President’s Letter: 10 Tips to Manage Event Planner Stress

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Happy New Year! I recently read an article that listed event planner as one of the most stressful occupations and was reminded of my New Year’s resolutions to reduce stress. As a live events professional, our jobs are 24/7 and full of pressure we put on ourselves and our clients put on us.  To assist, I’ve compiled my favorite “Top 10 Tips” to manage stress and thrive in our hectic industry.

1. Build breaks into your schedule. In fact, incorporate a workout into your daily plan.  Take care of yourself first to have the focus and energy to deliver. Those long days and late nights can start to take a toll.  
2. The devil is in the details. We’ve all been there – your client comes to you with production requests claiming you weren’t clear in the contract. The more information you can provide upfront, the lower the likelihood of miscommunication. And don’t forget to review the details in contracts you receive too!
3. Don’t reinvent the wheel! Connect with other ILEA members at chapter events, on social media, and the ILEA Communities for help and easy access to solutions from like-minded individuals.
4. Spend time in nature. Living in Denver, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities and I feel most rejuvenated after a hike in the mountains, a good day of skiing or a simple jog through Cherry Creek State Park. 
5. Get certified. I recently renewed my Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) designation and the process helped me re-examine all  the things I do in executing events to be sure I’m doing them in the most effective and efficient way possible.
6. Gather feedback. Use comments and criticism as an occasions to make your next event even better.  There are no failures…there are only learning opportunities for growth!
7. Lighten your load. Sometimes, we just can’t do it all. Use the ILEA Career Center to find the right candidate to support you. 
8. The O-Word: organize. Whether its checklists, automated reminders, technology, equipment, or record-keeping, being organized means one less thing to worry about when those last minute challenges do pop up.
9. Use the tools available to you to increase productivity. ILEA will announce several affinity programs soon that will give members discounts on programs and services that will make your job easier – and help save money!
10. Speaking of money…have a budget. Your event budget or your annual business budget, it’s important to know where money is being spent and plan for the unexpected expense.

While our event planner profession is listed as one of the most stressful, I find it to also be the most rewarding and creative. No two days are ever the same! I hope you’ll use the New Year as an opportunity to take a step back and address stress to be a better live events professional in 2018.

Until next time…

Ingrid Nagy, CSEP
ILEA President

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