Tips for Success from an Event Professional

So, you want to work in events? Here are the 4 tips for success I tell everyone interested in a career in experiential marketing:

THE SHOW WILL GO ON WITH OR WITHOUT YOU
That’s the thing about events, regardless of if you “feel ready”, an event day approaches quickly… like a birthday or a wedding. There’s really no going back once you’ve signed the contract on a venue, have finalized catering and ordered your flowers. Your job as an event producer is to foresee every issue to the best if your ability, and to prepare for the worst, knowing the outcome will always be the best.

ALLIGATOR SKIN IS SEXY
This industry isn’t for the thin-skinned or faint of heart. It’s hard, and it’s not nearly as glamorous as you may think. One moment, you’re walking the red carpet at the GRAMMY’s and the next, you’re picking up trash from the same red carpet with your bare hands. Know that there are ups and downs. And hold on for the ride.

FINDING A BALANCE IS KEY
Event producers are an incredible breed. We’re not going anywhere until our work is done, even if it’s 1am and we’ve forgotten to eat lunch and dinner. It’s important to know your limits and to practice balance before you burn out. Nothing is more inspiring than watching event people say yes (and deliver on that yes), but don’t forget how to say no. Both are equally important, especially in this industry.

YOUR BEST IS ALWAYS ENOUGH, I PROMISE
I mean it. Your best is incredible. You should be proud of your best. Certain clients are impossible to make happy on event day (or any day) - and that can be disheartening. Just know that you did your best, and that’s pretty great. Just like life, in this industry, perfection is a myth. Growth should be the only goal. Remember that things will never go as planned - not once. Your job is to plan to the best of your ability, and to be prepared to react and problem solve as necessary to ensure as smooth an event as possible. So… one more time for the cheap seats in the back: your best is absolutely enough. I promise.

Good luck!