Event Support

0:00 Hi, Sean.

0:01 We are back today answering a few commonly asked questions by event planners in the trade show and kind of marketing arena.

0:13 Today we're focusing on the idea of support.

0:17 I have a feeling that this is coming up because people have taken some time to prepare their 2026 event calendars.

0:26 OK, so question #1 how can I protect my team from event burnout when our show calendar is more packed than ever?

0:39 Wow.

0:40 I mean, assuming that you're leading the team, I think some just general leadership principles would apply, right?

0:46 Which would be be really, really clear on what the priorities are.

0:53  You don't have to tackle the entire calendar all at once, right?

0:56 I mean, there's a sequence and some of the events are they have different importance to to to the overall program.

1:06 So I think just being that calming factor, if you're stressed out and you're freaking out, then I think the team is going to feed off that energy.

2:25 And so all of the energies are playing a part.

2:30 And chances are, if you've been doing events for a while, you understand, you know all of what comes with it.

2:37 And so, and we, we know how to take, take the lumps as they're happening, right?

2:41 And still haven't.

2:43 Cause the outcome is really the part where you, you just stay focused on the outcome and then you can find joy in the process.

2:50 Correct.

2:51 I do remember US talking one time and I think it was Murphy, we were referencing Murphy's Law.

2:58 And in our industry in particular, it's likely some things will go sideways.

3:04 So it's not preventing things from happening because it's likely in live events that they will.

3:10 It's really focusing on how we manage when the things go sideways.

3:15 Well, we've also talked too about responding versus reacting, right?

3:20 And a lot of times there's incredible opportunity when things don't exactly go as they're planned.

3:27 So if you have that mindset, I I think that's helpful.

3:30 Absolutely.

3:31 Third question, is it possible to maintain a high performance culture at a trade show without sacrificing the mental well-being of the booth staff?

3:44 Yes, yeah.

3:47 You know, again, it's, you know, a lot of these questions are really about team dynamics.

3:52 And again, the leadership is, is is is really, really important.

4:00 You know, again, if you've got capable people, lean on them, respect them, respect them for what they bring to the table.

4:06 Just be clear in in what the priorities are.

4:11 And and then, and then sometimes strong leadership is also about just getting out of the way and letting people do what they are so very, very qualified to do.

4:20 And often times they have different qualifications than than you do as the leader.

4:25 So let them shine.

4:26 Yeah, absolutely.

4:27 I also think it's important to just acknowledge the very tangible, like having a schedule so that people can take breaks and regroup their energy, having snacks easily accessible, water available, just some small necessities can really go a long way when you're having a power session on a trade show floor on your feet and you might not be able to get away for a long period of time.

4:55 But just even those kind of small moments to just regroup, refresh, refuel, we have seen the those environments being really carefully curated inside a booth environment.

5:07 Having that small little spot where somebody can go to recharge really adds a lot to one's battery for a, a heavy press.

5:17 Well, yeah.

5:17 And you, you do that for us.

5:19 We're exhibitors, we go to exhibitor live, event marketer.

5:23 And so those little things that you bring to the table, just just this mindfulness of hey, it, it, it, it could be stressful.

5:32 Yeah.

5:33 And but here's here's some, you know, being thoughtful of your team.

5:36 I think that's another great sign and strong sign of of really good effective leadership too.

5:41 It's just being put put yourself in their shoes and then what would make it easier for them and then do those things.

5:47 And often times, as you mentioned, they're very simple.

5:50 Yeah.

5:50 Yeah.

5:51 OK, cool.

5:51 Well, thank you very much.