The Successful Events Podcast

Beyond Strategy: Trusting Energy to Guide Your Next Steps

When building a business—or hosting an event—strategy matters. But sometimes, the most powerful shifts happen beyond the strategy itself. In this conversation, we welcome Christina Luna back to the show and dive deep into the unseen layers that shape how we grow, create, and lead—especially when the external strategy isn’t enough.
We talk about the energetic and seasonal shifts happening right now and how to tune into your own timing, nervous system, and truth—even when things feel uncertain or slow.
In this episode, we explore:
How unconscious safety patterns shape our identity, decisions, and even our revenue ceilings.
Why external strategy falls short when your nervous system isn’t aligned with your next level
What happens when you reach a tipping point where the identity you've outgrown begins to fall away
What it means to find yourself in a transitional season and trust that something deeper is recalibrating
Connect with Christina Luna:
Follow Christina on IG: @lunation.live
Resources & Ways to Connect:
Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend personal & professional events this year!
Monthly Networking Call- Join us on the 4th Tuesday every month to connect with other event hosts, speakers, & vendors. 
Follow me on Instagram – @cat.roten

What One Year Out of Corporate Has Taught Me

It’s officially been one year since I left my corporate job—and in this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of everything this season has taught me. From deep grief to unexpected growth, this past year has challenged me, stretched me, and ultimately, shaped me.
In this vulnerable solo episode, I’m sharing:
What no one tells you about the messy middle between safety and full alignment
How I’ve redefined success and restructured my time, energy, and boundaries
Where I’ve felt grief, identity shifts, and growth all at once
What I’m leaning into next—personally and professionally
If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to leave a stable path in pursuit of something more meaningful—this episode is for you.
Resources & Ways to Connect:
Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend personal & professional events this year!
Monthly Networking Call- Join us on the 4th Tuesday every month to connect with other event hosts, speakers, & vendors. 
Follow me on Instagram – @cat.roten

[Your Successful Event Journey]: The First Step- Ideation

Welcome to first episode of Your Successful Event Journey series! 
In this episode, I answer the question, “What do you mean by Your Successful Event Journey?”
I’m breaking down each phase of the journey & diving into our first one– IDEATION—the starting point for all aligned & impactful events. Before you dive into strategy and execution, you need to get clear on your vision and why. 
In this episode, I’m sharing:
Why ideation is the most important step in creating an aligned and impactful event.
How to define your core why—and why it sets the tone for all your event decisions.
How to avoid misalignment by staying true to your vision from the start.
This episode will help you start your event journey with clarity and confidence—so you can create an experience that feels aligned and delivers real impact.
Join us at our May 1st Workshop! - 7pm EST | 4pm PST
Plan & Profit: Your Event Financials Workshop- Come join us to create your event budget, pricing, & sponsorship proposal LIVE!
Resources & Ways to Connect:
Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.
Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.
Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity
Join the Event Host Community – Access the 20+ resources for your Successful Event Journey and connect with like-minded event hosts for support and collaboration. Use code PODCAST for $75 off your annual membership! 

Mastering Virtual & In-Person Events with Ben Dell from Hey Summit

Planning a successful event—whether virtual or in-person, for-profit or non-profit,—comes down to strategy and the right tools.
In this episode, I sit down with Ben Dell, founder and CEO of Hey Summit, to explore how to maximize success when planning both virtual and in-person events on your own or using HeySummit.
Ben shares:
The key differences between virtual and in-person events—and how to choose the right format.
How Hey Summit simplifies event planning—from registration to ticketing to email marketing.
The “Rule of Thirds” strategy—why you need to spend equal time planning, promoting, and executing.
How Hey Summit’s built-in email system streamlines communication—including pre-written templates and audience segmentation.
Whether you’re hosting your first event or looking to scale, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you feel confident and prepared.
Connect with Ben Dell & Hey Summit:
Follow Ben on LinkedIn 
Learn more & sign-up for Hey Summit
Resources & Ways to Connect:
Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.
Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.
Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity
Join the Event Host Community – Access the 20+ resources for your Successful Event Journey and connect with like-minded event hosts for support and collaboration. Use code PODCAST for $75 off your annual membership!

[Avoid an Event Disaster]: Why Contracts & Negotiation Matter

Contracts aren’t just paperwork—they’re essential for protecting your event and your peace of mind. In this solo episode, I’m diving into why contracts matter and how you should be negotiating even for your events. Whether you're working with vendors, sponsors, or speakers, having a contract in place can save you from last-minute stress and unexpected costs.
👉 Disclaimer: I’m not a lawyer, and this is not legal advice. Be sure to consult a licensed attorney to review your contracts and provide legal guidance.
In this episode, you'll learn:
1. The three people you must-have contracts for at every event.
2. Specific information to include—like cancellation terms, deliverables, and financial agreements.
3. Why negotiation matters- even for your event.
4. Why clear expectations upfront prevent misunderstandings and last-minute chaos.
This episode will help you feel more prepared and confident when working with event partners—so you can host with ease and avoid costly mistakes.
*Don’t have a lawyer?-- Find me on Instagram below & happy to give recommendations of people I know!
Resources & Ways to Connect:
📅 Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.📩 Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.📲 Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity📍 Join the Event Host Community – Access the Successful Event Journey resources (20+) & network with like-minded event hosts. Use code PODCAST for $75 off your annual membership.

