The Successful Events Podcast

[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.

The Event Host vs. Event Planner Debate: Which One Are You?

Are you an event host, an event planner, or both?
In this episode, I break down the key differences between these roles and help you determine which one fits you best. You’ll learn:
What defines an event host and how hosting impacts your business.
What an event planner actually does (hint: it’s more than just logistics!).
How to manage both roles effectively—or decide when to delegate.
Why hiring a planner or volunteers can protect your energy & event success.
Whether you’re planning your first event or looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you clarify your role and make strategic decisions to execute a successful event with ease.
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.

The Power of Cycles: Aligning Your Energy & Business with Christina Luna

In this episode, I sit down with Christina Luna, an astrological mentor, sustainable business guide, and artist, to explore how cycles impact our energy, decision-making, and authenticity—especially in business. We discuss:
The end of a 16-year cycle & the start of a new 20-year era—how this shift is impacting us all.
Why authenticity is the key to success moving forward and how to embrace your unique path.
How energy cycles affect decision-making and what to do when you feel out of alignment.
Ways to navigate change with clarity and confidence while staying true to your vision.
Christina breaks down these concepts in a grounded, accessible way—helping us understand how energy shifts influence our events, businesses, and personal growth. If you've ever felt stuck or unsure about your next step, this conversation will give you new insight into why—and how to realign with confidence.
Connect with Christina Luna:
📺 Watch her videos on YouTube📲 Follow her on Instagram, @lunation.live🎧 Listen to her podcast episodes with Nicole Laino
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.

Relaunching with Purpose & Vision: The Successful Events Podcast

Welcome to the Successful Events Podcast! After weeks of rebranding and refining my vision, I’m back with a new focus and even deeper insights to help you host events that align with your purpose, energy, and business goals. In this episode, I’m sharing:
Why I rebranded and how this shift reflects my approach to event strategy.
What makes this podcast unique and why it’s a must-listen for event hosts, business owners, and entrepreneurs.
My philosophy on event hosting—why your event is an extension of you and how to create a purpose-driven experience.
What to expect in future episodes—from expert insights to real-time coaching and behind-the-scenes strategies.
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 and @eventhostcommunity
Join the Event Host Community- Network with like-minded event hosts, get expert support & live calls! Use code PODCAST for $97/month.

Embodying My Word of the Year in 2025: Worthy

Welcome to the final episode of Imperfectly Impactful as we prepare for an exciting rebrand in February! In this special episode, I reflect on the lessons of 2024, share my word for 2025—"worthy"—and discuss how embodying worthiness will shape my goals and decisions this year.
Tune in as I outline:
Why "worthy" was chosen as my guiding word.
Key personal and business goal overview.
Insights into achieving alignment and cohesiveness in your goals.
If you're still deciding on your word or phrase for 2025, this episode will inspire and guide you. Let’s embrace our worthiness together and step confidently into a new year.
Links and Resources:
Follow me on Instagram for updates on the rebrand and podcast relaunch.
Join the Event Host Community newsletter to stay connected on when the community doors reopen.
Share your 2025 word or goals with me via social media DM—I’d love to celebrate with you!