I still cringe when I hear the words “What a fun job you have planning parties!” Sure, my job is fun, but not like – drinking a glass of champagne, posing in my stunning Prada pumps on a yacht, rubbing elbows with celebrities – kind of fun.
If I am on a yacht with celebrities, I am most likely orchestrating the details between the captain and the host, talking to the chef, watching the servers, cueing the musicians, tracking down the cleaning crew, handing out motion sickness meds and making sure that all celebrity handlers know they are the MOST important . . . oh, and of course I would be praying it doesn’t rain (but ready to pull the trigger on Plan B if the sky decides to open).
That is the kind of fun I have!
That is the kind of fun I have!
With all that fun, it is still hard for me to believe that I have been doing this for nearly two decades now. And while I have been duly warned of the career fatigue that often is associated with our fast paced business, I have remained inspired both creatively and intellectually by my career.
The event industry is rich with opportunities: an environment that provides endless avenues for professional development. I like to call it the ‘industry of many colors.’
As an example, in my own colorful journey, I have moved between corporate, social and non-profit event planning. I have played various roles during my career from junior planner to middle manager, volunteer, partner, vice president, speaker, mentor, boss and today, a business owner. Over the years, I have mastered budgeting, marketing plans, vendor management, staff coordination, strategic planning, presentations, and project management. I have dabbled with (and am pretty darn good at) production, decor, marketing, celebrity management, script writing, website building, content development, story boards, curriculum overviews and even floral design. I have worked with everyone from Mikail Gorbachev to Arianna Huffington. There was even the time I accidentally stepped on President Clinton’s foot (long story)! I have produced community events, sporting competitions, half million dollar weddings, large galas, and even a few bat/bar mitzvahs and a wedding at a brewery. My career has been (and remains) full of color and options.
So here it is, whether you are new to the industry or are on the cusp of burn out – in desperate need for something fresh – simply embrace the many colors our industry offers. Allow yourself to creatively dream of the various ways you can grow and build your career.
Dare to embrace the full colors of our industry. I encourage you to explore, keep an open mind, try new things, expand beyond your comfort zone and remember the journey is the fun part!
So what is your color? Don’t forget, you can choose more than one!
