Burnout in events is NOT
a badge of honor
Have you ever met a well-rested event professional?
Let’s face it: the event industry is a $1.3 trillion powerhouse fueled by deadlines, long hours, and a constant drive for perfection.
I know this reality all too well, and I learned the hard way that overwork is not the answer.
The event industry needs to shift its focus to people-first leadership.
There’s this underlying pressure in the event world:
if you’re not all-in, you’re out.
And we have to talk about it.
For almost 6 years, I pushed through exhaustion, telling myself I could handle it all.
In March 2023 I was 9 months pregnant, working 20-hour days and I sent an email stating: “I am exhausted, I cannot continue at all” and asked for a few days off or even an early maternity leave start.
I was ignored. And forced to work through my exhaustion.
For 6 years my vacation days (or lack there of), my 2 medical leaves, my 3 months maternity leave, were always tied to ongoing events. And there was always another event, another deadline — so for 6 years I never got a break.
I was trapped in a cycle of fear and very misplaced loyalty.
My story isn’t unique — it’s the reality for many professionals in the event world. We’re often told that success means burning the midnight oil and putting in “just one more hour”. But this mentality leads to burnout, stress, and teams that are running on fumes.
The event industry needs to shift its focus to people-first leadership.
We need to build an industry that respects and values all its people. It’s time to rethink how we approach event planning, and that’s where freelancers come in.
Imagine a world where your team isn’t just surviving but thriving — where the pressure of tight deadlines and countless tasks doesn’t fall on the shoulders of a few overworked employees. This world is possible when you hire freelancers.
Freelancers aren’t just a “quick fix” for gaps in your workforce; they are skilled professionals who bring fresh perspectives, specialized expertise, and a level of flexibility that can transform how you run events.
Freelancers can be the release valve that your team needs, allowing your in-house staff to focus on what they do best without being buried under an endless pile of tasks.
How freelancers add Value
Specialized Expertise: Freelancers often come with niche skills and experience. Whether it’s digital marketing for your event, on-site coordination, or creative design, they can jump in and hit the ground running. This not only lightens the load but brings a level of professionalism that enhances the quality of your event.
Flexible Support: One of the biggest challenges in event planning is managing fluctuating workloads. Freelancers offer flexible support, allowing you to scale up during busy periods without the long-term commitment of additional full-time hires. It’s a win-win for your team and your budget.
Boosting Team Morale: By bringing in freelancers to handle specific tasks, you free up your core team to focus on strategic work. This not only reduces burnout but ait’s leading to a more motivated and productive workforce. When your team isn’t stretched thin, they can pour their energy into creating exceptional events.
The PowerPitch Event Freelancing Forum is your opportunity to reimagine how your team operates. It’s not about replacing your in-house talent — it’s about enhancing it. By attending, you’ll connect with top freelancers and learn how they can become the ultimate support system for your events.
Let’s build a future where overwork is replaced with collaboration, where freelancers and in-house teams work hand-in-hand to create events that bring balance and innovation.
Let’s make this shift — because happier teams create better events.
