Are you thinking about a career in the events industry? Meaghan Maybee, a talented marketing communications specialist in the events industry, is sharing her tips to getting started with I Need A Speaker.
Click here to connect with Meaghan on LinkedIn.
Can you share your journey into the events industry?
I began working at pc/nametag, a meeting and events supply company, in 2020. For over 40 years, pc/nametag has helped business and event professionals create meaningful connections through custom-branded products and unique service offerings. We specialize in customizable name tags, badges, lanyards, badge ribbons, branded products, and other event supplies with a goal of creating memorable experiences that bring people together.
As pc/nametag’s Marketing Communications Specialist, I share fun tips, strategies, and industry insights with event professionals through tag/talk, our educational blog and newsletter. Our community has grown to 15,000+ people, which has been exciting for our team! We love using insights from our customers to inspire blogs, videos, social posts, free downloadables, and everything in between.
What lessons have you taken away from your position at pc/nametag?
I’ve realized that event planners are some of the most passionate people ever. They pour their hearts and souls into every event they plan, and it shows. One thing I appreciate is their eagerness to learn new skills, try new strategies, and inspire connections with attendees. They’re also data-driven, using feedback to increase registrations, improve attendee satisfaction, and create experiences that engage and connect.
All these qualities (and more) make me feel excited to come to work. I have always enjoyed getting comments, questions, and content topic ideas from pc/nametag’s event planning community. It inspires me to continue to create and learn, just like event professionals do every day on the job.
What are the key skills someone needs to succeed in the events industry?
The most successful event professionals have an interest in human connection and shared experiences. It takes skill to understand how people think, feel, and operate, especially in an event setting. Just because you think attendees want something does not mean they truly do. That’s where data analytics come into play. Successful planners use attendee feedback to make data-driven decisions.
Next, event planners need the ability to multitask. Events have countless moving parts, so it’s important to stay exceptionally organized and maintain high attention to detail.
Event planners also need solid customer service skills. You will work different types of people who will rely on you as a point of contact, so remember to stay professional and keep a level head.
Lastly, successful event planners have a willingness to learn. No event will be the same. The people you work with also won’t be the same, so it’s up to you to think strategically and problem solve with the people around you.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their career in event planning or management?
Event planning is a highly rewarding career, it’s also one of the most stressful. There’s a reason why event planning consistently ranks as one of the most stressful jobs in the world. Planners are constantly asked to “do more and do it right,” which can lead to burnout if not kept in check.
My advice is to remember there’s power in pushing through difficult moments. Mishaps and frustrations are bound to happen, and they make you a stronger planner. There is no such thing as a perfectly executed event. You can spend all the time in the world preparing, yet still encounter situations you never imagined would happen.
Sara Gorlick, an event professional and author of Lucky Boxcutter once said, “Never let yourself down when an event does not go well or when there is criticism. You will have naysayers at every event you produce. Take the criticism as an opportunity to do better but also know when that critic doesn’t have a clue.”
FREE GUIDE: Wondering if the events industry is right for you? pc/nametag has a handy Event Planning Career Handbook to help you decide!
How important is networking in the events industry, and what are some effective ways to build connections?
Networking is one of the most important parts of the event experience! Networking helps people build industry connections and relationships that could lead to career advancement, collaboration, business development, or personal growth. It’s also one of the experiences your attendees will remember most after your event is over.
My favorite networking idea is having “topic tables” at lunch. If someone is traveling alone or needs a conversation starter, they can sit at a topic table and instantly connect with other attendees who share that interest. Topics can be related to your industry or event, or just for fun (i.e., Podcasts, Music, Pets, Traveling, etc.)
I also love the idea of using badge ribbons as an icebreaker activity. Attendees can pick badge ribbons that represent their personality. They also serve as a “visual cue” for sparking conversations. For instance, someone may see your “First Time Attendee” ribbon and bond with you over your first conference experience.
Remember though, not every attendee will be instantly comfortable networking. Conferences can be intimidating, especially when people don’t recognize or know other attendees. This is where event planners can get creative with small and large group activities. Check out our networking for introverts article for more event preparation tips and easy conversation starters!
What are some common challenges new professionals face in this industry, and how can they overcome them?
When I speak with new event professionals, a common challenge for them is experiencing pushback on cutting-edge ideas. In some instances, people in senior roles may have a traditional way of doing things. They have seen success with these processes, which makes it difficult to convince them to try something different.
While this is understandable, this type of roadblock can be frustrating for incoming professionals who are eager to experiment with new strategies. Attendees today don’t necessarily want “this is how things have always been done” moments; they want something new, exciting, or unexpected.
