Is it possible to be addicted to curating events?

Well, here is what I have learnt along the path

I discovered my addiction and it is producing events. Hmm let’s try this again.

I love producing events because it gets me really excited and my passionate side jumps out.

Okay last try.

Hello, my name is Ugochi and I’m addicted to producing events. There’s a certain indescribable feeling and excitement I get as soon as the concept of an event comes to me it’s like the wheels in my brain start spinning and the light bulb in my head becomes super bright till I execute it or face the reality of not being able to bring it to life just yet.

Although, I have accepted my fate that I might have to live with this addiction it still baffles me that I haven’t quit. Which is why I’ll like to share some lessons I’ve learned since I started this path, in case there are others out there like me considering this path.

Just to be clear on what I mean by event producing because it usually gets confused with event planning.

Event producers conceptualize experiences and use their money or sponsors’ to make it happen.

Event planners on the other hand work for clients to make their ideas or wants from an event a reality.

But beware this post might either de-motivate the hell out of you or get you even more hooked to producing events, consider this a friendly warning before proceeding.

Don’t start it with the sole aim of making money.

This might seem odd but it’s the one thing I’m grateful I did from the beginning. Why? Because this is very unpredictable business you could literally do everything right and still not make profit or break even especially when you’re just starting out.

When I began this journey in July 2018 I had my first two events which were pretty successful as they both had good turn outs and lovely feedback from my guests. I really thought I had arrived so I stepped things up a notch and went all out for my third event. But guess what?? The event flopped and not a even just a little it was BADD! This hit me so hard and deep that I had to take a break for some months.

Point is that when I was planning the 3rd event I was so sure I would make money that I didn’t really hold back in my expenses and I sadly regretted it. People produce events for different reasons and objectives, so if you’re just starting out and sponsors aren’t really there for you yet. Never be in debt to host an event because you just can never guarantee the outcome, especially when you’re starting out.

Collaborations can either make or break you

I am a firm believer in working and collaborating with growing or big brands but you have to choose wisely. You might be working with a friend, a co-worker or stranger but when it comes to event production know that business is business.

Always have written agreements and really make sure whoever you’re partnering with understands your vision and has similar or shared objectives with you before getting into it. Don’t feel pressured to accept every collaboration because you’re just starting out, always be sure it’s a good fit for you and your brand.

Be consistent

I added this because I still need tell myself this every time I’ve considered quitting (like 5 minutes ago) or just giving up. If you’re an addict like me, chances are it’s hard to stay away except when the doubts, fears and anxiety come out to play and you want to run away.

Remember, why you are doing this and (hopefully it’s something solid enough) just don’t stop. You never know when your big break is coming (*internally screaming “God when, please can it be this year!!!”*)

Figure out how to create value

People will only give you money if you create an experience they value or something they will want to value. So whatever event or concept you’re producing, always think about who this will mean something to and why they will value it.

This is actually something I’m still figuring out and getting the hang of, but I have learnt it’s a crucial part of any event you are putting out there and want to have an audience present.

Treat Every Guest like they matter

Because they do! I’m lucky to have supportive friends and family but majority of my events are attended by people I have never met before.

The thing is events are for people and the best marketing you’ll ever get for your event is word-of-mouth. So you need to make sure you treat every guest very well because stranger or friend, people always remember how you make them feel.

Whether you’re a 1 man team or a large team, let this be something you get everyone on your team to imbibe. Plus, you never know where you could meet a guest from your event so be nice and sweet to all of them.

If you made it here and still want to be an event producer then Yayy you! Welcome to this club of addicts, hope you stick around till you get your big break or win.

Also, I should introduce to my baby — We Just Came 2 Events where we curate unique themed events for people to connect, we’re currently based in Abuja, Nigeria.

Hope you check out what we do and you should totally follow us on @wejustcame2_ on Twitter and Instagram. We’re growing a community powered by a 2-woman team that I will love you to join! So if you’re still here, thank you for giving this a read.