What do you do if you're faced with overlapping deadlines in Live Events?

When you are faced with overlapping deadlines you have to asses what is absolutely the most time sensitive task and which deadline will have the highest degree of domino effect if you don't accomplish that task first. This is where sequential thinking becomes so important as an event professional. You need to be able to see how the dominos will fall if you choose one path over another.

Identify the most critical tasks that directly impact the event's success and focus on completing those first (booking a venue, entertainment, catering, etc.). Use a project management tool to break down tasks into manageable steps and create a timeline to keep track of progress and deadlines. Stay flexible, and be prepared to adjust plans and reallocate resources as needed to meet the most urgent deadlines.

When faced with overlapping deadlines for one or multiple live events, get ahead of them at the onset of the project to be sure you're able to delegate and prioritize tasks in order to exceed expectations. As a leader of a team, it's important to step back and look at the big picture—figure out what needs to be done and who the best person is to complete each task most efficiently with the best result. Lead the team to success by monitoring progress and anticipating some bumps in the road; leave some buffer time for these "unexpected" setbacks so that you are still able to meet overlapping deadlines prior to them becoming a problem.

When faced with overlapping deadlines in live events as a marketer, start by assessing the priorities of each task. Determine which events have the highest impact, largest audience, or most critical stakeholders. Break down each event's tasks into manageable steps and create a detailed timeline with clear deadlines. Delegate specific tasks to team members, leveraging their strengths for efficient execution. Maintain clear communication with all stakeholders, keeping them informed about progress and any changes in timelines. Stay organized using project management tools to track progress and deadlines. Manage stress by taking breaks and managing your time effectively.

As an EMT we learned Triage. That means that you're forced to make a decision not how to save everyone, but which patients might not make it. Understand that sometimes there will be something that doesn't get done. Identify what you won't be doing and inform the team. Don't do multiple things poorly.

When faced with overlapping deadlines, it is imperative to delegate dutifully and efficiently. If you explain it clearly and concisely, your team will understand the pressure that you are under and be far more willing to assist if you give them comprehensible and comprehensive instructions that empower them to succeed. Trusting your team to handle such important tasks is crucial to freeing up time and mental energy to focus on higher-level matters, such as ensuring that both live events progress wonderfully.

Ask yourself if you want to tell the truth. Tell the truth. Repeat as necessary. We are known among our clients as the people who sometimes say no, and have a very good reason. Don't say yes when it's unknown hoping it goes well; too often it won't. We teach our PM's to hold people accountable to the things they say they'll do and accept; consent is key. Encourage your teams to bring you the show-stoppers after they've exhausted the options. Sometimes it's out of your control. See also: Delta vs. Microsoft.

When faced with overlapping deadlines in live events, prioritise tasks based on their urgency and impact on the overall event. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and delegate responsibilities where possible. Communicate transparently with your team about the challenges and work together to find solutions. Use project management tools to track progress and adjust plans as needed. Stay focused on the most critical tasks and be prepared to make tough decisions to ensure the event's success.

Don't be the leader who doesn't accept an idea if it's not yours. If you've been doing this for any length at time most likely you have DOZENS of solutions reaching into your network. We couldn't do what we do if we're looking at only internal resources. Humans love to fix problems - especially those which we're well suited to solve.

You can't be in two places at once so you must be very careful to give yourself time between bookings. If you see there is a chance to overlap and you want both bookings contact the people who will need to be flexible and find out if they can possibly allow you a later time line to perform. If they will not be flexible you must decide on which gig is the most important to your business and face the consequences of disappointing a client. Try to salvage the relationship with the disappointed client but realize there is a good chance you have ruined their trust in depending on you to show.