Yeah, I remember one situation pretty clearly—one of our team members had just relocated for a new role with spectup and ran into a wall trying to sort out health insurance across borders. The provider kept pushing vague answers, and they were getting understandably stressed. It wasn't just about the paperwork—it was about feeling supported during a huge life change. I jumped in, not because I'm an HR expert (I'm definitely not), but because I knew that when people feel left alone in those moments, it erodes trust fast. I spent a few late nights calling up contacts I had from a past client who worked in global benefits and eventually got them the clarity they needed. More importantly, I made sure they knew they weren't just a line item on a spreadsheet. What motivated me? Honestly, it was just the basic belief that leadership means showing up when it's inconvenient, not just when it's on your calendar. At spectup, we pride ourselves on building something that's not just high-performing, but also deeply human. You can't expect people to give their best if they don't feel like you've got their back.
Put yourself out there. Stick to your gut. Know your worth and price yourself accordingly — especially early on when the temptation is to undercharge just to get booked. Stay strong, even when the no's come fast and often (because they will). Know your ideal client and don't water yourself down to chase every job. You're not for everyone — and that's the point. The fastest way to burn out is trying to be everything to everyone. Do amazing work for the right people. If that means volunteering for the right charity or cause — go for it. Just make sure your basic expenses are covered and that you're walking away with something valuable: great photos, strong content, new relationships, and brand exposure that moves you forward. Most importantly: don't quit. Keep showing up, keep improving, and stay true to what makes you stand out.
My best advice for aspiring event professionals? Start where you are—and say yes often. You don't need a massive portfolio to break into the events world. What you do need is curiosity, hustle, and a willingness to jump in wherever you're needed. The best way to learn event planning is by doing—even if that means volunteering at local events, helping with logistics, or managing the check-in table. Here's my playbook: 1. Get hands-on experience—volunteer, intern, shadow someone. Every event, big or small, teaches you something. 2. Build your network—connect with planners, producers, vendors, and creatives on LinkedIn. Relationships matter in this industry. 3. Stay curious—follow trends in tech, design, and attendee engagement. The best event pros think like strategists and creatives. 4. Document everything—snap photos, write recaps, reflect on what worked. That becomes your portfolio. Say yes, stay humble, ask questions, and keep showing up. The industry will take notice.
The best way to break into the event industry is to start on the ground — as event staff. Whether it's registration, brand activations, or backstage support, working events firsthand gives you a real understanding of how they operate, what can go wrong, and what makes them succeed. You'll learn the pace, the problem-solving, and the importance of communication — all things no course can teach you as effectively as experience can. Plus, it's a great way to build relationships with producers, agencies, and vendors who can help you grow. Step one? Sign up with staffing agencies or event production teams. Be early, be reliable, and treat every event like a networking opportunity. Many successful event planners started this way — myself included.
My best advice for aspiring event professionals is to start small and build experience in different areas of event planning. When I was first starting, I volunteered for various events—everything from registration to logistics—to get a feel for how events run. I also recommend finding a mentor in the industry who can guide you and help you avoid common mistakes. Networking is crucial, too. Attend industry events, join relevant groups, and engage with other professionals online. Also, don't underestimate the power of learning software—tools like Eventbrite or Asana are essential for staying organized and efficient. Lastly, always be adaptable. Events rarely go as planned, and being able to think on your feet and solve problems quickly is key to success in this field.
My recommendation to newcomers in the events industry who enter our industry is to gain hands-on experience as quickly as possible. Begin volunteering at events or working on small projects. What's great about real-life experience is that you'll figure out how to think about logistics, how to get your vendors to meet your expectations, and how to troubleshoot all of the little surprises that pop up on your wedding day. Talk to people in the field, attend events, and network. It's all about who you know in the event field, and networking can open up jobs and working relationships for you. It is also very effective to leverage social media and platforms such as LinkedIn to stay in touch and make your work visible. Lastly, be flexible, and be a continuous learner. The events industry is always evolving, both from a technology and a trend perspective. Whether it's virtual events, sustainability initiatives, or the big event tech trends of the year, keeping up to date helps you stand out head and shoulders above the competition. You may even take some specific event planning, project management, or marketing courses to gain practice.