5 VALUABLE LESSONS LEARNED BEING AN EVENT PLANNER
As I type this, I literally cannot believe I underestimated event planners the way I did (before becoming one). I thought planning parties was the easiest job on the planet -- get creative, reach out to potential guest, design the venue, and watch your event unfold successfully. (Oh! Did I mention I watch hundreds of movies? Yeah.. Something must have influenced me to think like that.)
My idea was not far off from the truth. Yes - Planners get creative! Yes - They create awesome invitations and network with different vendors negotiating contracts. Yes - They watch an idea turn into a successful event. But, what people often misinterpret is the blood, sweat, and tears that the event planner puts forth to turn this vision into reality. Let's face it, we go through hell and back (and back again) to create the client's vision.
With a combination of education and hands on experience in the hospitality industry, I learned the do's and do not's in the industry.
#1. Always expect the worst!
it is impossible to set a goal for an event and NOT expect a thing to go wrong. No matter how well-planned you are, or how detail oriented you are, there is always room for a mistake here or there, and that's perfectly fine! In my opinion, those unexpected kinks before, during, or after an event is what makes planning worthwhile. Am I saying there will always be an unexpected turn of events? YES! How you mentally prepare for them starts with knowing that you are planning for the best - and the worst.
#2. Your team HAS to be reliable!
I can't express enough in words how important it is to have a team of individuals committed to seeing the success of an event. You, as the event planner, set the standards high and your expectations from your team should be delivered in a positive, yet, stern manner. I've worked with one too many staff members during on-site operations of an event and said to myself "yeah, this person clearly isn't cut out for this.." Be sure that you are teaming up with people that share the same drive and HUNGER for this industry as you do.
#3. NEVER rely on one source!
If you already have a list of contractors and vendors that you know of, or were recommended from an industry professional, always look for more. The more caterers and florists you know, the better chances you have of saving your event. Things happen, changes come about all the time, and as an Event Planner, your duty is to ALWAYS have more than one source for your event.
#4. Keep your COOL under pressure!
I almost want to make this point number one because it is a very valid, yet important point to note as an Event Planner. Learning how to balance your emotions and your ability to showcase your "cool" while being under an enormous amount of pressure is key to making it in this industry. The client's can sense when you're worried, and that worries them! Working in this industry for as long as I have has taught me how to smile and keep people calm when things feel like they will fall apart. It became a strength for me and you should learn the same, if you haven't already mastered this vital trait.
#5. Have FUN!
Being an Event Planner comes with so much responsibility, but it is up to you to make the best out of this experience. I learned to not look at my client's as "client's" but as partners. You're connecting with someone who has a vision, a dream, and you can either make this "another event" or the most EXCITING event you even created! The ball is in your court.
Of course, there is so much more for me to learn as I continue my journey as an Event Planner. In the short 5 years I've been in this industry, I can say that these lessons have only shaped me to be the best professional I can be. Good luck on your journey to being the best planner you can be!