I’ve managed many event planners in my 25+ years in the industry. I’ve seen the toll that this industry can take on someone. Yes, it is fun and we love what we do, however too much of anything is never a good thing. If you are a planner that is in a similar situation, perhaps you have a ton on your plate and don’t know how to streamline things so that you can breathe easier. Or perhaps you are juggling multiple priorities and need help deciding on who to delegate what to, let me help. I’m here to empower event planners to stress less so that they can live at their best. So that they can live a life on purpose.
Certifications include:
Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)
Certified Life Coach
Healthcare Meetings Compliance Certification (HMCC)
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve ever faced while planning an event and how did you overcome it?
Saying “yes” to everything that came my way, ultimately left me with health issues, an unstable marriage, children that needed their mom a little more, and family that I never saw. Yet when I flipped the script on my life and asked myself what truly matters, what is my purpose in life, I found that many things had to come off my list.
This is the reason that I created Planners on Purpose. To help event planners overcome overwhelm, and walk through their stress without the negative impacts on their personal lives.
What are 2 trends in the event planning industry that you’re excited about?
I’m really excited about how virtual events have emerged as not only a trend but the vital way that event planners are now choosing to meet during this pandemic. It is fun to see how technological platforms evolve their platform as a response to the demands of those who are meeting on them. I’d expect that in a year, the technological platforms that we all are looking into now, will look much different.
The other trend I see is how event planners will merge the virtual world into live experiences, to create new and exciting hybrid models.
How important are your relationships with vendors and what are some ways that you successfully cultivate and ensure good rapport?
Having fruitful relationships with vendors is really key as a planner. This industry goes through highs and lows. In some years, the planners have the upper hand, and in others, the vendors. Staying in touch with your suppliers, even when you aren’t actively planning a meeting, is a way to keep up the relationship. Another way to have good rapport is to recommend your vendors to other event planners, clients, and suppliers.
What’s the most exciting thing on the horizon for you personally or professionally?
Hands down my coaching program. I’m really on the edge of my seat about my offering of life coaching to this community of event planners. All throughout my career, many people always ask me how I do it all, or they are in a tough spot and need me to coach them through it. So offering life coaching is a natural fit for me.
Additionally, I offer an online course that is targeted at really unpacking what is holding you back as a planner, and finding the ultimate freedom that you crave. The courses will look at time-management techniques, productivity tools, and will also provide some leadership support as well.
What’s the first event you can ever remember planning and how did it go?
My roots in the event industry started with me working at a hotel. I remember finally getting the opportunity to plan a small event with a client at the property. It was nerve-racking, making sure that I was able to get the details correct, establish a rapport with my client, and communicate every detail with the appropriate departments.
It was successful, and I learned that I really enjoyed what I did, and looked forward to doing it again and again!
