Event Planner Confessions

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.