Love What You Do: The Excitement of Event Planning

What is it like to manage events?

Managing events is a lot more complex than what you see on TV shows like '7 Days Out' or 'The First Monday in May.' Sure, those documentaries capture the grand scale, but they often miss the details, the sheer volume of behind-the-scenes work. Sometimes, I'm a one-person show, handling everything. Other times, I'm part of a team, and that's where things get really interesting. The trick is to be able to have boundaries, and to prioritise. Acknowledging that my to-do list is never-ending helps me to focus my energy on the most urgent priorities.

How do you work with a team?

Working with a team, especially under tight deadlines, is a constant exercise in managing different personalities and priorities. A truly effective team thrives on diverse talents and skills, not uniformity. Diverse viewpoints and skills often lead to better outcomes. The trick is to channel those differences into a common goal, which is a delicate balancing act. The diversity of our team, while a strength, presents a key challenge. Although we share a love for events, differing viewpoints can make it difficult to reach consensus. The core issue is ensuring our decisions accurately represent client values and simultaneously enable our growth.

How do you build relationships with clients?

Building client relationships is another key part of my job. 'Client' can mean different things – the person paying, sponsors, attendees, even ourselves. I've found that using tools like Google Forms helps me understand everyone's needs. Communication is crucial, especially when face-to-face meetings aren't possible. Regular updates and calls, especially for personal events like weddings, keep everyone involved. I've also learned that networking is similar. Listening more than I talk, being friendly, and being genuine are essential for building trust.

What is in the build-up to an event?

The build-up to an event is intense. It's all about getting everything organised – booking vendors, coordinating deliveries, creating schedules, and making sure everything aligns with the vision. I spend a lot of time communicating with various stakeholders, like venue staff, sponsors, and performers. In a team setting, everyone has their main role and often a supporting role. For smaller events, I might manage everything myself, but larger events require a team effort.

What was the outcome?

The outcome is always rewarding. The final hours are a whirlwind of activity, a mix of excitement and stress. When we finally open the doors and see everything come to life, it's incredible. Seeing guests enjoy themselves, knowing that my work has contributed to their experience, makes it all worthwhile. There are ups and downs, but at the end of the day, the happiness of the attendees is what matters most.