"An easy job as an event" - Ola dispels the myth of event jobs once and for all

The TV show Dragon's Nest had recently invited a guy who had developed a staffing app, for which he was seeking funding. When asked who should use the app, he replied: 'Anyone who is looking for employees for simple jobs such as events...'

'Bah!' I sobbed on the TV couch. It's an easy job, isn't it? Is this the general perception of what we do?

I realize, of course, that there are so many different types of businesses that fall under the industry heading of 'Event'. From brand experiences with measurable results to festive games and food demonstrations at the ICA.

But regardless, unclear communication has never proved particularly beneficial. After all, there in the noise is us. It didn't feel good.

I turned off the TV and started listing points in my head: What does it really mean to work in events, to be successful as a project manager in the event industry?

You have to be...

🕵🏻 Curious omniscient
You simply have to know a lot about a lot. It may sound like a cliché, but our experience of our job is like that.

♟️Strategisk
We need to be strategic in order to truly understand our clients' challenges and needs, what they want to communicate and why. In that capacity, we need to help, advise and support our clients.

🎨 Creative
We must be able to break down the customer's needs into a creative concept with a common thread and also be able to measure the effect of what is communicated. Everything must always follow the heart and soul of the company and how they want to be perceived to strengthen the brand both externally and internally.

🧑🏼‍🚀 Accurate as a NASA engineer
When it comes to production, we have to be as accurate as a NASA engineer, nothing should be left to chance.

📈 Analytical like a stockbroker
We need to be able to see situations from a helicopter perspective to anticipate and remedy possible obstacles and problems before they occur.

🪖 Disciplined like a military
We need to keep military discipline to be able to deliver the experience within a clear timeframe and that participant logistics work flawlessly.

🎬 Broadway-class director
We must always exceed our clients' expectations like a professional Broadway production to set the stage for the next deal.

🧾 Correct like an accountant
We need to be trained like an accountant to handle budgets, VAT rates and invoices and we need to keep track of subcontractors, shipments, printed matter, event websites, content, artists, trains, buses...

😃 Positive and happy
And we have to do all of the above alert, happy, pleasant, with a smile on our faces and an attitude that 'nothing is impossible'.

So... no, I wouldn't use 'easy' to describe what it's like to work with events - at least not the kind that involves strategic communication through experiences and meetings. But incredibly rewarding and stimulating... it definitely is!

We always try to be humble about our world in brand experience through meetings and events. I promise that after many years in the industry, you become humble. Because our job is never easy, and it tends to get more challenging with each passing year. But that's also what makes our work so much fun! We learn from our customers' new challenges all the time.

It would be terribly boring if you became fully educated, I think.

Have a great week ahead,

Ola