Event Operations: Not Strategic?

“I made a resolve then that I was going to amount to something if I could. And no hours, nor amount of labor, nor amount of money would deter me from giving the best that there was in me. And I have done that ever since, and I win by it. I know.”

—Harland Sanders, KFC founder.”

 

Myth: My job is just about operations and logistics- I am not seen as a strategic leader.

Reality: Operations are the backbone of strategic event success.

I started my career in Event Operations, so I know how easy it is to get buried in the details.

But here’s the truth: mastering operations gives you a unique vantage point to become a strategic leader.

Here’s how to make sure that you’re seen as a strategic partner when in Event Operations:

• Know the “Why”:  Understand the event’s goals and audience. This is your foundation for strategic decision-making.
• Stay Ahead: Keep up with event trends. Being informed allows you to introduce fresh, relevant ideas.
• Speak Up: Bring fresh ideas to the table that align with the event’s goals, such as enhancing attendee engagement or maximizing ROI.
• Be Solution-Oriented: Instead of just saying “no” to difficult ideas, dig deeper to understand the goals behind them and propose creative alternatives.
• Enhance the Experience: Use your operations expertise to advocate for and elevate the attendee journey, from seamless registration to smooth transitions.
• Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipate challenges before they arise and present proactive solutions.
• Build Alliances: Foster strong relationships with marketing, sales, and content teams to align strategies across departments.
• Showcase Success: Share case studies where your strategic input led to success. Let your results speak for you.
• Be Involved Early: Participate in the strategic planning phases of your events to ensure your voice is heard.

By stepping up as a strategic partner, you can transform how your role is perceived and make a lasting impact on your events.