Now that the pandemic is finally in our rear view, events are thriving in 2023.
Between dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic, record inflation and constant travel woes, it has been a welcoming relief to see how well the industry is doing in 2023, and that is a testament to the industry’s resilience, innovation, and adaptability.
This article will explore these changes, comparing the state of event production in 2023 to the pre-pandemic era, and offering insights into how professionals can navigate this new landscape.
1) Event Producers Must Be Flexible
Events (especially live and in-person) move fast, so being able to pivot and think on your feet is critical. Things are going to happen, whether it’s a technical issue or weather related, so it’s imperative that you’re able to pivot. This trait comes with experience. Most successful producers we work with have played all the parts in production. They’ve been stage hands, camera operators, or managed sound or lighting. Having knowledge in multiple facets of production gives producers a leg up.
2) Successful Producers Remain Calm Under Pressure
The best event producers we work have an uncanny ability to remain calm even when shit hits the fan. Because producers are typically one of the leaders of the team, remaining calm instills confidence in the team and positively impacts morale. When issues arise during an event (which they often do), a calm demeanor allows for clear thinking and effective problem-solving. Panic or stress can cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions. Conversely, if the leader is visibly stressed, it can create a ripple effect and cause the entire team to panic.
Being calm under pressure can significantly improve decision making.
Events often require quick, on-the-spot decisions. A calm mind is better equipped to make these decisions effectively and efficiently.
3) Elite Event Producers Are Organized
Event production involves budgets, timelines, scheduling, deadlines and so on. There are so many moving parts, so in order to become an effective producer, one must be organized. What does an organized producer look like?
Time management: Successful producers know how to allocate their time wisely. They break down larger goals into small, manageable steps which creates a roadmap to accomplish their objectives. This also includes creating a detailed timeline, outlining tasks and responsibilities, and establishing clear objectives for the event.
Systematic: arrange and manage tasks, items, or information in a structured and systematic manner. It involves creating order, maintaining tidiness, and having a clear system in place to handle responsibilities effectively.can arrange and manage tasks, items, or information in a structured and systematic manner. Having systematic procedures and processes in place naturally allows you to pay more attention to detail and ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Prioritization: Organized event producers know how to prioritize their tasks based on the importance and urgency of whatever cards they are dealt. They focus on the high-priority items first and push the less critical matters to the back burner until they must be dealt with.
4) They Hustle!
Most successful event producers we work with are gritty. They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and often go above and beyond. They are resourceful and usually know when to seize opportunities and are willing to take calculated risks. Event production can be a competitive field, and it takes persistence to succeed. Producers with a hustling attitude are willing to put in the hard work and keep going, even when things get tough.
5) They Are Tech Savvy
Elite producers always keep their fingers on the pulse of the technology.
The progress in event technology over the past ten years has been amazing. Simple sign-up systems have turned into advanced event management tools. We’ve seen social media, mobile apps, and live-streaming change how we run meetings and events. There’s also more focus on using event data and new tech like beacons, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). AI has opened up a plethora of opportunities for engagment and personalization.
Event technology is becoming one of the main pillars of event planning along with venue selection, meeting logistics, food and beverage, and transportation. Elite producers are expanding their skill sets with an understanding of the applications and solutions available so they can continue to add value to the event and the organization.
In conclusion, being a successful event producer requires a blend of creativity, technical savvy, and a hustling attitude. It’s about staying ahead of the curve, embracing the latest technologies, and continuously seeking innovative ways to engage and excite attendees. It’s about resilience, adaptability, and the drive to turn every event into a memorable experience. The world of event production is fast-paced and ever-evolving, but with the right mindset and skills, it’s an industry full of opportunities for those willing to seize them. So, keep hustling, stay tech-savvy, and remember – every event is a chance to create something extraordinary.
