CEMA Newsletter: February 2023

“Events isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle.” An industry veteran recently said this to me, and it reminded me of the first time I heard something similar. It was nearly 20 years ago when I was recruited to join the industry. There was also a warning during that interview: “You’ll either wash out in 2 years from the stress, or you’ll learn you’re an adrenaline junky and become a lifer.” It turns out I’m a lifer…and ridiculously proud of it.

If you’re reading this, you already know that working in the events industry presents some significant challenges for people…humans…who are “only as good as their last event” and sacrifice so much of themselves to deliver transformational experiences (usually for total strangers!). Seriously, who does that??

We do; because we thrive under pressure and love taking an idea, a vision, or a concept and bringing it to life in a ballroom, in an expo, in a remote location (preferably tropical, please!). As a member of the CEMA community…sorry, no…CEMA family, congratulations, that means you’re an overwhelmed overachiever who is often more familiar with Prozac than praise.

Okay, so we’re not curing cancer or solving world hunger — although sometimes, we are fortunate to work with those who are. Our professional expertise is in designing and delivering experiences that facilitate business, and there are numerous metrics we use to measure success. But I would argue that, in a chaotic world that grows more divisive each day, the results of our work go beyond business metrics and extend to building hope, inspiration and communities.

In my first executive role in events, my sage mentor shared some wisdom: “Assume everyone you’re working with is dealing with something difficult in their lives. Most of the time, you’ll be right.” As I watch the army of people it takes to deliver an event and the masses of people who attend, I am humbled by the small moments of connection, joy, and laughter we uniquely bring to the world…one person…one human…one soul at a time.

Ironically, in the midst of all this positive impact (that we frequently overlook) so many of you amazing people are struggling with your own identity and self-image. As I talk to Vice Presidents, Directors & Managers of Corporate Events, the prevalence of Imposter Syndrome is dramatic. On one level, it makes sense. We completely set aside our own needs and happiness for extended periods of time so that we can elevate the life experiences of others. Even worse, our expertise is often reduced to “party planners” by executives who have no understanding or appreciation for the unique and valuable skills it takes to herd feral cats (aka attendees and executives) through an experience that achieves critical business outcomes and elevates people’s lives.

Here’s the part where I tell you everything will be all right in the end, right? But will it?? As usual, that’s up to us. Individually and collectively, we can choose to be victims or victors. There’s no magic formula and no quick fix (damn it!), but I’ve seen what we’re truly capable of and I’m incredibly optimistic. That optimism comes from two decades of watching us make magic happen, that in some cases, could even be accurately called a miracle.

We have proven that we are far more capable than we ever knew. The challenges of the last three years didn’t break us. They taught us new skills and showed our incredible resilience. Within us, somewhere in our DNA (and occasionally at the bottom of a glass), we found the fortitude and intelligence to grow, learn and excel where others struggled. The obstacles in front of us are not the problem…they are a path for continual growth and ultimately, prosperity.

If you’re reading this, you’re an event professional. That means you are not an imposter, you are invaluable. But most of all…you are REMARKABLE.

All My Love, Richard