9 Damaging Event Manager Mistakes to Avoid

event manager mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes—even the best of us. However, many event manager mistakes can be avoided with the right approach. We have prepared top nine worst event manager mistakes and misconceptions that organizers make when planning events.

Never utter these 9 statements if you want to be a successful project manager.

1. I’m the best.

Believing in yourself is no doubt important. However, when the self-respect of the organizer starts to go off the scale, success and growth halts. This is the most dangerous period in the career of any event manager.

Listen to advice. Pay attention to the comments of your customers and always be prepared to adjust to the situation. You will gain more respect, learn more, and, in turn, hone your management skills. This kind of humility will allow you to be launched to success.

event manager mistakes

2. I need substances for courage.

On the day of the event, the level of stress beats all records until the last minute. Do not look to alcohol for relief. Forget about the sedatives as well. These habits indicate immaturity and negligence in the work field. Dependence on substances for courage can tarnish your career.

3. I will not prepare for the worst.

No one is immune from emergencies. But many situations can be avoided with proper preparation. At any event, strictly observe the safety precautions, especially in enclosed spaces. Fire safety is always important and, in certain areas, earthquakes and tornados.

Along with preparing for actual emergencies, you also want to prevent potential event disasters. For instance, take our “course” in event technology disaster preparation. Make sure you have Plan B’s if anything goes wrong during the event, such as an absent event videographer.

4. I will organize everything fast.

Don’t accept clients who want you to organize an event in a minuscule amount of time. Set timely standards for your business, and be firm in rejecting clients who do not meet those standards.

Trying to organize an event in a short amount of time–say, less than a week–threatens your viability. Consistently promising rapid organization will only lead to burnout: sleepless nights, stress, hassle.

Rapid organization also engenders mistakes when planning the event. Don’t overarch your skillset. Instead, produce high-quality results every time without stressing out your team or yourself.

5. Details, go to hell.

Paying great attention to details in event planning will curtail mistakes. With every task your team takes on, monitor every aspect. This is your job as the event manager–don’t expect your team members to handle all their tasks perfectly without your help.

For example, if the event site is 15 minutes from the underground parking, pass this information onto your team to avoid being late. Or, if you are setting up a live stream for your event, scrutinize the quality of your video and audio beforehand. Considering small details like these will guarantee successful event planning.

6. I am the bossman.

event manager mistakes

This is one of the biggest event manager mistakes. A hysterical organizer is a grief to the team. Do not chide your team or yell at them. You will appear uncool and develop a reputation of unprofessionalism.

If you push your team member’s to the brink, you may lose them right before an event. Furthermore, clients will pick up on your pushy behavior no matter how well you think you hide it from them.

Event managers are supposed to have it all together–to keep everyone else in line and remain calm and reassured under any strains. Solve misunderstandings with delicate conversation. In any case, be calm and reasonable. This is a revealing indicator of professionalism.

7. I will change the event concept last minute.

Often, event managers begin to change the concept at the last moment. This is a perfect situation for common event planning mistakes to sprout up. Making last-minute changes is usually unnecessary and not worth it.

Instead of improving the event, you can actually cause harm by introducing disruption and confusion. Make sure to have all your “last-minute” changes done at least one week before the event.

8. I can do everything by myself.

Doing everything by yourself is never efficient, effective, or quality-yielding. After all, the success of the event depends on the well-coordinated work of the team. Your team is your team. Know how to delegate responsibilities. Proper delegation is a key indicator of a great leader. Make sure each team member knows what they are responsible for.

9. I will work in a stressful environment.

event manager mistakes

Events are stressful. Every great event manager knows how to handle the reins of any excitable, demanding occasion. Decide to work in an stress-free environment. Give your workplace a positive, confident, and airy atmosphere.

Never expect a problem-free event. If something goes wrong, don’t get angry. Instead, smile, address your team, and work through the problem together. Make the most out of your resources instead of wallowing in self-loathing or undue frustration.

Wrap Up: Avoiding Event Manager Mistakes

If you’ve finished this article, that is a trait of a dedicated event manager. Now, honestly evaluate the event manager mistakes in your own process and determine how to improve. Now you know to follow these simple rules with every event:

  1. Purge arrogance.
  2. Build confidence from within.
  3. Prepare for the worst.
  4. Don’t rush.
  5. Pay attention to details.
  6. Respect your team members.
  7. Plan ahead.
  8. Don’t overwhelm yourself.
  9. Work stress-free.

Event manager mistakes are an inevitable part of the process. The key takeaway is to learn from them and keep going. Take lessons and do not step on the same rake.

If you need a team of top-quality videographers and video editors, Valoso can help. Fill out the contact form below to get started with your next event video project!