How to Find (or Create) the Right Room for YOU & Your Business

Finding the right room can change everything in your business—but what if that room doesn’t exist yet?
In this SPECIAL collab episode, I’m joined by Taylor Smith, founder of The Power Table, to talk about:
1. How to identify the right room for your goals—whether it’s networking, learning, or building connections.2. When to create your own event—and why filling the gap in the market could be your next big move.3. Balancing event planning with business growth—and how to avoid burnout while scaling.4. Why attending the right events matter—and how to assess if an event is worth your time and energy.5. The mindset shift you need to confidently network with high-level entrepreneurs.
Taylor shares her experience of creating The Power Table after struggling to find the right community—and together we share how stepping into the room (or building it) can unlock business growth and deeper connections.
Connect with Taylor:
Follow Taylor on Instagram – @taylorrenee.co and @thepowertable.coLearn more about The Power Table Live happening in 30A, FL, April 23rd & 24th. Use code CAT at checkout to save $50 off your ticket!
Resources & Ways to Connect:
Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.
Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunityJoin the Event Host Community – Network with event hosts, get expert support & live calls! Use code PODCAST for $97/month.

[Life Update] Lessons from the Long Game: Growth, Strategy, & Finding Your People

Running a business is a long game—and sometimes the biggest growth comes from unexpected shifts. In this episode, I’m giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening in my life and business over the last 6- 8 weeks. From navigating financial challenges to discovering new local opportunities, I’m diving into:
Why business growth is a long game—and how I’ve shifted my mindset to embrace it.
The power of local networking—how showing up in person, locally has changed my business.
Balancing fractional work & event strategy—and why both align with my bigger vision.
Setting boundaries in relationships—and why protecting your energy is key.
Why it’s OK to pause, reflect, and recalibrate before making your next move.
This episode is a reminder that business (and life) is not always linear—and that sometimes the best opportunities are closer than you think.
Resources & Ways to Connect:
📅 Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.📩 Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.📲 Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity📍 Join the Event Host Community – Network with event hosts, get expert support & live calls! Use code PODCAST for $97/month.

3 Common Event Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Event planning comes with a lot of moving parts, and even the best hosts can overlook key details that impact success. In this episode, I’m breaking down three common event planning mistakes I see all the time—and how you can avoid them.
Key Takeaways:
The #1 communication mistake event hosts make with vendors, sponsors, and speakers (and how to fix it).
Why overloading your schedule can backfire—and how to create a flow that keeps attendees engaged.
The importance of budgeting for the unexpected (because surprise costs will pop up).
These small adjustments can make a huge difference in your event’s success and your overall experience as a host. Tune in and start planning with confidence!
Resources & Ways to Connect:
📩 Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.
📅 Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.📲 Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity📍 Join the Event Host Community – Network with event hosts, get expert support & live calls! Use code PODCAST for $97/month.

Avoiding Burnout While Growing Your Events with EHC Member, Stephanie Ross

As event hosts, we’re often balancing growth, profitability, and purpose—but how do you do it without burnout? In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Ross, one of our Founding Event Host Community members, to discuss:
Lessons from attending vs. hosting events—and how both shape your strategy.
How to grow your event without overcommitting your time & energy.
The power of sponsorships & collaborations for sustainable event success.
Why protecting your energy is key—and how to set boundaries while still showing up.
If you’re looking to scale your events, avoid burnout, and stay aligned with your vision, this episode is for you!
Connect with Stephanie:
Come attend the Small Business Sister Circle Summit April 3rd & 4th with me! Use code CATROTEN for 10% off your ticket.
Follow her on IG: @sistercircle.smallbusiness @stephanieleaross
Soul Driven with Steph podcast
Resources & Ways to Connect:
📩 Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.
📅 Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.📲 Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity📍 Join the Event Host Community – Network with event hosts, get expert support & live calls! Use code PODCAST for $97/month.

2025 Event Industry Trends: What You Need to Know

The event industry is evolving fast—are you keeping up?
In this solo episode, I’m breaking down five major shifts happening in 2025 that every event host and planner should know. From niching down your event to the rise of collaborations and intentional spending, these trends are shaping how we plan, market, and execute events.
Tune in to learn:
Why niching your event is no longer optional & how to do it right
The rise of tangible takeaways & why attendees demand more than just inspiration
How collaborations & sponsorships are becoming essential for event success
Why attendees are spending more intentionally & how to position your event as a must-attend
The growing popularity of virtual summits & how to make them impactful
If you’re hosting or planning an event in 2025, this episode is packed with insights to help you stay ahead of industry shifts and create an event that truly resonates.
Interested in reading this Trends instead or also? Find the article I wrote HERE!
Resources & Ways to Connect:
📩 Join the Successful Events Insider – Weekly event tips & behind-the-scenes insights.
📅 Get Your Preferred Events Calendar – Your go-to resource for must-attend events.📲 Follow us on Instagram – @cat.roten & @eventhostcommunity📍 Join the Event Host Community – Network with event hosts, get expert support & live calls! Use code PODCAST for $97/month.