Event management tips that will help you become the best event manager you can be

Being an event manager involves the ability to take on various roles and requires a unique skill set not everyone has. Whether you’re still in school or already have the experience, it doesn’t hurt to continue learning and improve in certain areas. Below are ways you can obtain or improve your event manager skill set in order to have a successful career in the industry.
 

1. Communicate Effectively with Clients

Having excellent communication is an essential skill event manager’s need in order to be successful. Understand what it is the client expects from the event by sitting down with them and effectively discussing your thoughts and ideas. Then give your client a clear vision of what you’re offering and what they can expect on the big day. Throughout the planning process make sure you touch base regularly to avoid any misunderstandings.

Two women looking at a man and smiling - one women is shaking his hand

2. Think Like Your Client and Attendees

Before finding a venue, you want to have a rough idea of what amenities you’ll require and any activities that will be happening. Once you best understand these requirements, it’s time to find a venue that aligns with your client’s vision.

Is the location in an area that attendees can travel to easily? Is there a parking lot or valet parking? Will it accommodate everyone comfortably? Where is the entrance? Is the bathroom easily accessible? As an event manager, these are questions you need to ask yourself when planning events. You want to put yourself in both the client’s and attendees’ shoes and walk through the venue as if you were them.

An overhead shot of people sat around a table with laptops.
3. Never Stop Learning

If you already have event management experience, don’t just assume you already know everything. This is an industry where you will never stop learning. Really, it’s important to stay on top of industry trends and current events. Below are some ways that you can do so.
Tips:

  • Take about 20 minutes every day to ready up on industry news and reports. Follow event planning accounts on social media and get alerts when a new article comes out.
  • Enroll in a free online event management course or attend a seminar.
  • Pay attention to what your competitors are doing and how you can do it better.

 

4. Keep Calm and Have Fun!

Being an event planner means you will experience some stressful moments throughout your career. With so many components factored into the job, such as dealing with vendors, clients, budgets and so much more, it’s important to learn how to manage your stress. Nobody wants to work with someone that is all over the place and can cause clients or co-workers to be stressed as well.

3 people sat around a table with a laptop in a cafe.
Tips:

  • Set boundaries between yourself and your client. You too need time to unwind and have a clear head for the day to follow. Make sure you let your clients know when you’re available for calls and emails. No one wants to get bombarded with an email full of requests or questions at 10:00 PM.
  • If you’re a workaholic, take a little “you time” and unplug. Yes, that’s right, turn off all electronic devices and escape. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or just an hour of relaxation, taking time away from your devices has been shown to relieve a restless mind.
  • Meditation has been proven to be a great stress reliever. Start your day fresh with a clear mind and allow yourself to shut down. Aim to meditate for 5-10 minutes a morning– you’ll be surprised to see how well this works!

Lastly, make sure you have FUN! A happy client will come back because they enjoy working with you.

If you’re looking to get into your own event planning business, check out this article on startup success. We hope our suggestions will help you become even more successful in the event planning world!
Author: Eventbrite – one platform to help you build, manage and grow your events.


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