Thinking about hosting a retreat, workshop, or live event but don’t know where to start? In this episode, Cat Roten shares what really goes into planning events that feel aligned, run smoothly, and actually sell. From contracts to confidence, we’re covering the things most people don’t tell you. CONNECT WITH ATI  🎟️  Be You Brand Live 2025 (Sept 25–27 in Las Vegas) Get your tickets here: https://atigrinspun.com/beyoubrandliveevent/ Connect with me: Instagram: ati.grinspun Website: https://atigrinspun.com/ Ready to build a personal brand you are proud of: Free: ✏️Take the profitable personal brand quiz https://atigrinspun.com/quiz/ 📲Book a discovery call with Ati for the Be you Brand academy, 1:1 intensives and more https://calendly.com/atigrinspun/discoverychat   RESOURCES MENTIONED Episode 66: How I Landed My First Speaking Gig (Hint: No Invitation Needed!) 3 Common Event Planning Mistakes & How to Avoid Them Cat’s Podcast: Success Beyond Strategy Preferred Events Calendar (Free resource): https://stan.store/impactfuleventco/p/your-preferred-events-calendar   GUEST BIO Cat Roten is the founder of Success Beyond Strategy and the Event Host Community, where she supports business owners in executing strategically while leading with their intuition to create a business and life that is uniquely their own. After a decade in the hotel industry, Catherine discovered her gift for simplifying complex processes—helping business owners cut planning time in half, reclaim their energy, and create intentional systems that reflect their goals. As a Fractional COO and event strategist, she guides clients in building aligned business operations and planning impactful events with ease and confidence. Catherine is also the host of the Successful Events podcast, where she shares practical advice and real-world insights to help entrepreneurs plan & host their events with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS The biggest mistakes first-time event hosts make (and how to avoid them) Why contracts matter—yes, even for small events The power of showing up fully as you on stage What type of event makes sense for your season of business How to make your event profitable (even on your first try) Why you need a clear “why” and offer behind every event Smart tips around budgeting, photography, and team support What it really looks like to lead your community through live experience KEY TAKEAWAYS Use Contracts for Everything – From speakers to sponsors, contracts protect your event and business.Don’t Overpack Your Schedule – Give space for networking, reflection, and magic to happen. Start With Your ‘Why’ – Understand the purpose and offer behind your event before diving into logistics. Budget for the Unexpected – Always build in a contingency fund of 10-15%. Your Event is an Extension of You – Make it intentional, not a carbon copy of someone else’s.   QUOTABLE MOMENTS “You’re not creating an event for someone else. You’re creating it to reflect you and the impact you want to make.” — Cat Roten “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.” — Ati “Hosting your own event puts you at the head of the table, you don’t need to wait for someone to give you a seat.” — Cat Roten    FIND CAT ROTEN Website: CATROTEN.com/coo Email: catherine@imperfectlyimpactful.com Instagram:@cat.roten | @eventhostcommunity   EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to Personal Branding and Events 02:59 The Unique Role of Event Hosting 05:50 Common Mistakes in Event Planning 09:00 The Importance of Contracts 11:56 Building a Personal Brand Through Events 14:51 Creating Intentional Events 17:52 Types of Events and Their Impact 20:51 The Financial Aspects of Hosting Events 23:57 Maximizing Profitability in Events 27:00 Final Thoughts and Resources ABOUT YOUR HOST Ati Grinspun is your host and resident Personal Brand Whiz at the 'Be You Brand' podcast. From world champion flair bartender to portrait photographer to personal branding photogr