The key to getting stakeholders on board with new ideas is by showing them the numbers. Provide evidence that an idea has worked elsewhere, then demonstrate how that event saw growth. Statistics, return on investment (ROI), and social proof will be key to your success.
What trends or changes have you noticed in the events industry over the years, and how should those just getting started prepare for these?
Event sustainability is becoming more popular by the year. Today, many attendees expect that you will have some sort of sustainability strategy for your conference. This could involve having eco-friendly event badges and lanyards, having a “food rescue” program for leftover packaged foods, booking LEED-certified venues, or eliminating single-use plastics (like silverware or cups) at your conference.
If you’re looking to be more sustainable at your events, consider having an “Eco Pledge” that attendees can sign to win a prize. Invite them to take small steps to protect the environment, like turning their hotel room lights off, declining unnecessary housekeeping, using a reusable water bottle, or opting for a digital plane ticket.
The second trend I am seeing is attendee engagement and gamification strategies. People LOVE getting involved at events, and the best part is you can have fun with it! Create a social media challenge, host a game in your event app, have a gamification leaderboard, or host a badge ribbon scavenger hunt. Get creative!
Are there any misconceptions about working in events that you’d like to address?
If you have ever planned a party, a baby shower, or your own wedding and thought “Wow, I’d make a great event planner,” then you’re not alone! Many people believe these gatherings give them every skill they’d need to plan professional-quality events.
While these events can certainly fuel your passion, they do not equate to conference planning experience. About 90% of your time involves getting on the phone, being behind a computer, writing plans and strategies, meeting with teams, and physically preparing for events.
That last 10% can certainly be glamorous! There’s a lot of fun, excitement, and fulfillment in finally seeing a conference come together, but real event professionals execute professional-level work. They take that “jumble of details” and create a clear, executable plan out of them.
What are some content marketing trends that event professionals should keep an eye on?
I could talk about content marketing all day, especially relating to the events industry! Here are a few of my thoughts to help you dominate at content marketing this year:
- Focus on the social platforms that work for you. You don’t need to be on every single platform at once. That’s just too much work! Instead, pick 2-3 platforms that have the most engagement potential for your event/brand and pour your energy into those. At pc/nametag, we prioritize LinkedIn and Instagram.
- Use AI as your “brainstorming partner.” Planners have enough on their plates. If AI can save you time on writing social posts, producing event marketing emails, creating event highlights, etc., then go for it! Just remember to humanize AI outputs so they sound like you and your brand.
- Create short-form video content. TikTok and Instagram Reels are amazing options for increasing brand reach and getting the word out about your event! Use these platforms for teasers, behind-the-scenes content, fun trends, and impactful messages.
- Lean on user-generated content. Your attendees are your greatest advocates; get them involved with event marketing! Start by running a fun social media contest to gather event photography, ask for testimonials, or create an event-branded filter or hashtag.
- Write articles for your event website. Not only will they benefit attendees, but they can also teach people about the conference experience. Consider writing a “What to Expect at [Event Name]” article, a highlight of speakers and panelists, or a guide for first-time attendees to help them get the most out of their experience.
How do you stay inspired and keep learning in such a dynamic industry?
There are so many ways to stay connected and learn more about the events industry. Here are some of my top recommendations for those looking for inspiration:
- Subscribe to the tag/talk newsletter by pc/nametag for latest trends and insights.
- Read the Engaged Attendee Newsletter by Liz Lathan.
- Subscribe to the Boldpush Event Professional Newsletter by Julius Solaris.
- Listen to the Events: Demystified podcast by Treefan Events.
- Attend an event planning conference to learn new trends and strategies!
I would also recommend connecting with or following event industry thought leaders on LinkedIn, including Julius Solaris, Liz Lathan, Will Curran, Dahlia El Gazzar, Devon Montgomery Pasha CMP, and Anca Platon.
Don’t forget to also follow “I Need a Speaker” on LinkedIn – they post lots of tips I always find useful!
If you could go back and give one piece of advice to your younger self when you were starting in the industry, what would it be?
My advice would be to have more confidence when networking at in-person events. Conferences are a powerful place to make new connections. You never know who you’ll meet!
Yes, talking with strangers can feel awkward, but remind yourself that you bring value to every room you enter. Your experience is unlike anyone else’s, so kick your imposter syndrome to the curb! What feels “easy” to you isn’t easy for everyone, and I guarantee they are eager to know you and understand what you do.
I’ve sparked new blog collaborations, video interviews, and newsletter features just by saying “hello” to random people I meet. Don’t be afraid to send that LinkedIn message or pop into that group conversation at your next event!
—
As Meaghan said, getting started in the events industry is better with a network. If you’re new to the events industry and are looking for speakers for your events, don’t hesitate to reach out! Send us an email to find and book your next speaker! info@ineedaspeaker.com