This post is a collective effort of the Linkedin event community trying to identify the attributes that make an event professional stand out.
A few comments. Read all the answers as you may be inspired by the very latest and I can tell by the quality that every single participant made an effort in writing. I am very happy to finally see event professionals exchanging opinions and talking about their experience, you will notice that we will all benefit from this.
Statistically here is what the majority agreed on:
The first answer is the one that I thought to be the best. Best means more comprehensive and spot on according to my experience. Nonetheless, you might find that other answers are more inspiring that is why I decided to post them all.
Kevin Jurczyk – National Marketing Director at Branstrator Sunrooms and Basement Systems of America says:
1) Excellent time management-
The ability to coordinate not only yourself, but the scheduling of the entire team helping with the event. It’s all about planning, and re-planning and scheduling.
2) Resourcefulness-
In my opinion, this is the most important. With years of experience in events, there is always something that requires a creative fix. Whether it be a piece of tape, or re-working a display because the display across the aisle looks too much like yours. You have to be very resourceful and use what you have. Ability to pool together the individuals you need.
3) Communication-
Share your ideas and your vision openly with your team. Communicate on a level that is respectful to everyone. Do not talk down to anyone, regardless of their role. Everyone has their part and it ultimately leads to your success, make sure you communicate clearly and respectfully. Accept criticism and be open to new ideas.
4) Passion-
Without passion you cannot over come the bumps and triumph when all seems lost. I can train time management, but I cannot teach passion.
5) Strong will, but a level head-
You have to be able to carry out your vision and sometimes crack the whip to get it done. Resolve problems and issues quickly. And you must be able to stand calm at zero hour when something doesn’t go your way. Your team should look to you for everything, the last thing they need is a shaky leader that makes rash decisions because they crack under pressure.
Chris Donahue – Regional Technical Trainer at PSAV – Presentation Services says:
1 – Excellent Time Management
2 – Good Communicator
3 – Attention to detail
4 – Ability to creatively solve probelms
5 – Staying calm at all times
Chris Catoggio – Independent Event Services Professional says:
Probably number 1 is great people skills. The Event Manager needs to be communicative, with the ability to listen and understand what the client is looking to achieve, as well as being able to convey that concept when selecting and negotiating with vendors.
Number 2 is organized. The event manager needs to coordinate a number of responsibilites and manage many teams simultaneously.
Third, an event manager needs to be flexible. In any event, things can and will change with a moments notice. The event manager needs to be able to, for lack of a better word, PUNT.
Fourth, an event manager must be responsible. Regardless of what goes right and what goes wrong, the success of an event, and all it’s coordinates, is the managers responsibility.
Fifth, a successful event manager needs to be enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. Enthusiasm and passion brings about creativity and generates excitement. Maybe, this should be #1!
