What an Event Manager Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Events Industry
Rachelle's experience reveals a crucial lesson: event management requires "making sound judgment calls in the moment" and taking ownership, unlike the initially perceived glamorous aspects. The reality involves significant autonomy, quick decision-making, and learning through trial and error to meet client goals, rather than simply focusing on aesthetics.
Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Communication, Leadership, Experience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Rachelle Platis
Event Manager & Marketer
George P Johnson, Applied Underwriters, Google Chrome Enterprise
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
N/A
Hospitality Administration
Hospitality, Restaurants & Events, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Operations and Project Management
Honors Student, Took Out Loans, Transfer Student, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. The events industry is fun, but for different reasons than initially perceived. It's crucial to develop the ability to make independent decisions and judgments, as constant validation seeking is not feasible.
2. To excel as an event manager, significant experience, including instances of failure, is essential. This experience fosters autonomy and the ability to anticipate client needs and goals.
3. Effective event management necessitates detailed planning and clear communication to ensure that every detail aligns with the client's vision and expectations. It's vital to take ownership and confidently represent your client or company, stepping up as a leader when needed
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone had told you before you entered the industry?
When I first heard about my major, event management in the recreation, parks, and tourism industry at Cal Poly, which is now called Experiential Industry Management, I thought it was so glam and fun. The new name is much more fitting, though. It is fun, but for very different reasons than I initially expected.
I learned quickly that I needed to have my own opinions and make my own decisions. I also needed to have valid reasons for those decisions, as I can't constantly seek validation or affirmation for every choice.
A huge part of the events industry, specifically, is being able to make sound judgment calls in the moment. You won't always have a boss available to guide every decision. You learn through trial and error.
While not everyone needs to go to school for event management, experience is crucial. Even with formal education, you need a lot of practical experience. You need to fail sometimes, develop autonomy, and form opinions and judgments.
You have to put yourself in your client's shoes and consider their goals. I just thought I'd be dealing with pretty decor, flowers, and music, and everything would come together perfectly. However, you need to be very specific with people.
People will look to you for answers, and you need to step up. You have to be in charge, own the event, and speak on behalf of your client or company. Taking ownership of managing the event is extremely important.