As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on what we’ve accomplished and where we want to go next. For those of you considering a career in the events industry—or just starting out—it’s also an opportunity to lay the groundwork for success in 2025.

This week’s article dives into the traits that can make or break a career in events. From the power of active listening to the art of collaboration, you’ll find practical insights into the dos and don’ts of navigating this dynamic field.

Whether you’re looking to make an impactful entrance into the industry or simply refine your approach, these tips will help you set the stage for a bright future.

Let’s reflect, reset, and rise together!

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A Career Superpower for Event Professionals

The events industry is an exhilarating, fast-paced world that demands equal parts creativity, strategy, and resilience. I should know, having spent almost 30 years in the industry. But take it from me, to thrive in such a dynamic field, professionals must strike a balance between two often overlooked qualities: humility and intensity. Together, these traits can help you achieve career success while cultivating meaningful connections and building a reputation as an adaptable and trusted professional.

Humility: The Foundation of Trust and Collaboration

In the events world, no success is achieved alone. Humility is not about downplaying your skills or accomplishments; it’s about valuing input from others and being open to growth. Here’s why humility is a game-changer:

Listen actively: In event planning, truly hearing what your clients and team members have to say can make the difference between success and failure. I recall a discussion with my team about a repeat event. I casually mentioned that the client had complained the previous year about not being able to “hear” the music in their video, even though the sound was at its maximum limit. One of my colleagues suggested adding subwoofers hidden behind the screens to enhance the experience. We implemented the idea, and that year, the client was thrilled, exclaiming that they could finally “feel” the action. They couldn’t have been happier, and it reinforced the power of truly listening and acting on feedback.

Humility means setting aside your ego and asking questions like, “What do you think of this approach?” or “How can we make this idea better?” It also means admitting when you don’t know something—an underrated strength. Saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” builds credibility and shows a willingness to learn.

Build relationships: The events industry thrives on collaboration. Humility makes people want to work with you because they feel valued and respected. Letting others shine—whether it’s a caterer’s creative menu idea or a tech crew’s innovative lighting suggestion—builds goodwill and strengthens bonds. Sometimes, it’s the smallest gestures, like a heartfelt thank-you message or a handwritten card after an event, that leave the deepest impression. These simple acts of gratitude can foster better teamwork and pave the way for long-term partnerships, enhancing your reputation as someone people genuinely enjoy working with.

Adapt and grow: Trends change, and client expectations evolve. A humble professional acknowledges that they can’t know everything, and that’s okay. Stay curious, seek out new knowledge, and don’t hesitate to learn from younger or less experienced colleagues. Their fresh perspective can often offer surprising insights.

Beyond work, humility can positively affect your health and well-being. Lower stress levels and stronger interpersonal bonds lead to a more balanced, fulfilling career—a crucial factor in an industry known for its demanding pace. Trust me, the burn out is not worth it.

Intensity: The Drive to Achieve Big Dreams

Intensity is the fuel that keeps you moving forward when deadlines are tight, expectations are sky-high, and challenges feel insurmountable. It’s about channeling focus and energy into meaningful action. Here’s how intensity empowers event professionals:

Go all in: Events are often complex puzzles where every piece matters. Intensity means committing to the process and diving into the details, from the grand vision to the smallest logistical challenges. It’s the kind of drive that keeps you up at night brainstorming solutions and gets you up early to implement them.

Dream bigger: Ambition is a cornerstone of the events industry. Have you ever envisioned yourself leading a global conference or producing a groundbreaking event series? Intensity transforms those dreams into actionable goals. Break those big dreams into smaller milestones and tackle them step by step with unwavering focus.

Take the lead: Teams look to their leaders for energy and inspiration. Intensity doesn’t mean being aggressive or domineering—it means being passionate and proactive. When you tackle challenges head-on, others will follow suit, creating a ripple effect of motivation and productivity.

The Perfect Balance

In the events industry, humility keeps your focus on creating memorable experiences for others, while intensity drives you to innovate and excel. This delicate balance helps you stay grounded and ambitious at the same time. Here’s how you can bring these traits together:

Stay grounded: While chasing ambitious goals, remember that every event is ultimately about the people it serves. Whether it’s an audience, a client, or your team, humility ensures you remain connected to their needs and expectations. Staying grounded might mean taking a step back to reassess a plan or pausing to acknowledge the contributions of others.

Act boldly: Once you’ve connected with your vision, act with intention and confidence. Whether it’s pitching an ambitious idea to a client or stepping up to solve an unexpected problem, intensity gives you the courage to make things happen. Remember, bold action doesn’t mean acting alone—lean on your team and let your humility guide collaborative decision-making.

Foster collaboration: Great events are a team effort. Use humility to listen and learn from others, and let your intensity inspire them to bring their best. Don’t hesitate to celebrate your team’s wins publicly—it creates an environment of mutual respect and shared purpose.

Your Balanced Ambition Toolkit

To cultivate this blend of humility and intensity in your career, consider these strategies:

Reflect regularly: Take time after each event to assess your performance. Ask yourself, “Where could I have listened more?” and “Where could I have pushed harder?” This practice helps you find and maintain balance.

Seek feedback: Create a culture of open communication with your clients and colleagues. Ask for honest feedback and be prepared to act on it. Hearing about your blind spots can be challenging, but it’s one of the best ways to grow.

Celebrate wins—together: In the events industry, success is a shared effort. Humility ensures you recognize the contributions of everyone involved, while intensity ensures those contributions add up to something extraordinary.

A Balanced Future in Events

Striking the right balance between humility and intensity is a career-long journey, but the rewards are worth it. By embodying these traits, you’ll not only build a fulfilling career but also inspire trust and admiration in everyone you work with. And in an industry built on creating memorable experiences, isn’t that what it’s all about?

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