10 skills to be an even better Event Manager!
Whether you're a novice or have years of experience, it’s good to regularly reevaluate yourself to hone your current skills and develop new ones!
We interviewed 3 experts: Myriam, Independent Project Manager for 10 years; Debbie, Founder of Devotion Events; and Vincent, Director of Capdel.
Read their advice and the qualities that they deem to be essential for this job. Enjoy reading! 🏆
Being a Project Manager is good, being a good Project Manager is better!
Competition is tough between Project Managers. Perseverance and endurance are required to succeed in making a name for yourself. 💪
- Relational skills: don't neglect your network, and nurture your contacts!
As you can probably imagine, the event industry is quite small and contacts are very often the key to a successful event design and organization. Listening and negotiation skills are also important elements for quality and long-lasting relationships. - Organization and preparation: the key to managing your stress
Being organized and keeping your priorities in check is essential to manage small and large events, but also to anticipate all the unforeseen hiccups that may occur. Your stress management and mental health will be all the better for it! Each new project is a new opportunity to develop your organizational skills. Always be better prepared than your last event, and always anticipate unforeseen circumstances. - Innovation, originality, creativity!
In the event industry, competition is fierce and each event is a new challenge to innovate and get out of your comfort zone. The versatility of projects makes room for creativity, so don't hesitate, go for it and take (measured) risks! - Passion yes, but beware of the work/life balance!
The Project Manager profession is a calling, which requires a huge investment and time commitment, and it can sometimes sit on the verge of being intrusive in one’s personal life. Make sure you take time to stop and take a break to preserve your mental and physical health. - A leadership spirit: inspire and motivate your team
As a Project Manager, you work in collaboration with various partners, but you are also the main link between the client and the different teams in charge of the event. Your leadership skills are therefore essential to keeping morale high, as well as positivity and team cohesion! As a good leader, you must guide the group to achieve a common goal. A successful event requires a united and dynamic team. - Be curious: always on the hunt for new trends!
Being curious and reactive to current events will allow you to quickly differentiate yourself from your competitors. Regularly monitor the industry to keep up to date with the latest trends, and thus offer more modern and unique services to your customers. According to Vincent, "The strength of your proposal and your new skills will be real assets!" - Be yourself: your personality is a major asset
Bring a personal touch to your events! Demonstrate in your work that nobody can do what you can. Putting your personality into an event makes it unique and unforgettable, for your client and their participants. According to Debbie, your project reflects your personality: "Be true to yourself from beginning to end, while finding the right balance between self-confidence and humility.” - Choose your partners wisely: their work reflects on you too
You are the main contact for your clients. They rely on you to choose serious, relaible, and honest partners! Take the time to discover and test services adapted to your clients' needs before launching any project. Clients also hire you for your ability to recommend service providers with impeccable service. Win-win partnerships guaranteed! - Trust is the foundation of any relationship: be reliable!
Your clients trust you and count on you to manage even the smallest details. Be positive and thoughtful. Make sure you know how to adapt and reassure your customers regardless of the issue. Myriam's tip: "Give 200% to your projects, even if it means doing tasks that are sometimes less rewarding. Be sure that your clients will recommend you and be loyal to you!" - Formalities, budget... be comfortable with every task!
You’re responsible for estimating costs, evaluating prices, optimizing and monitoring budgets and envelopes, comparing the quality/price ratio of suppliers... but also making sure the contract doesn’t have anything the Project Manager is uncomfortable with. A respected budget and a proper contract are essential to demonstrate professionalism. So, don't be afraid of numbers and administrative tasks!
Conclusion
As #EventProfs, you already know the world of events, so you have a real head-start on people new to the industry! 🌟
The Event Project Manager role is evolving over the years and is breaking away from its traditional codes and conventions. It is now open to the world, to modernity, and to new trends. This profession has a world of possibilities.
💪 Be yourself and innovate!