The Harsh Realities of Being An Event Planner

Event management is hard, time consuming, and detailed work. No task is below a great Event Planner, and if you want to have a successful career in the Event Industry, these are The Harsh Realities of Being an Event Planner that you need to know.
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Hey, this is Xander from EventMB and I want to take a look at the dark side of working in the event industry.
Interested in a job running events? Why? Is it the glitz and glamour? The chance to work with Celebrities? Or maybe you just really love planning parties?
If you think that’s all there is to this job - you are gonna be in for a rude awakening.
Event management is hard, time consuming, and detailed work.
When I first got started, my boss would constantly remind me that “Everyone picks up trash.” These are The Harsh Realities of Being an Event Planner that you need to know.
Get Ready to Work
If you’re looking for a 9 to 5 - look somewhere else. Event Planners can expect early mornings and late late nights, and especially on weekends.
The best Event Planners are working on a bunch of projects at the same time. When next month includes 4 different events, you can't drop the ball on any one of them.
2. You Must Love Technology
In today’s digital world, you’re expected to introduce your clients to cutting edge technology. Whether it's project management systems, RFID tech, drones, or any other innovative tool to enhance the event experience.
Seasoned event professionals are leading the way by incorporating unique and creative technologies into their events.
3. The Buck Stops with You
No one is more responsible for the outcome of your events than you. There is no blame to be passed when your vendors show up late, the general session runs long, or, when the AV team drops a clanger!
Our clients look to us for an explanation of every mistake, hiccup or crisis THEY encounter during the event. Smart planning and seeing around corners can help you solve some of these issues, but some are simply unavoidable. You’ll learn from those mistakes for the next time all hell breaks loose.
4. You’ll never be just an attendee again
Every Event Professional knows the scene - they walk into the cocktail reception. Next thing, you are carrying a bus tray back into the kitchen, straightening linens, re-lighting candles, and the list goes on. Once you start producing your own events, it is hard to look past the flaws in the those you attend.
In Conclusion
Know what you are getting yourself into when you start your career as an Event Planner - it’s harder than most people realize because the easier we make it seem on the outside, the more we set ourselves up for success.
The fact is that no matter how harsh the reality of being an event planner is - if you have the right personality and work ethic - you’re gonna love it.
To those currently working event industry now - leave a comment below and let us know what other harsh realities come along with the job.

[@Bumbelbell82]

Nobody tells you that appreciation is rare, you won't always get showered with lots of praise for a good event, so don't expect it - during an event, if my client is speaking to me it usually means there is an issue. I am the happiest person in the world if I am ignored (by the client) during an event, it means nothing is, or has, gone wrong or needs attention :) - your satisfaction comes from being behind the scenes, ensuring everyone up front is happy!

[@karenmkaminski]

So much truth here. NO event is simple. If it is, you're doing it wrong. Harsh reality: No matter how much you plan and how perfectly everything else may go, if the food sucks, people will believe the whole event sucked. Food is your make or break, and it's impossible to please everyone, but that doesn't mean you don't do everything in your power to try.

[@Maciahgrace]

This only made me more excited to get situated into my career as an event planner lol I want it all! The cons barely sound bad

[@goodkidscreative]

Harsh Reality: Clients who expect the most often are the ones who penny pinch and stive to pay the least. These clients tend to get in their own way with micro management, stonewalling progress and definitely fail to communicate coherently. Pro Tip: When in consultation phase; Ask your client "what problems have they been facing", "whats worked really well for them in the past?", and most importantly "What objectives are they hoping to achieve in this coming event". Then, take that information and outline clear solutions, roles and responsibilities that address all the chief concerns of the event and then supply them with a working budget. If they can't meet that budget suggest they go elsewhere, or better: refer them to a less skilled competitor who's on the way up. its nice to make sales, but you can't work for peanuts or waste your time: After all you're not the cheapest event producer in town for a reason!

[@ShedrackWorrell]

You don't sleep properly the night after execution, your mind always goes into thinking about the event

[@brendanpilgrim9851]

I AGREE...YOU HAVE TO HAVE AN EYE FOR DETAIL...LONG NIGHTS.....

[@ekaeteusoro3384]

Harsh Reality: you are going to micro manage your vendors up until the end of the event. Always communicate and watch them execute your ideas. Do not assume they get your ideas and leave them to execute it alone.

[@mrfriendship617]

I already have University Degree's in Law. Do i need to study again for Events Management? Thanks

[@XanderCastro]

Your law degree will have some limited applications when it comes to event management - for example, you'll be responsible for reviewing and signing off on a number of contracts. That said, before you get anywhere close to reviewing and signing your own contracts, you're going to need a LOT of experience designing, managing, and executing events. Perhaps you can volunteer for a NGO that hosts events, using your Law skills to help review their event contracts, and help in any other ways possible. TL;DR - Your law degree does not prepare you for the full scope of event management responsibilites.

[@MiMenteOnLine]

Thanks for this, that makes sense. I'm planning on starting a bussiness on rock music concerts and house music parties, and I was thinking that being super specific on explaining the way I want to work with them would be enough, but yeah, You never know, so micromanaging would be the way.

[@akshayjain5209]

@@XanderCastro do you please suggest best universities for event management studies

[@joanna220699]

Thank you so much for this video. I'm 23 and at crossroads about my career choices. You sharing your experience has really enlightened me. Thanks again!

