It’s a fresh new year, and if you haven’t yet decided on some new year’s resolutions for the events you’ll be working on this year, we have some suggestions for you.
1. Take some risks
While it is scary to mess with an established formula, events that reinvent themselves and offer something new tend to be the most successful, and the most talked about (i.e. free marketing!). This applies whether you organise events or are a venue or supplier.
However this doesn’t mean you should be rash and change everything you do in your line of work. Rather use the start of the year to brainstorm with your team for ideas on what you can do differently, and better. Research your favourite ideas to see what is feasible, so that the risks you ultimately take are informed and far more likely to pay off.
2. Be more sustainable
If you haven’t started implementing more sustainable practices and systems in the work you do, what are you waiting for? Hopefully your answer is 2020, and you’re ready to take action.
A good starting point is to analyse your current position, and then create a vision statement of where you want to be. Questions to ask yourself include: What are you already doing that is sustainable? Can it be improved? What is the least sustainable aspect of your work? How can you change this? What challenges stand in your way? What opportunities are available that can help you with this transition? What resources will you need – the expertise of a consultant to guide you, staff training, physical upgrades to your property, or something else?
Remember, sustainability is a journey and getting started is more important than being perfect.
3. Look after people
While health and wellness have gained traction at events, it’s important to remember that it’s not just the attendees who need it. So do your staff, your team, your colleagues… regardless of your position at work, make it a point to make 2020 a year where you look after the people you work with.
For example, give credit where it is due, share your knowledge and skills, and make time to talk to those who you think might be going through a rough patch. These kinds of actions go a long way to helping people feel valued, and make coming to work a pleasure, which can have all kinds of associated benefits. You can also make your office environment healthier with plants, jugs of water and nutritious snacks, and encouraging everyone to leave their desks for lunch breaks.
Of course, the most important person to look after if yourself, so remember to practise good self-care – physically and emotionally. Burn out doesn’t make you a better employee or boss.
