TMM Featured Career: Event Planner

Hi guys! Posts may be few and far between this week while I wait for my shiny new laptop to come in the mail (hint: it’s white and very pretty. Oh, and not a PC!) Until then I’m on my mom’s ancient Toshiba and it took me about 45 minutes to do one blog post last night. Hope you’ll wait around for me!

*******************

For today’s featured career, welcome Logan from Chicka Wha? Logan works in marketing and event planning! I found this interview fascinating since the marketing side of things is very similar to what I do and I’ve always had an interest in event planning.

1. What exactly is your job?

It is hard to explain in a few words. I work for a super small company (we just hired our 8th person, yea!) so that makes me a wearer of many hats. Easiest way to explain it is that I do special events for non profits. We manage the non-profit groups and help them with strategic planning, large and small scale events, finances, marketing, website updates and really anything else they need. I also just started doing all of the marketing for the company (i.e. creating their website, branding initiatives and planning out marketing objectives for the company as a whole).

 
2. How did you end up on this career path? Is it what you saw yourself doing five years ago?

This career is a blend of my marketing degree and my student leadership experience in college. Student leadership was my unofficial second major. We put on leadership conferences, camps and one day seminars for middle school, high school and college students over my five years at Texas A&M. When I was ready to graduate I knew I didn’t want to work for a large company. I wanted a relaxed environment where I could wear jeans and not get up at 5:00 in the morning just to beat traffic. I was lucky enough to find the job through my dad who had been the president of one of the associations we manage. He hooked me up with my boss and I started as a part time assistant in June of 2007.

Five years ago I didn’t know what I was going to be doing. I wasn’t really thinking about life after college at that point. Four years ago I thought I would go to law school after being in this job for a year. I quickly realized I didn’t want to be a lawyer and that I’m better suited for marketing and special events.

3. What is the most challenging aspect of your job and why?

The most challenging aspect is managing the “wild fires” that pop up. I think that happens with most jobs, you might have your day planned out just so and with one phone call or email the whole thing goes out the window. I’ve learned to be flexible, but have a plan at the beginning of the day before I open my Outlook. That really keeps me focused even if I do have a huge thing pop up. I can look at my list and say - “alright what has to get done today and what can wait for tomorrow?”.

The only other rival challenge is working with people. Our job is a hospitality/customer service job. That can be really challenging when someone is upset over something small such as not having a name tag at an event. I then switch into solution mode to get the problem resolved.

4. What’s a typical day in your job like?

There are a few different typical days - in the office, prepping for a meeting, and at an event. A typical ‘in the office’ day would be going over to dos I get from the board or monthly tasks we have to take care of like wrapping up an event or doing the financial statements for a treasurer.

A ‘prepping for a meeting’ day would consist of making sure we have everyone registered for the event along with all of the needed supplies. It takes about 25 hours from start to finish to market, put together and close out even a small meeting.

An ‘at an event’ day would start earlier so we can arrive at the venue in time to set up registration and check presentation setup. Then the event starts to run itself - people show up - listen to a speaker/eat - then they leave. After the event we clean up, head out and then regroup for the next meeting and get ready to close out that meeting - collect payments and do financial reports.

5. How is your job different from other professionals?

My job constantly changes from event to event. Throughout the year we also have large events like a conference or golf tournament that has to be integrated into your workload. We work in an environment where suits are not part of our everyday garb, yelling trumps the intercom, and “Wine Fridays” make an appearance at least once a month.

6. What’s your favourite thing about your job? Least favorite?

I love organizing and planning large events. Each event spurs new challenges. Last year we combined two events, a golf tournament with an awards dinner. All of the coordination it takes to pull off a large scale event just makes me want to work harder.

Least favorite are unexpected surprises at events. As much as you want something to be perfect, there will always be one small thing here or there that won’t go as planned. I try to make sure I’m prepared for whatever that might be to stay ahead of the game.

7. Is it what you see yourself doing in 5, 10, 15 years? Why or why not?

Right now, I could see myself spending 5 to 10 years of my career at the company. I would like to one day own my own business. The great thing about the small company is that at 26 I’ve been able to help shape the business. That is just crazy to me, but I’m super grateful to my boss for the opportunities she has allowed me. I hope to grow my position to do more large scale events. I think I’ll always do something with special events and leadership management. That’s where my passion lies.

8. What’s the most important part about a career to you (i.e. good work/life balance, money, security etc.)?

Liking what you do. I think you need to enjoy your job and the people around you. To spend 70% of your day at a job that you hate just isn’t worth it to me. It isn’t always easy, but keep looking for something that makes you want to get out of bed (at least 4 out of 5 days). Find an environment that uplifts your spirits and everything else will fall into place.

I think the answer to this last question was my favourite - enjoying what you do and having a job where you WANT to get out of bed is sooo important! Thanks, Logan!

I think event planning sounds like a really fun job, but it would obviously also be very challenging and stressful! Any other event planners out there? Do you have a job that makes you want to get out of bed? Why or why not?

*****************

I’m currently looking for people to feature for March and April (you don’t have to be a blogger.) Email me if you’re interested: amber@girlwiththeredhair.com.