How To Go From a Good to a Great Event!
by Holly Barker Source: http://www.eventmanagerblog.com/from-good-to-great-event
What is needed to make your event from good to great? It really boils down to whether or not you have what it takes as an event planner to stand out from a sea of event management agencies & planners out there!
Your skills and ability to work collaboratively with a team to operate as a business are critical to excel in the event planning industry. The way you handle challenges, manage relationships, and define goals for each event you plan will ultimately pave a path highlighting the difference between you and an average event planner.
So, how do you plan to take events from good to great? What’s the best way to blow people out of the park and exceed average expectations? Below are a couple of ideas you can start incorporating into your event planning strategy for your next event. See if any make a difference, and if one does, then try another! It’s always worth it to test anything that will take your events from average to amazing!
1) Embrace Change and Challenges
The world of event planning is constantly evolving, which means as an event planner you have to be on top of new trends, technology enhancements, and have the willingness and stamina to learn and stay on top of everything moving around you. The more you put yourself out there as a planner, and acknowledge what’s new and exciting in the world of event planning, the easier and faster it will be for you to take charge of your events and manage a successful team and event.
As always, there will be lots of challenges that come your way when planning an event, but take those as opportunities to learn and grow. Never be opposed to hear someone else’s opinions or take their advice. Building key relationships and contacts is vital in this industry, so make sure you’re listening to everyone around you, and using their ideas as well as your own (as long as they make sence!). Showing you care and want to learn and grow in this space will only make you shine as an event planner, and serve those around you as the cool event rock star you are.
2) Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Take your events to the next level by using what you have learned throughout your event-planning career, and pulling other ideas from industry peers and co-workers into your planning. There’s no better way to make your events shine brighter than ever, than by stepping out from the pack and doing something fun and different. If you have a love for video games or know a lot about a TV show, why not incorporate some cool ideas into a new game or trade show booth for your next event? Un-booths stand out the most, so be sure to add a little spunk when designing booths or event themes! The more interests you have, and your team has combined, the more unique and memorable your events can be!
This also applies beyond vision, to skills. If you or someone on your team has a strong background in painting or photography, use those skills to your advantage when planning an event. Most event planners come to a halt when they see they need a vendor at events, and then scroll through their rolodex to find the perfect person. Why not look around you, and see who in your trusted pack of eventprofs can take on the challenge! There’s nobody better suited to work at an event than those of us who love events!
3) Love Everything
No matter what, love what you do and the team of people around you. Events can be very challenging to put together. Sometimes you feel like you’re drowning in a sea and can’t come up for air. With the right team in place, this never happens. Love everything around you when planning your event. When everything and everyone comes together, you will see your event go from zero to a thousand faster than you can blink!
Make sure the team you select shares your vision, goals, and values for any event you plan. Put effort into providing care and knowledge into your team members. The last thing you want is for half of your team to get burnt out weeks before the event takes place! Keep them happy, educated, and excited to be working on the event! Give them the tools needed to stay on top of trends, and feel like they are a big part of seeing the event come together from the beginning to the end. Seeing everything flow always feels like magic, and being apart of that feeling is pretty cool!
4) Take Time For You
Lastly, in order to know your event is going to be a hit, and not a dud, take time for yourself. Every day, maybe a few times throughout the day, go for a walk, get a coffee or tea, have a phone call with someone you love, just do something for YOU. It’s important that every event planner steps back and sees everything from afar from time to time. Don’t forget to breathe. Pull it all in, and realize what an amazing thing you’re doing, and how many people will ultimately succeed from the event you are putting together. It’s a great feeling! The happier you are as the event planner, the happier the event will turn out, and your team will be!
In Conclusion
Turning a good event into a great event takes work. It usually takes more than just the event planner setting goals and timelines, it takes a good, positive team around him or her who are dedicated to making sure the event is an overall success! Remember sometimes ideas fail, and that’s ok. The important thing is to keep trying, and taking that leap to want to stand out from the crowd no matter what!
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