Meetings Blog Jan 17, 2020
Challenges, obstacles, hurdles, bumps in the road, disasters… Whatever you call them, they are part of everyday life. Few people could claim to get through their own existence without facing some sort of test and most of us would admit to them being rather a common occurrence, with varying degrees of complexity or severity. They can come at you from all angles, often unexpectedly, and can change us from ‘calmly in control’ to ‘verging on stressed out’ before we realize.
Of course, these obstacles have to be overcome in order to move on with life, and that’s what we strive to do. There are, however, just as many ways to achieve this as there are challenges, meaning careful thought is often required. Do you call upon your own experiences to deal with the issue? Maybe a trusted friend or relative can provide you with the support you need. Sometimes it takes a little research to get to a solution. Most of all, though, our resilience in not being discouraged and to take on the challenge head on is what can bear so much fruit once we succeed.
As an event planner, the above concept is a very familiar one, as your efforts focus on making everything run smoothly and seamlessly. There is rarely a day that goes by during the planning and execution phases where you don’t have to deal with any challenge, or several during a daySpeakers canceling at the last minute; budget constraints restricting your options; technological issues impacting on marketing communications; traffic problems holding up caterers; sudden change in weather during an outdoor event… The list goes on, and on.
For each obstacle, as we have said, there is usually a way around it, over it, or through it. The more experience you have the more likely you are to have already thought of how this will be achieved and, if steps have not been taken to preempt and avoid it, a back-up plan will be lined up in waiting. Stepping back and seeing the situation from a different perspective can provide more clarity, with opportunity rather than frustration being visualized. At times help will be needed from others and this is where working with an expert team at your venue can prove to be a lifesaver. They tend to have come across most industry challenges and, even if a new one arises, can work with you to find the appropriate solution.
As someone once said, ‘don’t limit your challenges, instead challenge your limits’ and grow wiser and stronger for each one you face, becoming an even more resilient planner than you were before.
