The fresh start that the New Year provides can be exciting and rejuvenating. However, for event planners, it can also seem daunting. In hopes of easing the stress and sharing some words of wisdom, Planned spoke with four event planning experts to ask for their advice on how to prepare for 2022 and how they like to head into a new year.
Whether you’re new to the world of events, or you’ve been in the industry for a while, their mindset will help you navigate the year ahead.
Andrew Roby
Founder and Owner of Andrew Roby Events, listed in Event Industry’s ‘40 Under 40':
“My advice would be to focus on areas of customer service that hinders your progress as a planner. With the increased demand for event planners over the last 6 months and the need for fast turnaround, so many still struggle to respond to inquiries in a timely manner. Determine your areas of weakness and find solutions to each of them. If you need help, consider a Virtual Assistant that can create a CRM for potential clients and can respond to inquiries. Lastly, find ways to give time back to yourself. Do things like creating templates for the things you do often. Are you always sending out a particular email? Create a template. Know who your ideal clients are and find ways to vet everyone before they hit the send button. Finding more ways to give time back to you so that you can focus on growing your company is certainly the one thing I am focusing on in 2022.”
Anatashia Lewis
Event Producer, Catering Manager, and Logistics Queen with over 10+ years of experience:
“2022 is the year of flexibility and resilience. We never thought our industry would be affected so heavily but as planners, it is ingrained in us to pivot, always seeking new solutions and ways of thinking. It is vital that we don’t trap our minds or creativity into one idea or one plan. Who would have thought the entire world would shut down in the midst of us planning our 2020, 2021, and 2022 events! We have to remain fluid, knowing that the world and our industry is constantly evolving. Creativity flows when we loosen our grip, embrace change and invite our minds to think freely. Resilience: For me it looks like resting and then pushing through. Event planning is one of the most stressful jobs in the world (lacking fair pay at times) and affects you physically, mentally and emotionally. I’m an advocate for taking care of self and practicing self-care and I encourage all planners to take inventory of their self-care practices this year and beyond. Reclaiming your rest instills resilience from within.”
Michelle Norwood
Owner of Michelle Norwood Events, and named ‘Top Planner in The World’ by HARPERS BAZAAR, ‘Best Wedding Planners in the U.S., Canada, and Overseas’ by VOGUE, and ‘Top Planner’ by Martha Stewart:
“I like to start my year strong. I take a look at everything on my calendar and begin working on the logistics of each event and work on them accordingly. Staying ahead of the game is the best way to not get caught up in the madness once the seasons begin. I also begin planning my travel early in the year. Once my calendar is set, I don’t make changes unless absolutely necessary.“
Kendra Lafoe
Event & Sales Manager at Beauport Hospitality Group based in New Hampshire.
“I would say that the lesson I’ve learned from this past year, leading into 2022 as an event manager would be, there is never an idea too big that I can’t handle to create a client’s dream! Never doubt yourself as a planner because if 2020–2021 has taught me anything, it’s that it can be done.”
It’s important to remember that everyone is pivoting their approach to event planning and by connecting with others in the industry, we can navigate 2022 in events with a clear head and strong intentions. The event planning community is all about sharing with others and exploring what works best for you.
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