[@dhananjayasharma4427]

so what have you decided . do you pursue you career as a event manager

[@xonicatiana9345]

oh my god same here, glad i'm not alone in this

[@faithtracey2136]

Me too

[@komalaggarwal3209]

Me too

[@JEWELTOYA69]

They don't tell you how hard it is before you start and I think you should have a pre test to know if your cut out for it

[@R2theP2010]

So true! All of it. How about the fact that the events that appear to be the most simple and straight forward are the ones things are most likely to go wrong. And remember, your client is counting on the fact that you are a magician and know a solution to every problem, regardless of the time necessary to produce that solution...even if he created the problem himself

[@Myb00ts13]

I loved this. As an event planner for 14 years, I think you were spin on. I would love to see a video about characteristics or personality types of an event planner. I think we tend to all have attributes very much in common.

[@tracyfuller4843]

30 + years and I still love it! Plan to spend a lot of time on research and in front of the computer, learning new options, looking at speakers etc. for your clients. It's more than just the party! Great reality video!

[@keithobrien9649]

I am a first year student @IT Tralee studying Event Management and I found this channel while researching for this industry’s pros and cons before I got into it and it’s extremely helpful.So far I am loving the course and would really appreciate some advice for a future Event Manager or even hear about some experiences that I could possibly avoid 😍😍

[@ShedrackWorrell]

Planning is great but the executionis where the event managment skillset really comes in

[@praksonita3197]

Harsh Reality: some people in the team aren't fully responsible for their work. They do unless we follow up them. Anyways, thanks for the video. It's so true in Event industry.

[@schuetteman5]

love this - thanks Xander as so many think it is easy and fun

[@Ricklawrence]

Ivr been working for an events management company for almost two years now. PGA open in Scottsdale AZ is one of our big jobs. Also the Telluride Film Festival. But Ive seen disaster on jobs involving a dance floor and lighting. You are not kidding about the hours. Three months straight if 12 hour days with no days off. Is not uncommon. You have to love it and details details details. Ive been A behind the scenes grunt. Im considering moving into sales

[@johannaaandrews6447]

Hi like your video so real. It's almost twenty years in the field and no two events are identical. You are thinking with the end in mind for everyone.

[@delphiniumeventsng]

Everything said is true. Another reality is facing rude clients proving to be right when they are actually super wrong. Making wrong decisions for their events despite your warnings and when it all goes south, guest tend to point blaming fingers at the event planner. This happens a lot where I come from.

[@EmmaP678]

Asking for sponsors and support overall is my weakness! Good video :)

[@SkiftMeetings]

I know, right! Thank you. So glad you found value in it...thanks for watching.

[@owunarid.dokubo8780]

I'm just starting my event planning business and I'm so nervous thanks for the video more reason to go into it

[@davidchunkyonion]

Great video and 100% accurate

[@tracyfuller4843]

Show hangover is a real thing! No time for water or restroom , post event let down, stress and exhaustion leaves you dehydrated and with a big headache the next day

[@arunbaislavlogs7223]

wow , I found new channel of event planner , greetings from India , same just also always happens with me , Thanks for making video.

[@SkiftMeetings]

Greetings! So glad you have found us.

[@customheat]

Number 4 hit me hard, haha, since long ago when I was just staffing events I realized that.

[@marilynfranklin8924]

Yeah I get that, question? What would you do if a stage is falling? And the entertainment is on stage.

[@MsPsteelers]

ThanKs for being straight forward and honest. ❤

[@soulnzest]

Hi Xander thanks for the great video. What kinds of events are you working on? like expo or conferences. Which do you think do you feel harder to deal with especially? I’ve worked at exhibition organizer but wonder how it’s different with conferences section.

[@virajthakkar2219]

I really have one more question, as i want to persue this career further it would be really great if you answer this one.... despite all this hardwork and inconveniences how good is the pay??

[@dhananjayasharma4427]

bro if you get your answer then please tell me also . i also have the same problem

[@kassandracueto1036]

Commenting so I too get an answer

[@KessJones505]

This is a great post; I have asked my HR department to show it to potential entry-level candidates that think they would be great planners because they are a "people person." !

[@hayatredwan4245]

I am still up for it tho😊

[@velious2121]

Who is usually responsible for the email marketing side of things? I'd like to specialize in this specific area since I have email marketing experience via activecampaign. Maybe I can talk to someone in the comments who is a planner and could answer some questions for me.

[@Myb00ts13]

Spot on, I mean :)

[@writersandeeppatel1934]

Hey I want to start wedding planner business but how I don't know?

[@Marissachanel]

SB writer and speaker To start a wedding planning business: One: make a Facebook, Instagram for free website, and offer your services for less to gain some clientele, work experience, and experience. Internet is free marketing. Go online, and decide where you want to fit in the wedding industry because there is a lot of niches do you want to coordinate the day of? Be a rental company for linens? Do you want to do centerpieces? Do you like to design? Find what your good at get some experience, and run with it! Look at other event planners, and see what’s in trend and start creating, if you don’t have money for inventory start with DIY projects if you want to be a decorator, before wedding planning start planning kids events, small scale partners then ease into higher guest count events, before you know it your family will be asking for your services then you will start to get word of mouth clientele, but social media is your best friend when marketing. Create a mood board on Pinterest for projects. Also one of the best subscriptions for event planners is honey books, or else you will be micromanaging your head off and you will forget things.

[@Alexander-cy8ld]

Hmm this sounds horrible. I don't think I couldn't have set work hours and deal with it all. Maybe realestate is better