Welcome to Event Planner Confessions, a podcast where candid stories meet the vibrant world of event management. Each episode peels back the curtain on an industry that thrives on shared experiences, hard-won lessons, and plenty of laughter. We caught up with the voices behind the mic, Ashley Currin, Cara Pratt, CMP, DMCP, and Samantha Monroe, to hear their reflections on the podcast, the industry, and what’s ahead.
Lessons from Confessions
If there’s one theme that keeps surfacing, it’s humility. Ashley notes that every planner has an unforgettable “oh no” moment: the wrong date, a vendor slip-up, a food trend that didn’t land. But those missteps often turn into the best lessons, and a reminder of how much our industry depends on strong vendor relationships. Ashley explains, “The right partner can totally save you, and the wrong one... well, that becomes a confession story pretty quickly.”
Cara adds, “Open communication in event planning is key to success!” This reminder underscores that even the best-laid plans hinge on transparency and trust among everyone involved.
Samantha echoes that sentiment, adding that Murphy’s Law is alive and well in events. Yet what stands out most isn’t the chaos, but the resilience: planners who transform potential disasters into seamless successes. “The ability to spin challenges into spectacular outcomes is proof that Event Magic is real,” she says.
The Power of Honest Storytelling
For Ashley, sharing candid stories elevates the perception of the industry by showing how much work really goes on behind the scenes. “From the outside, events look effortless,” she says, “but in reality, it’s pure chaos sometimes. It’s hard work: planners are strategists, problem-solvers, and creative partners who are constantly navigating risks, budgets, contracts, and logistics.”
Cara adds that this openness resonates with planners, regardless of their level of experience in the profession. Whether it’s a small piece of advice or a larger guiding principle, hearing others’ experiences helps planners feel less alone in their challenges.
How They Want Listeners to Feel
Each host has a vision for what listeners should take away. For Ashley, it’s about feeling seen. Whether you’re a planner relieved to know you’re not alone, a client gaining new appreciation, or an attendee realizing the hidden effort behind the scenes. Cara hopes for relatable takeaways that professionals can carry into future events. Samantha simply wants listeners to leave feeling lighter: “This podcast is a chance to laugh at our crazy jobs, swap stories, and step away from the overly serious side of the industry.”
Clearing Up Misconceptions About DMCs
The trio hopes the podcast reshapes how people view destination management companies. Too often, DMCs are seen as logistics providers or glorified tour operators. In reality, they are full-service partners who design meaningful experiences, manage complex logistics, and ensure every element aligns with client goals. “We’re not a ‘nice to have’—we’re the glue that holds a program together,” Ashley explains.
Why “Confessions”?
The idea for Event Planner Confessions grew out of a shared desire to show the real side of the industry. Ashley explains that confessions are inherently disarming: once someone shares their own messy moment, it gives others permission to do the same. Building on that, Cara describes how her favorite part of networking events is connecting with people over meals and hearing stories from every stage of their careers. “The stories they tell about their events are what make those conversations so fun and inspiring,” she says, “and I wanted to share that same energy with the world.”
Filling the Gap
What the hosts realized was missing from the industry conversation was honesty. “There are already plenty of glossy highlight reels and sizzle videos,” Ashley says. “What was missing were the behind-the-curtain stories that teach you something or make you laugh in solidarity.”
Cara agrees, noting that she wanted people outside the industry to see just how much work goes into planning events. She had been imagining a platform like this for years: “I personally love listening to podcasts, especially ones that help my professional development, and I didn’t feel like anything in the market really resonated with me. I also wanted to give a platform to the destination management industry that didn’t currently exist.”
For Samantha, it’s also about bridging generational perspectives. As a Gen Z professional, she sees the podcast as a space where different experiences and voices can come together, offering both relatability and fresh insights.
Together, they’ve created a space that blends candor, humor, and professional insight, and a place where the industry can finally confess.
Looking Ahead: Season 2
The trio promises Season 2 will go deeper into the business of events, tackling budgets, staffing, and contracts, while still delivering the wild, funny stories fans love. Ashley frames it as “part education, part entertainment,” while Cara teases new perspectives from industry experts and interactive segments like Red Flag/Green Flag or Love It or Hate It.
✨ Event Planner Confessions season 2 is coming out biweekly NOW. Go listen to the latest episode on your preferred streaming platform or watch on YouTube!