Josh Racette

Utilize feedback opportunities to better understand the pulse of your attendees. This data is very important toward establishing a solid foundation for decision-making to occur as it relates to future event enhancements.

Paying attention to details and fulfilling promises is crucial in event planning. Your attendees have specific expectations, so it’s vital to gather their feedback during and after the event. Understanding what they liked and didn't, and where they found the most value, is key. When attendees feel heard and see their feedback lead to improvements, they're more likely to return. A proactive approach, like acknowledging their suggestions and expressing eagerness to implement changes, demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and enhances their experience.

Being innovative with your use of technology at the event can be a way to engage your attendees on a new and exciting level. Ask yourself what it will take to have your attendees walking away with a feeling of ... WOW, that was fun-interesting-exciting-etc.

Small wins are still wins. Find ways to showcase the successes of your team members because, as you know, we hear "no" or "not right now" more than we do "yes". Dashboards and survey tools can also help you gather data that will allow you to better analyze how you are trending. It is better to find out how you are trending through engagement with stakeholders early on so you can be nimble and adapt as needed.

I have worked with many great teams and a consistent staple for the most successful teams is that they make a plan and then work the plan. Sounds simple! However, the most successful organizations are agile, creative, and looking for ways to innovate. A lot of organizations cannot think multiple steps ahead and of course this becomes a real challenge for them. Naturally, this will get you off track and then you will not meet your goals. Little, easy tricks can help your organization though. For example, each week, start by asking your team 1) how are we tracking, 2) what challenges are we experiencing, and 3) what opportunities for improvement are out there that we can implement to reach our goals. Innovate, innovate, innovate!

I believe in leading by example, showcasing adaptability and a growth mindset. Be flexible, but lead with a plan. Open communication and active listening are crucial within any team. Transparent, visionary leadership can instill confidence, even in challenging situations.