change the world, one story at a time. 

Disclaimer: These confessions and stories have been altered to ensure anonymity and protect the identities of the individuals or entities involved. Any identifying details have been modified. The purpose of sharing these stories is to foster learning, celebrate our profession, and honor our clients and partners across the hospitality industry.
Show more...
Business
Episodes (20/32)
Event Planner Confessions
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 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/ 
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1 week ago
35 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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 like, comment, and subscribe! 📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/
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3 weeks ago
22 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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/
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3 weeks ago
22 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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
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1 month ago
28 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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
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1 month ago
29 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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
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2 months ago
25 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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,

📍 Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction & Micro Events Trend
Welcome, 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 Experiences
How smaller headcounts enable customized itineraries, demographic-driven design, and curated guest experiences.


03:10 - Creating Impactful Micro Events
Real-world examples of brand activation, immersive activities, talkable wow moments, and branded giveaways at intimate gatherings.


04:22 - Targeting Niche Demographics & Industry Offshoots
How 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 Events
Strategies for integrating micro events alongside macro conferences for deeper engagement and actionable discussions.


07:41 - Personalization Tactics in Small Group Events
Naming attendees, customized welcome experiences, room drops, and leveraging attendee data for unforgettable moments.


09:32 - Using Technology for Intimate Connection
Blending tech tools seamlessly and meaningfully into micro events to foster connection—not replace it.


10:30 - Surprise & Delight: Memorable Touchpoints
Monogrammed gifts, surprise experiences, pajama parties, and the importance of thoughtful, tailored event swag.


11:07 - Deepening Connections & Networking Outcomes
How micro events cultivate genuine, long-lasting relationships versus surface-level conference interactions.


12:09 - The True Cost of Micro Events
Why 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 Events
Which 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 Moments
Why micro events drive more Instagrammable content, exclusivity, and create lasting online buzz.


15:49 - Staffing Challenges & Outsourcing for Micro Events
The 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 Segment
Rapid-fire takes on popular micro event elements: cutting guest lists, structured networking, purposeful entertainment, and long keynotes.


20:27 - Personalized Guest Journeys: Best Practices & Pitfalls
Debate on scent bars, custom tastings, and why extreme personalization needs thoughtful execution.
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2 months ago
26 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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
Show more...
3 months ago
28 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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.
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4 months ago
21 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 stories, including a dramatic confession involving a frozen river, a rescue effort, and a dinner cruise no one saw coming.
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4 months ago
28 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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-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.
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5 months ago
30 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 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.
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5 months ago
54 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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. 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 language
  • Why 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)
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5 months ago
37 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 to consider before you sign anything. If you think your contracts are airtight, think again.
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6 months ago
35 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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-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.
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6 months ago
34 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
Welcome to Event Planner Confessions
7 months ago
1 minute

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 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.
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7 months ago
22 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 experiences that helped shape their careers. Along the way, we’ll explore how networking, diverse experiences, and the essential role of Destination Management Companies (DMCs) have played a major role in their success.

Whether you’re a student eager to break into the industry or a professional considering a new direction, this episode is packed with practical advice and insider knowledge to guide your next steps.

Key discussion points:
  • The academic and internship choices that set alumni on the path to success.
  • How networking and diverse experiences shape a successful career in event planning.
  • The importance of Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in creating memorable, high-impact events.
  • Real advice for aspiring event planners on standing out and navigating the industry.
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7 months ago
32 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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—but also where it falls short and why it can never (or at least not yet) replace the human experience. 

In this episode:
  • The rapid adoption of AI in event planning (50% of planners plan to use AI by 2025)
  • The role of AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, and Microsoft Copilot in DMC operations
  • Why event planners still need human expertise for execution and real-time problem-solving
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8 months ago
24 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
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 from the trenches—where quick thinking and resilience make or break the day.

We’ll highlight the unpredictability and resilience required in the event planning industry. Join us for an eye-opening look at the moments no one sees, the sacrifices event pros make, and the magic they create to deliver unforgettable experiences.

In this episode:
  • How a team rebuilt an entire event’s decor overnight after a warehouse fire
  • A planner’s 3 AM battle with chocolate mousse (and an unhelpful five-star resort)
  • What happens when the entire client team is laid off mid-event
  • The ultimate event planner injury: "Marathon Toe" and the best sneakers for the job
  • The hilarious, sleep-deprived moment that almost led to a Red Bull shoplifting charge
Show more...
8 months ago
26 minutes

Event Planner Confessions
Welcome to Event Planner Confessions, a Cohera podcast.
Every week, we dive into the candid, unfiltered stories of event professionals navigating the vibrant world of event management. From behind-the-scenes wins to lessons learned the hard way, we explore how creativity, collaboration, and a little chaos come together to create unforgettable experiences.

Hosted by the team at Cohera (formerly CSI DMC), we spotlight the people and passions that shape the industry, revealing what really goes on when the lights go up, the guests arrive, and the magic happens.

Tune in for insights, laughter, and confessions that celebrate the power of human connection and how events truly have the ability to change the world, one story at a time. 

Disclaimer: These confessions and stories have been altered to ensure anonymity and protect the identities of the individuals or entities involved. Any identifying details have been modified. The purpose of sharing these stories is to foster learning, celebrate our profession, and honor our clients and partners across the hospitality industry.