If you are in the meetings and events industry, it’s likely you have seen and heard things that those in other professions might not understand. I have witnessed some scary things, like the attendee who choked on a piece of steak (he’s OK), the woman who accidentally set off a fire alarm at a conference (she was just a little embarrassed), and the executive who fell off the stage during an awards ceremony (she’s OK, too). I have worked with astronauts, singers, actors, poets, beatboxers, stuntpeople, shadow dancers, storytellers, presidents, dignitaries, magicians, comedians, CEOs, Olympians, chefs—and the list goes on, with each having different needs and challenges.
Yes, as planners, we see it all: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the unbelievable. It’s easy to find inspiration among all these unique experiences. It could be a thoughtful centerpiece that tells a story or a keynote speaker who has overcome diversity that inspires you most. Here are a few of the things I am galvanized by as I weave and jab my way through this wild industry.
Build Energy
When people gather, it creates energy. There are the pre-event and early-arrival jitters. The first-to-arrive attendees easily smile and nervously say their hellos. After settling in, the introverts hide from the extroverts as the cocktail reception wine works magic to impart a little extra courage in the quiet-natured people. Once the food arrives, the energy gains strength as attendees uncover connections and begin to loosen up. If it’s a late-night event, a planner might even see a good-time peak, resulting in dancing and singing to the DJ’s tunes. This energy that did not previously exist is something to appreciate. These connections and conversations never would have happened without this event. Witnessing the myriad emotions and the resulting connections motivates me to come up with new and exciting ways to bring people together.
Impactful Storytelling
As a journalism undergrad at Michigan State University, I was told everyone has a story, you just have to look for it. I have heard some incredible, life-changing stories on stages. I have watched presenters captivate a full room telling their personal story. The power of knowing your story and then sharing it with the world can truly change the course of one’s path. Storytelling can be done through art, dance, spoken word, and, especially, through experience. I often remind myself to focus on goals and objectives and mind my budget, but most of all, be sure to tell (some of) my story.
Superb Results
I recently had the opportunity to work alongside some exceptional planners whose job it was to advance an event for a former U.S. president. This team was young and smart and beyond professional in all they did. From the Secret Service to the advance team, they were discreet and intentional. I was incredibly inspired to watch how they worked the event like a thoughtful game of chess, anticipating each move before it happened.
And I was reminded that although our events may seem like rinse and repeat at times, we can always strive to think through the perfect course of action to set ourselves up for success. For me, every event is a gift of inspiration, reminding me that we all want to connect, feel, learn, and grow. If we are lucky, we might even inspire.
Lindsay Krause is chief operating officer for Special D Events in Detroit.
