Great Events Take the Work of Many

I know this newsletter is for accidental and occasional event planners, but what if you’re actually enjoying it and thinking about turning event planning into a career?

I remember my first event planning job. Every single detail was on me. From reserving the tradeshow booth space to booking hotels, designing booth graphics, and coordinating shipping...it was all mine to handle.

Later, in another role, I focused more on logistics and merchandise while an agency handled design and branding. Eventually, I found myself back in a position where I managed nearly every aspect of the event, this time, adding marketing and communications to help secure sponsorships to the mix.

Over the past year I've seen my event focus shift event more. I am still involved in some of the logistics - I've realized that what always drives me back to the event planning life is the creative side of events: communications, experiences, merch and strategy.

I love watching how event roles continue to change. No matter the scale, one thing remains true: great events take the work of many. I hope colleges and technical schools offering event planning programs start embracing the broader aspects of the industry, beyond the basics, to include the growing importance of event communications, experiences, merch and strategy.

Different Roles in Event Planning

Here is a glimpse at some of the roles I think are important for evert event to have.

• Event Lead – The person who makes sure all moving parts come together and keeps track of the budget. Spoiler: This person is typically the most organized person on the team!
• Logistics Specialist – The detail-oriented person handling venue, transportation, shipping and more. They are the king or queen of follow-up and tracking to make sure everything is where it needs to be at the right time.
• Experience & Engagement Strategist – The creative. The one who loves coming up with immersive experiences, event themes and managing digital aspects of the event like the event website, app, registration, and communications.
• Sponsorship & Vendor Manager – This person can typically sell ketchup to a person wearing white gloves - securing partnerships that help bring events to life.
• Merch Specialist – The person behind the show merchandise, making sure there is swag handed out that serves a purpose and isn't being handed out for the sake of it.

Ready to Make Your Move?

If you are thinking about making event planning your career, or if you are in charge of events for your organization, take a look and see what role excites you most or what roles you think should be added to your team. Let's start living in a world where there are fewer overwhelmed event planners trying to do it all.