The Heart of Event Management

Building Relationships for Success

After over two decades in event management, I've learned countless lessons, both the easy and the hard. But one truth stands out: the most crucial aspect of this job is building relationships. Every successful event hinges on the connections you forge with leaders, team members, stakeholders, vendors, venues – everyone involved. Each person holds a piece of the puzzle, and it's our job to guide them as they assemble a memorable experience.

Communication: The Foundation of Trust

Strong relationships are built on open, honest communication. Just as in our personal lives, professional connections require ongoing effort and nurturing. As leaders, it's our responsibility to create an environment where communication flourishes. This means actively building trust with each team member. Remember, trust isn't something employees owe us; it's something we earn.

So, how do we earn and maintain trust?

• Show genuine interest: Ask how your team members are doing, both professionally and personally. You don’t have to be their work bestie, but everyone has stressors outside of work at times. Knowing they can communicate if something is a struggle at work or home will help you manage your reactions and emotions during pressure moments.  

• Offer support: Pitch in when someone's overwhelmed, and listen when they signal stress. I have always told teams that I don’t ask someone to do something that I haven’t done or would do. No one is a super human, we all need breaks, and pitching in when needed (even on tasks you hate) will show your desire to build a cohesive team. 

• Celebrate achievements: Acknowledge accomplishments before addressing challenges.

• Be an advocate: Stand up for your team and protect their interests. 

Effective communication isn't one-size-fits-all. Take the time to understand what works best for each individual, experiment with different feedback approaches and ask for their input. Leaders who rely on threats or intimidation before building trust are setting themselves and their teams up for failure.

Building the Dream Team

Remember, you shouldn’t try to do it all. Surround yourself with talented people who share your passion, even if it means advocating for them. When everyone involved in an event feels like part of the same team, magic happens. Encourage cross-functional collaboration, open dialogue, and creative brainstorming.

Trust, Empower, and Inspire

Once you have a great team in place, trust them to do their jobs. Encourage creativity and allow people to own their work without micromanaging. Mistakes are inevitable, so create a safe space where people can learn from them without fear.Welcome new ideas, celebrate those who challenge the status quo, and always explain your decisions to provide context.

The Interview Question That Reveals All

For the past ten years, I've asked every job candidate one simple question: "Tell me about a time you made a big mistake and how you handled it." This question isn't about uncovering flaws; it's about understanding how someone takes ownership and learns from their experiences.

The most insightful answers come from those who are open and honest. For those who claim to never make mistakes in planning or execution of events, well, that tells me a lot also.

Let's Build Something Amazing Together

Event management is challenging but rewarding. By prioritizing relationships and fostering trust, we can create events that shine, teams that thrive, and careers that soar. Embrace the team journey together and have some fun along the way! 

---

If you’d like to collaborate, learn more about my work, or explore how customer events can transform your brand, feel free to connect with me!