Start Your Year Iconically
Laura Yarbrough-Lloyd, M.S., PMP
?? Major events FOH, VIP Hospitality, Ops Freelancer in Sport, Fashion, Film ? Coach & educate event pros to work at iconic events & scale careers ? Community creator for major event pros ? A Flair for VIP Events Podcast
2025 is not just going to be another year. It is going to be YOUR year to make moves, gain momentum, shake things up and claim your space in the world of iconic events (or whatever stage you want to be yours).
I reflected on some themes and lessons from this year that I will be carrying into next year, and they are too good not to share. Whether you want to break into the event industry or elevate your already amazing event career with iconic events, here are 10 ideas and themes that will keep you grounded, motivated, and confident to take on anything.
1. Passion is your event career fuel?-?It keeps you going when you're up at 4 a.m. It keeps you going when you want to quit from so many last minute changes. The event pros I admire are the ones who light up when they talk about what they do.
2. Networking is a superpower - You don’t need a perfect portfolio. You need people who know you, trust you, and think of you first when the big opportunities land. Relationships are everything so prioritise them in 2025. It is a long term investment,
3. Your career and business need to team up -?Freelancers, entrepreneurs...this one’s for you. Your business goals and career dreams shouldn’t compete. They?should support each other. If you’re not aligned, it’s time for a reset. Too often, we put the business part of events above our career aspirations, but behind the business, we are a human being with our own career desires and needs to fulfil.
4. Your reputation is vital -?In this industry, your name is currency. Are people associating it with teamwork, reliability, and that extra spark? Or are you stuck in “forgettable” territory? If it’s not the former, now’s the time to elevate your game.
5. Mindset separates the good and the great -?Confidence is contagious, and resilience is a must. Don't have a perfect CV? Who cares. You will face rejection and challenges, but the way you respond defines your trajectory. Show up like you already belong (because you do!)
6. Transformation lives in the little things -?Massive goals are great, but daily habits are where the magic happens. Want to grow your network? DM one person a day. Want to sharpen your skills? Spend 15 minutes on it every morning. These small shifts add up in ways you can’t even imagine. I?spent 30 days doing something like this with 5 daily habits, and it has completely transformed my business.?
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7. Iconic events are built by dreamer -?Here’s a little insider truth: everyone involved with an iconic event, whether they are onstage or backstage or even attending, is chasing a dream. That energy is contagious, so surround yourself with people dreaming like you and put your dreams out into the world.
8. Collaboration is where creativity thrives -?The best ideas come from unexpected partnerships. Don’t just stick to your corner of the industry. Step outside of it. When worlds collide, magic happens. This is something I am going to challenge event pros in major events to do in 2025.
9. Your vibe attracts the right tribe -?How you're showing up is what you are going to attract. Event pros succeeding are authentic and, positive and clear about what they want and why. Own what makes you unique, share your quirks and wins, and show up as you. The right opportunities, people, and experiences will follow.
10. Big wins come from small moments -?Iconic events tend to make us focus on headlines, so we think that we need MAJOR personal wins to get work at these major events. ?But magic happens in really small intentional moments like a conversation with a mentor, making a quick decision under pressure, or spending time alone in the morning with coffee to set yourself up for the day.?
So, which one of these lessons is your favourite??Maybe you’re ready to dive into networking with more intention. Or maybe this is the year you reflect on how to make your business thrive by satisfying your career aspirations.?
Whatever it is, I’m here to cheer you on and remind you that small steps lead to BIG changes. Let’s make this year unforgettable, together!