Flexibility Embrace

Months of carefully planning, endless calls with client, venue walk through prior to the event. Everything is going according to schedule then your great plan goes up in smoke? Last minute attendees that you did not factor into the final catering numbers? Speaker cancellation? Audio visual equipment not working?

What would you do? How would you react?

As an event planner, we often are faced with the unexpected. Handling things are part of our lives. I personally look forward to what will happen. Following the simple steps will enable you to manage the “unexpected”

1. Breathe. Yes, I say it again. As the event planner, your reaction will set the tone on how your client and event participants will react. If you remain in control and calm….often times your client will follow your lead.

2. Communicate. Communicate. Make sure to keep the lines of communications open with all critical individuals. You are the lead person to move everyone to a solution.

3. Know your audience. Cultivating a working environment with your client, vendors and event attendees, you will discover talents, skills and resources that maybe helpful. You are the person to lead others to the solution; however, you do not have to be the only one who comes up with or have the solution.

4. Event goals. Even when you are faced with a crisis or surprise, always remember the event goals. Your client entrusts you stay focus on the event’s objective.

5. Laugh. One of my favorites. You may have to chuckled inside your head. Remember things happen. Life is always changing. You are human.

6. Be Flexible. A plan is great. Months of planning. Tons of meetings, conference calls and notes…………may go out the door with one unexpected change.

Expecting the unexpected is a part of our DNA. Embracing flexibility and communicating will equip you to a road to have an successful event even when hiccups come along the way.