Have you ever considered freelancing in the events industry? Being your own boss and having flexibility can sound like a dream, but as with all industries, there are pros and cons.
If you’re thinking about venturing out on your own, here are some things to keep in mind:
Benefits
Freedom & Flexibility
Freelancing in the events industry can offer significant freedom and flexibility. Events tend to have relatively short lifespans, so you are able to take work when you want or need it. You will be able to pick and choose which projects and events you work on, be able to find those that excite and interest you.
Personal & Professional Growth
Being a freelancer in the events industry can offer you personal and professional growth. You can learn new skills, gain new experiences, and expand your horizons by working on different types of events, clients, and locations. You can also challenge yourself, overcome obstacles, and achieve your goals by running your own business. Finally, you can enjoy the satisfaction, recognition, and rewards of creating successful and memorable events for your clients and guests.
Variety
You might find yourself working on conferences, sporting events, parties, charity fundraisers, fashion shows, product launches, conventions, shop openings, or film premiers – to name just a few.
There are often slow and steady periods in the early planning stages or in between events, followed by intense periods of high activity and adrenaline rushes.
Drawbacks
Lack Of Job Security
Even the most in-demand freelancers often lack job security. By focusing only on gig to gig, it’s easy to lose sight of long-term planning. Without a safety net, you will have to take on a lot of work out of necessity. You might not further your career, but you will pay the bills.
It’s All On You
Some people might enjoy this aspect, but if you don’t, it will be a lot of stress with little reward. Identifying goals, analysing your marketing, creating strategic plans, building your network, nurturing clients, reporting, fulfilling legal obligations, it’s all on you.
Tiring Work
15-hour days are common, most of which is spent on your feet running around doing physical things; fetching, lifting, carrying, and you often have to grab meals on the go.
How To Thrive
Skills & Qualifications
To succeed as a freelancer in the events industry, you need to have a range of skills and qualifications. In addition to being organised, creative, and resourceful, you need excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. You need to be able to work effectively with a range of people, from vendors and suppliers to clients and guests. You also need knowledge and experience, either through formal education, certification, or on-the-job training.
Networking & Marketing
Another key factor for freelancers in the events industry is networking and marketing. You need to build and maintain a strong network of contacts and referrals in the even industry, such as venues, caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and more. You also need to market yourself effectively to attract and retain clients through channels such as social media, websites, portfolios, testimonials, and word-of-mouth. Showcase your expertise, reputation, and value.
Opportunities & Trends
As a freelancer in the events industry, you can also take advantage of the opportunities and trends in the event industry. You can specialise in a niche market or a type of event that suits your skills and interests. You can also adapt to your clients’ changing needs and preferences, incorporating sustainability, technology, or diversity into your skill set. You can also explore new platforms and formats for delivering events, such as online, hybrid, or experiential events.
Go in Search of What You Don’t Know
The events industry continues to grow and evolve. Managing a successful career in the events industry requires staying up to date. Identify the areas where your knowledge is lacking and get up to speed. There are plenty of free resources available from blogs to digital papers to news sites. Whatever method you choose, treat ongoing training as part of your job.
Plan Ahead
Since one downside of freelancing can be a lack of job security and erratic pay schedules, you’ll need to plan ahead by regularly checking for opportunities and contacting people. Plus, you’ll want to plan out your finances, including an emergency fund and create a personal budget. During the first months of your freelance career, up until you’ve established a solid client base, you might not earn much or anything, and your income could vary significantly, so make sure you’re financially stable before taking the leap into the freelance world.
