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 IMEX and IPW. Ronnie shares why hydration stations and intentional conversation spaces outperform tchotchkes, and how Visit Anaheim is preparing for their brand refresh launching in 2026.

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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.

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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 her leadership philosophy.

From the intentional rebrand of Evergreen to the often-overlooked power of recognition, Carrie unpacks why caring for your people isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s a strategy. She gets candid about burnout, quiet quitting, and the small, human moments that actually move culture forward, especially in an industry that never truly turns off.

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating growth, or trying to build a culture people want to stay in, this conversation is a reminder that what you do, and how you do it, matters more than you think.

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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 showing, to where budgets are actually moving in 2026, Mike breaks down what to watch, what to ignore, and how to plan with more confidence.

You’ll learn:

• How to separate policy from politics so you can plan based on reality, not narratives
• What strong corporate spending signals for meetings, hotels, and attendee experience
• Why CEO turnover can quietly drive more internal meetings and momentum
• What Gen Z is craving from live events and how to design for human connection (hint: more white space)
• Smart budget calls for 2026: where inflation is easing, why labor still matters, and why beef may not be your friend

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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 real-world rules of thumb planners rely on when packing for long show days.

You’ll hear how to balance professionalism with practicality, why branding yourself (sometimes down to your nails) matters onsite, and how to read the room so your outfit supports your role, not distracts from it. Whether you’re headed to your next conference or gearing up for a full install week, this conversation will help you dress with intention and ease.

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📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

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 community connection. Karla shares how PCMA thinks about networking, learning, and flexibility, and why planning ahead matters just as much as giving yourself permission to go off-script.

You’ll hear practical advice for navigating a massive conference, what to prioritize if you’re attending solo or for the first time, and what actually belongs in your bag (and what doesn’t). This episode offers a thoughtful, insider look at how great events are built and how attendees can get the most out of them. 

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/

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 ideas, and how to avoid sending the negative signals that quietly hurt registration.

They also talk through ways to communicate the value of experimentation to stakeholders, so your team can move faster, try smarter approaches, and make better decisions with real data.

If you want your next event cycle to perform better than the last, this conversation gives you the insights and tactics to make it happen.

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📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

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 planners bridge the gap between vision and technology, what happens when planners are simply burned out, and why sometimes, the most effective strategy is putting down the buzzwords and embracing the "woo woo."

Get ready for an honest look at the state of event planning, the importance of "vibe eventing," and how to truly support your event talent.

💡 You’ll Learn:

• Why AI is not the way of the future for events in the traditional sense, and how it's best used as a "weapon" to eliminate manual, time-wasting tasks.
• How to shift your mindset from focusing on automation to forming new, more efficient habits with tech.
• What "vibe eventing" is and why laser-focusing on the energy—where "the hugs and the kisses are real"—is a critical KPI for event design.
• The concept of the "Upskill Tech Bar" at IMEX and how it provides "Sherpas" to help attendees with personal branding, event technology, and strategy.
• Why the industry must address the emotional part of planning first, especially for those experiencing burnout, before diving into tech and non-human moments.
• Why suppliers and tech vendors must start coming to the table as strategists, not just sellers.
• If you're navigating a career shift, struggling with team burnout, or looking for practical ways to use technology without losing the human element of your event, this episode is a must-listen.

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📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

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 want instead)
• The rise of peer-to-peer connection and how to design for it
• How to “architect serendipity” and make space for real moments
• What DMCs can do to turn destinations into stories
• Why sometimes, the smartest move is to cut the menu

If you’ve ever wondered what actually makes an event memorable — and how to design experiences that make people come back year after year — this one’s for you.

Check out Freeman’s full Trends report here → https://www.freeman.com/resources/future-of-commerce-for-trade-shows-and-conferences/ 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!📧
Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/

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/