Podcast
Event Planner Confessions
Hosted by Cohera · EN
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, 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.
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, 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.
50episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Here’s What Every Generation Wants At An Event
Oct 1400:22:21Tap to summarizeOne 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/
Transcribe →Corporate Event Jargon Explained
Sep 3000:28:21Tap to summarizeCorporate 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
Transcribe →The Hidden RFP Details That Deliver Better Events
Sep 1600:29:18Tap to summarizePlanners 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
Transcribe →Why Do Clients Always Ask for "Wow Factor"?
Sep 200:25:26Tap to summarizeEvery 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
Transcribe →The Rise of Micro-Events: Is Smaller Better?
Aug 1900:26:05Tap to summarizeIn 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
Transcribe →Hidden Costs That Kill Your Event Budget
Aug 5, 202500:28:53Tap to summarizeEvery 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
Transcribe →Season One Recap: Our Favorite Moments, Unfiltered
Jul 10, 202500:21:05Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →The Inclusivity Gaps Every Planner Overlooks
Jun 24, 202500:28:16Tap to summarizeHosts 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.
Transcribe →The 2025 Food & Beverage Trends You Need to Know
Jun 10, 202500:30:23Tap to summarizeIf 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.
Transcribe →How Top Planners Build Elite Vendor Lists
May 27, 202500:54:26Tap to summarizeYour 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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