The Challenges the Event Industry is Facing in 2021
The start of the decade has introduced a lot of new challenges for everyone, including event planners across the nation. We’re very thankful to be part of several social media communities where event planners share advice and experiences pertaining to their own challenges in 2021.
Recently, we came across a post from Cutie Patootie Creations’ Stephanie Feldman that perfectly encapsulated a few of the many challenges we are currently facing. Here are the main points from Stephanie’s post:
“The mail is MUCH slower than normal. That is the case with ALL carriers so PLEASE give yourself at least a 1-3 week cushion for event invitations or anything else you are sending out/ waiting to receive.
There are staff and product shortages across the nation with various companies in all sorts of industries, so do not wait until the last minute to order any sort of product for your event.
If there is something you feel you must have with regards to swag or any other items for your event, order when you have most of your numbers and don't wait for those last RSVPs to trickle in. You are better off having a few extras than nothing at all.
Lastly, it's very likely that the vendors you are working with are small family businesses and we truly do have your best interest at heart. We work so hard behind the scenes for you and your family, so please keep this in mind when you are stressed or planning your event!”
We are experiencing shortages across multiple industries, from paper stock to giveaway items to lumber and more. As such, we echo Stephanie’s thoughts on planning farther ahead, ordering extras, ordering early, and being patient. We also wanted to outline a few more challenges impacting the industry as we move into the Holiday Season.
Our industry has suffered an incredible loss of staffing. Many of the vendors have less staff than they’d typically like to. As a result, they need to get into the rooms earlier to have enough time for setup with the crew they have. It also means that the crews are not getting a day off in many cases. So, if something isn't quite the way you had hoped, know that they are against a time clock when they are setting up your event. There is only so much that we can do given the time we have. Our legs are very tired, but we’re still committed to delivering the best event experience possible.
A Much-Needed Respite
In more positive news, our team just arrived back in Maryland after taking a well-deserved respite in New York City! We partnered with An Extraordinar Limousine, and were dropped off in Manhattan for a day packed with fun! After some sight-seeing and a nice lunch, we met up with Andi, the Manager of Flagship Windows at Macy's Herald Square. Andi and Julie, one of our Event Planners, used to work together and it was great to reconnect! He gave us a tour around the perimeter of the store, and we discussed the behind the scenes that go into his team’s creations. They begin planning for Christmas in May, and the world class end results certainly show it!
After our visit to Macy’s HSQ, Bill, our limo driver, picked us up and drove us to the Metropolitan Pavilion for The Event Planners Expo. The trade show included mostly NYC vendors, but we did meet up with a few who had family or significant others in Baltimore. We saw lots of emerging trends in the party planning industry, but our hands down favorite had to be the rolled ice cream!
We were also able to meet up with event sponsors, Susan and Brian Null, owners of EventPros.com. We had spoken many, many times, but it was amazing to finally be able to meet for the first time in person. After walking around the trade show and stuffing our faces with rolled ice cream, among other delicious treats, we all hopped into the limo and headed to Margaritaville Times Square for a lovely dinner to cap off the lovely day.
Now we’re refreshed and ready for a festive Holiday Season!
Plan Your In-Person or Hybrid Event with Innovative Party Planners
Innovative Party Planners is your resource for event design and planning in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania and Virginia. To learn more about our event planning services and how we can help make your event one of a kind, contact us by clicking here or call (410) 998-9999.