Event Planner Confessions

Epizode

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  How Canva Brings a Digital Brand to Life | Part 1 15.09.2026 24min

  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-world experiences.Jimmy shares the unconventional story of being offered his first events job from a commencement stage in front of approximately 11,000 people. That opportunity led him to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Fox, Civic Entertainment Group, Airbnb, and eventually Canva.He takes listeners behind the scenes of Airbnb Open, which grew from approximately 1,000 attendees into a 20,000-person experience spanning seven venues in downtown Los Angeles. Jimmy explains how that work shaped his approach to community building, audience connection, and designing experiences at scale.At Canva, the goal is not simply to place logos and brand colors inside a venue. Jimmy and his team want every physical experience to feel colorful, playful, inclusive, and unmistakably Canva.That philosophy helped shape Canva Create as an “un-conference conference” built around how audiences should feel, not only what the program needs to communicate. Jimmy explains why the strongest experiential marketing should create something audiences could not imagine coming from another brand.The conversation also explores how Jimmy’s theater background continues to influence his work. From collaboration and improvisation to reading the room and recovering in real time, he explains why the skills learned onstage remain essential to event planning and experiential leadership.Finally, Jimmy shares what is ahead for Canva’s experiential portfolio, including the continued evolution of Canva Create, Canva Originals, the Canva World Tour, and new opportunities to expand Canva’s creative ecosystem.In this episode, you will learn:How Jimmy Knowles built his career in experiential marketingWhat Airbnb Open taught him about community and scaleHow Canva transforms a digital-first brand into a physical experienceWhy Canva Create was built as an “un-conference conference”Why curiosity remains one of Jimmy’s most important creative toolsWhat Canva is building next through events, content, and communityPart 1 explores how Jimmy learned to build experiences people can feel. Part 2 continues with AI, trust, industry recognition, leadership, and his Event Planner Confessions. 
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  Why Forrester Is Betting on Smaller Events 08.09.2026 20min

  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 teams exposed the real friction around event participation: higher travel costs, tighter budgets, too much time away from work and family, content overload, and sponsorship value that was not always obvious enough.He explains how Forrester responded with more accessible formats, bi-coastal options, shorter agendas, more flexible sponsorships, and a stronger focus on relevance. He also discusses how the team is measuring the change through satisfaction, content scores, NPS, ticket revenue, sponsorship revenue, and the ability to act quickly on yellow and red signals.The conversation then turns to leadership. Tavar breaks down how a clear point of view, commercial thinking, and transparency with both executives and the event team helped build buy-in before the strategy had a long results history.And in true Event Planner Confessions fashion, Tavar shares the emergency that changed how he thinks about empathy, executive communication, and having a plan before anyone believes they will need it.In this episode, you will learn:Why Forrester added shorter Forums without eliminating its flagship SummitsHow attendee and sponsor feedback shaped the new event formatsWhy accessibility includes cost, geography, time, and the option to self-fund attendanceHow shorter events change content, scheduling, team recovery, and sponsor valueWhich attendee and commercial signals Forrester is using to evaluate the strategyWhy event leaders need a point of view tied to commercial outcomesHow transparency can close the trust gap between leaders and their teamsThe best event size is not the biggest or the smallest. It is the one designed for the outcome the audience and the business actually need.
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  The Destination Rebrand Every Event Planner Should Study 25.08.2026 27min

  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 was helping them understand everything the destination offered beyond its most famous icons.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Ashley Currin and Sam Monroe sit down with Scott Oklin, Chief Marketing Officer of Visit Anaheim, to unpack the strategy behind the city’s new A-City unscripted positioning.Scott explains how Visit Anaheim used research, local partnerships, unexpected creative agencies, experiential campaigns, and Anaheim’s real community to build a more emotional and complete destination story. He also shares how local restaurants, breweries, entertainment venues, cultural communities, and unexpected spaces can become part of the event itself.In this episode, you will learn:Why Anaheim’s challenge was consideration rather than awarenessHow Visit Anaheim used research to guide its new destination positioningWhy emotional connection can influence destination decisionsHow iconic attractions can introduce attendees to a city’s broader cultureWhy local restaurants, venues, and communities should become part of the event experienceHow destination marketers and event planners can tell a more complete story togetherThe real opportunity is not simply getting people to recognize a destination, but helping them see, feel, and experience everything it can become.
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  Why Event Teams Break Down Under Pressure 11.08.2026 20min

