iVvy Blog

6 Myths About Event Management, Debunked

Written by Brittany George | Oct 1, 2024 12:30:00 AM

Time to separate fact from fiction: we’re spotlighting some of the most common myths about event management.

Welcome to the behind-the-scenes world of event management, where myths are plentiful and truths are surprisingly straightforward. Whether you’re about to dive into your first event or a seasoned pro looking to shake up the status quo, it’s time to debunk some common event management myths that could hold you back. 

6. You Need a Big Budget for Big Results

 

Myth: Creating an extraordinary event requires a considerable budget.

 

Reality: While a sizable budget can offer more flexibility and resources, there are other determinants of success - event management is all about getting creative, budget-included. With strategic planning and resourcefulness, even modest budgets can achieve remarkable results. 

Event managers working with smaller budgets can explore a range of cost-saving measures, such as negotiating with vendors, seeking sponsorships for services or products, and using a range of organic digital marketing channels for promotion, which can significantly impact an event's success without breaking the bank. 

5. Events Don’t Need a Set Schedule

Myth: A flexible event schedule means a more relaxed and spontaneous experience.


Reality:
How attendees experience an event is all down to how they perceive it (think of a duck on the water - gliding gracefully on the surface - and furiously paddling underneath it). While a spontaneous vibe at an event is encouraged, having a well-planned schedule is key to making it successful. A clear agenda helps attendees plan their time effectively, ensuring they don't miss out on key sessions or activities. A structured schedule minimises confusion, prevents overlapping sessions, and ensures things run smoothly. 

 

Striking a balance between structure and flexibility is important, so you can adjust and accommodate to unexpected situations while maintaining an overall cohesive plan. Virtual run sheets are a great way to stick to a structured event schedule while having the freedom to make last-minute changes or additions that can be immediately shared with everyone on your event team.

 

4. Event Websites Need to be Professionally Made

Myth: I need to hire someone to create my event website.

 

Reality: It's not always necessary or possible to have a professionally designed website for every event. Fortunately, there are many user-friendly website builders and templates available that event managers can use to create visually appealing and functional websites without needing extensive technical expertise or a large budget.

With iVvy event management software, event managers can effortlessly create visually appealing websites using a simple drag-and-drop design interface, with no coding or technical skills needed. This means you can get your website live faster and sell event tickets sooner.

3. Finding the Perfect Venue is Hard

Myth: Sourcing, comparing, and securing an event venue is complicated and time-consuming.

 

Reality: Selecting the perfect venue for an event can be daunting - but it doesn't have to be. With iVvy Marketplace, booking a venue is quick and effortless, cutting your booking time to just six minutes. 

iVvy Marketplace's extensive range of venue options, from hotels to sporting and academic venues, makes comparing function spaces, event packages, and accommodation options easy. You can also check the availability of spaces in real time and instantly book your preferred date through the platform's instant booking functionality.

 

2. Event Management Software is Only Useful for Large Events

Myth: Only big events benefit from using event management software.

 

Reality: Event management software can be a game-changer for events of any size - including smaller events. A single platform for all your event tasks can help keep everything organised with minimal staff. With features like digital check-ins, real-time feedback collection, and automated follow-up emails, you'll have all the tools to create an exceptional event experience and automate time-consuming manual tasks, giving you back time to focus on the most important parts of your event.

 

iVvy event management software can help you manage your entire event process more efficiently. For conferences or academic events, iVvy also includes tools for managing speaker programs, abstract submissions, and reviews. You can even create a custom portal for online abstract submission, Reviewer Portal for scoring submissions, and access tools for assigning reviewers, allocating presentations, and creating speaker booklets.

1. The Job is Done Once the Event Ends

 

Myth: Once an event is done, event managers are off-duty.

 

Reality: Along with taking a sigh of relief and giving yourself a pat on the back after your event is over, there are a few essential tasks you need to do to make sure everything goes smoothly for future events. Getting feedback from attendees through surveys or feedback forms will help you understand their experiences and identify areas for future improvements. With this feedback, you can measure the event's success and plan even better events in the future.

 

Don't forget to thank everyone who helped make the event a success, including participants, speakers, sponsors, and staff. This won't just show your appreciation - it will help maintain relationships for potential future collaborations. You can also use post-event content such as event recordings, articles, or blog posts to engage attendees and extend the life of the event content.

 

Finally, it's essential to wrap up everything neatly by settling accounts, reviewing vendor contracts, and creating post-event reports with your event data to be shared with stakeholders. This will help you set a solid foundation for your next event.

 

Make Your Next Event The Best Yet

 

If there’s one thing to take away, it’s that success in event management doesn’t hinge on a hefty budget or flawless conditions but on your ability to think on your feet, adapt swiftly, and embrace the tech at your fingertips. We hope you found our debunked event management myths helpful and can use them as stepping stones for your next event. Remember: the real magic of a great event manager lies in transforming challenges into opportunities for unforgettable event experiences.