Today we’d like to introduce you to Cara Cartee.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My foray into event planning began at Tulane University, where the city of New Orleans became the ultimate training ground for a career built on creating unforgettable experiences. Since 2001, I’ve designed global events and travel for groups ranging from 1 to 6,500 guests.
From solo travel to experiential retreats, what drives me most is creating the unexpected—that moment when a client experiences something so thoughtful and memorable it feels like Christmas morning.
My passion for this industry has allowed me to travel the world, discover extraordinary food and culture, and create moments that stay with clients long after the journey ends.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many in the industry, I’ve navigated significant challenges throughout my career, particularly during COVID-19 and periods of economic uncertainty that dramatically reshaped both the travel and events industries. Overnight, the business shifted from creating experiences to managing cancellations, changing regulations, supplier negotiations, and client concerns across multiple countries and time zones. It required constant problem-solving, clear communication, and the ability to pivot quickly while still maintaining a high level of service and care.
Those experiences ultimately strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and creativity as a business owner. They reinforced the importance of building trusted relationships, staying calm under pressure, and finding innovative ways to continue creating meaningful connections and experiences for clients, even during unpredictable times. The challenges also deepened my appreciation for the power of travel and shared experiences—and why they matter so much.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
CMC Events & Travel is a boutique travel and experience company specializing in curated group travel, luxury retreats, incentive programs, and bespoke experiential journeys around the world. We are known for blending seamless logistics with elevated, highly personalized experiences that feel both effortless and unforgettable.
In addition to custom group programs and retreats, I also love designing meaningful solo adventures—helping travelers experience destinations in a more personal, immersive, and intentional way. Recently, I launched “Cara Curates,” a new extension of the brand focused on thoughtfully designed group experiences built around a shared passion or theme. These journeys bring together like-minded travelers through experiences centered on topics such as yoga, wellness, literature, culinary travel, notable chefs, creativity, and culture.
What sets the brand apart is the balance of strategy, creativity, and connection. Every itinerary is intentionally designed to create memorable moments, authentic experiences, and a true sense of place. Whether planning a corporate retreat, a luxury escape, or a themed group journey, the goal is always the same: to create experiences that feel deeply personal, beautifully executed, and impossible to replicate.
What I’m most proud of is building a brand rooted in relationships, trust, and passion for discovery. In an industry that often prioritizes scale, CMC Events & Travel remains intentionally boutique—allowing every client and every journey to receive a high-touch, customized approach.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor often happens organically. Look for people whose careers, leadership style, or creativity genuinely inspire you and don’t be afraid to reach out with thoughtful questions or a sincere interest in learning from them. Some of my strongest industry relationships started with simple conversations and evolved naturally through trust, collaboration, and consistency.
For me, involvement has also been incredibly valuable. Being active in industry organizations, serving on boards, volunteering, attending conferences, and supporting community events has introduced me to an incredible network of people and opportunities. I’ve learned that networking is less about collecting contacts and more about building a reputation for being reliable, collaborative, and someone others genuinely enjoy working with.
Most importantly, lead with generosity. Share ideas, make introductions, support others, and celebrate people’s successes. The relationships you invest in authentically are often the ones that open the most unexpected doors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cmc-events.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cmc_travels/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmcartee
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caracartee/