  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 pressure is high. Evan is also Cara’s business coach and helped her shape the original vision for the podcast.Together, they break down why active listening requires more than staying quiet, how planners can create shared understanding across clients and vendors, and why clear follow-up can prevent small communication gaps from becoming major execution problems.The conversation also explores emotional regulation, written communication, feedback, trust, and conflict debt, the unresolved tension that continues building when difficult conversations are avoided. Evan explains why emotions spread through teams, when a conversation should move away from email or chat, and how trust can take months to build but only seconds to damage. Cara connects each lesson directly to the event world, where one missed delivery, absent vendor, or off-script speaker can test an entire team.In this episode, you will learn:Why listening failures create execution problemsHow to establish shared understandingWhen to move a conversation off emailHow emotions affect an event teamWhy unresolved conflict becomes conflict debtHow trust helps teams recover from mistakesThe strongest event teams are not the ones that never experience pressure. They are the ones that know how to listen, regulate their reactions, address conflict, and protect trust while working through it. 
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  Why Being Busy Is Making You Less Productive 28.07.2026 17min

  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 success begins to feel exhausting.In this episode of Event Planner Confessions, Cara sits down with burnout and peak-performance speaker Erin Stafford immediately after her “Burn Bright, Not Out” keynote.Drawing from her experience as a bestselling author, Cambridge-trained social psychologist, and former hyper-growth executive, Erin explains why the same habits that help high achievers succeed can eventually leave them overwhelmed and depleted.She also shares practical ways event professionals can protect their time, reduce unnecessary pressure, and create careers that feel as strong on the inside as they look from the outside.In this episode, you will learn:Why removing one small commitment can change the way your entire week feelsHow shorter meetings create more margin without reducing productivityWhy travel, focus, and recovery time need to be protected intentionallyHow saying no without guilt can improve your performance and energyWhy JOMO may be more valuable than FOMO for high achieversHow defining success helps you decide what truly deserves your timeBurnout rarely begins with one dramatic moment. More often, it builds through hundreds of small commitments that leave no room to breathe. The question is not whether you can keep pushing, but what might change if you finally took one thing off.
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  Why Your Event Gifts Keep Ending Up in the Trash 14.07.2026 21min

  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 activation.Jamie and Jenn break down why the industry is moving away from basic throwaway merchandise and toward gifts people actually want to keep. They share what brands and products are trending right now, why attendee choice matters, how gifting can support sustainability, and what information planners need to bring to the table before asking for ideas.The conversation also gets into the fun side of custom gifting, from Heinz KegChup and Philadelphia Cream Cheese “Phillyhead” to the Red Lobster biscuit hoodie and the Oscar Mayer Bologna Face Mask. These are the kinds of products that show what can happen when branded merchandise becomes part of the experience instead of just another logo on another item.In this episode, you will learn:Why cheap swag can cost more than planners realizeWhat gift trends are gaining momentum right nowWhy attendees want better brands, better quality, and more choiceHow gifting can become more sustainable when people actually keep the itemWhy custom merchandise requires more lead time than planners expectHow branded merchandise can become an activation, not just a giveawayThe future of event gifting is not about more stuff. It is about useful, intentional gifts that connect to the experience. When planners understand their audience and choose gifts people want to keep, gifting becomes part of the event story.
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  Why "Experiential" Isn't a Buzzword… It's a Business Strategy 30.06.2026 44min

  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 experiential design actually means and why it should be treated as a business strategy. Michael shares how House of Attention thinks about memory, attention, creativity, risk, hospitality, and the intentional details that make an event feel unlike anything attendees have experienced before.From drone bartenders and LED arrays to hyper-specific food choices, employee DJ moments, pizza logistics, and the difference between novelty and true experience design, this conversation challenges planners to think beyond basic event execution. Michael explains why unforgettable events are not always about doing something brand new, but about taking something familiar and elevating it into a moment that feels relevant, thoughtful, and intentional.In this episode, you will learn:What experiential design actually means beyond the buzzwordWhy innovation does not always have to mean creating something newHow to design events around memory, not just attentionWhy attendees need a clear reason to gatherHow creative ideas can serve real business outcomesWhy trust, logistics, and risk are part of creating unforgettable moments An unforgettable event is not built around spectacle alone. It is built around intention: why people are there, what they feel while they are there, and what they remember when they leave.
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  The Furniture Company Behind The Biggest Events in America 16.06.2026 16min

  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 how furniture rental has become a major part of event strategy, room design, and attendee experience.Sarah and Renee share what planners should know about designing with furniture earlier in the process, why flexible room layouts are changing the way people gather, and how AFR supports events across the country through inventory, warehouse systems, regional transfers, and fast-moving logistics. They also explain why strong communication between planners and rental partners can make a major difference when timelines are tight and expectations are high.In this episode, you will learn:Why furniture should not be treated as a last-minute event detailHow event design is shifting toward more flexible room environmentsWhat planners should think about when selecting furniture for a roomWhy national-scale rental logistics matter for large or complex eventsHow AFR manages inventory and regional transfers across marketsWhy planner-vendor communication is key when timelines move fast Great event design is not just about how a room looks. It is about how the room works, how it feels, and how quickly the right partner can help bring it to life. 
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  The Art of Knowing What's Cool in Events 02.06.2026 18min

