The Takeaway

Let’s continue to support one another!

Madison Bonser Apr 3, 2021 3 min read
The Takeaway

Although International Women’s Day has passed, let’s continue to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

As a leader in the event planning industry, Planned understands the importance of transparency in discussing social issues. To celebrate International Women’s Day Planned sponsored two panel discussions about gender equality in the event planning industry. Our panelists were four pioneers in the event industry who are individually highly successful:

The purpose of these events were to encourage our community to have open conversations both during the event and after.

A few takeaways:

COVID-19 and the Future of Events

  • Although the economy is re-opening and social restrictions are gradually being reduced, virtual events will continue to forever be a part of the event planning industry.
  • Each individual enterprise needs to understand the responsibilities they hold as a leader in the event industry, and make the decision on their own accord for when they will begin hosting in-person events
  • We can take notes by looking at other industries that have brought people back together safely such as; primary schools, universities, gyms, and the performing arts. Rather than trying to create a new solution, we can lean on surrounding industries and understand how they manage to safely gather individuals.

The Glass Ceiling

  • The glass ceiling, an unofficially acknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, in the event planning industry, is not specific to the industry. It’s the exact same glass ceiling faced in industries across the board.
  • The event planning industry is highly skewed since it is a female dominated industry and yet in senior roles you still see a disproportionate amount of males.
  • Rather than focusing on the restraints society has placed, it’s more important to focus on your work and let your successes shatter the glass ceiling.

Combatting Zoom-fatigue

  • Zoom-fatigue is real, so keep that in mind when you plan virtual and hybrid events.
  • A large part of creating a successful and engaging virtual and hybrid event is to make it interactive. Some examples of how to take your event to the next level:
  • Utilize the breakout rooms on your streaming platform by breaking into smaller groups to promote more intimate and comfortable conversations.
  • Send a delivery. Create a deliverable aspect to your event, by including a gift basket with clues for the virtual event or a box of goodies that everyone opens on camera together.
  • Attendees miss the open bar and table of appetizers at events, so bring that into their home by ordering a boxed lunch or a cocktail making kit delivery for everyone.

Let’s continue to support one another and let Planned reconnect your company, safely.

Read about the Women of Planned: here.

Watch our Youtube video of the discussion with Lynn and Danielle in English: here.

Watch our Youtube video of the discussion with Émilie and Ioanna in French: here.

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