  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, automotive, brand experiences, Instagram, and global event conversations, then traces those ideas back to the source to find the vendors, materials, and partners who can actually bring them to life.From building immersive guest experiences with a Food Network chef to using vendor relationships, budget transparency, and creative problem-solving to make ambitious ideas possible, this conversation shows what it really takes to move from “that looks cool” to “how did they even do that?”In this episode, you will learn:How Melis spots creative trends before they hit the events industryWhy inspiration often comes from outside the event worldHow to turn an Instagram scroll into a real event activationWhy vendor relationships are conversations, not just ordersHow to balance jaw-dropping ideas with real client budgetsWhy the guest journey should guide every creative decisionThe most memorable event ideas are not just the wildest ones. They are the ideas that get traced back to the right source, shaped by the right partners, and turned into something guests can actually feel. 
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  We Planned an Event for Event Planners (This is How We Did It) 19.05.2026 12min

  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 together after becoming one company to designing moments that felt intentional, energizing, and connected, this conversation explores the pressure of creating an event for an audience that knows exactly what good looks like.The hosts discuss why Imagine That was more than just a meeting, how they thought through the attendee experience, and why the smallest details can make the biggest difference. They also share how last-minute pivots, personalized touches, peer-to-peer moments, and strategic breakouts helped create the kind of energy people could feel throughout the event.In this episode, you will learn:Why planning an event for event planners creates a different kind of pressureHow Cohera approached its first company-wide Imagine That eventWhy internal events should be designed around energy, connection, and shared purposeHow small details can shape the entire attendee experienceWhy last-minute pivots can create some of the most memorable event momentsHow strategic breakouts and peer-to-peer conversations help teams feel more aligned Great events are not just built from logistics. They are built from energy, intention, and the moments people remember after they leave the room. 
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  The Event Theme You Need to Stop Using 21.04.2026 27min

  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 intern in Boston to leading one of the largest creative teams in the Orlando market, Danny shares the behind-the-scenes truth about how top DMCs push past cookie-cutter theming and deliver experiences that actually surprise attendees.They dive into the tension between what clients think they want and what will actually land, why "be creative" can't be the whole sentence on an RFP, and how inclusive event design isn't optional anymore. Danny also drops a hilarious confession involving 20 hand-assembled wire chairs, a living room full of boxes, and a promise he'll never make again. How to build trust within a creative team so every proposal has an edge Why "cookie cutter creativity" is killing your competitive advantageWhat to do when a client says "just be creative" and gives you nothing elseHow to pitch bold event concepts without diminishing the client's original visionThe overdone event themes you need to retire immediately (looking at you, Vintage Florida)Don't risk losing your next bid because your creativity didn't match the client's undefined vision. Learn how to ask the right questions, propose in threes, and deliver experiences that attendees have genuinely never seen before.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like and leave a review!
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  The Real Business of Events 07.04.2026 28min

  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 space for real, unfiltered conversation. If you want to learn more about the community, visit https://www.eventleaders.com/.Nicola also gets into the data that keeps her up at night — like the fact that 28% of senior event leaders have no KPIs for their events — and why shifting from the "events business" mindset to the "business of events" mindset is the key to getting a seat at the table.Plus, she shares her biggest event confession: a Palm Springs rain disaster that had her avoiding outdoor events for her entire career — until dinner on Wrigley Field changed everything.What you'll learn:What ELX is and who it's forWhy measurement needs to start before you plan a single thingHow to make the case for your events using business languageWhat it takes to become an ELX-eligible leaderHow to spot and avoid burnout in a high-pressure events role
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  What Technology Can’t Replace in Events 24.03.2026 16min

  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 the human intuition and taste that make great events possible.Plus, Tony shares two hilarious confessions: the time his team lost a five-star general's luggage right before a Colin Powell keynote, and the time he flew to Hawaii for a $4M event… and didn't even know which island it was on.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!
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  What Actually Gets Attention at Trade Shows 10.03.2026 18min

  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.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
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  Why Attendance Looks Different Now 24.02.2026 23min

  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!
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  The Leadership Shift Event Teams Can’t Ignore 10.02.2026 25min

  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.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!
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  The Economy Is Better Than You Think in 2026 27.01.2026 33min

  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 narrativesWhat strong corporate spending signals for meetings, hotels, and attendee experienceWhy CEO turnover can quietly drive more internal meetings and momentumWhat 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🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!
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  What to Wear to Your Next Event (and What to Skip) 06.01.2026 11min

  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.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/ 
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  Attending PCMA Convening Leaders? Watch This. 23.12.2025 24min

  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/
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  Fix Your Event Marketing in 15 Minutes 09.12.2025 15min

  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.🔔 Love the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!📧 Want to work with us? Find out more at https://meetcohera.com/