When you set your yearly goals, do you also put thought into your guiding words of the year?
I set an intent on three “words of the year”, and one of my words this year is “collaboration.”
While my year was off to a solo start, head down with projects, I’ve really kicked collaboration into high-gear lately, and what a difference it has made, both to my energy levels and my creativity! So much so, that I can’t help but try to inspire others to seek collaborations as you head into Q3.
In the fast-paced world of event planning, joining forces with fellow partners will not only supercharge your skills but also create mind-blowing experiences that leave everyone in awe.
How does it work? Collaborations can:
Amplify creativity and innovation
Picture this: you, a group of like-minded event planning superheroes, huddled together, fueled by caffeine and a shared passion for creating extraordinary experiences. Collaboration is like adding oxygen to your creativity and innovation. When you gather different perspectives, bounce ideas off one another, and let the creative sparks fly, amazing things happen! Your events will be infused with fresh, jaw-dropping concepts that will leave attendees begging for more.

Unsplash
Leverage expertise and specialization
We can’t be experts at everything, and that’s where collaboration comes in to save the day! It’s like assembling a dream team of superheroes, each with their own superpower. By collaborating with these incredible individuals, you tap into a vast pool of specialized knowledge and skills. Need help finding the perfect venue that screams “Wow!” or crafting killer marketing strategies? Collaborate with other industry partners, and start to level up your skillset!
Share resources and mitigate risks
Event planning can sometimes feel like a wild rollercoaster ride. By collaborating with others, you can start to conquer those logistical challenges and mitigate risks like a pro. You and your pals can share resources, divvy up tasks, and tackle challenges together. It’s like having a secret stash of supplies and a whole squad ready to leap into action when things get hairy. By pooling your resources, you can stretch your budget, secure top-notch speakers, and even troubleshoot those pesky issues that pop up unexpectedly. You may be a one-man show but nothings stopping you from being backed up by the Solid Gold dancers
Build meaningful relationships
In events, relationships and connections are everything. Collaboration gives you the chance to forge incredible bonds with fellow planners and vendors. Think of it as a chance to assemble your own event planning Avengers, where trust, camaraderie, and mutual support reign supreme. These relationships extend far beyond the event itself, opening doors for future collaborations and referrals. Plus, when you team up with professionals from diverse backgrounds, you expand your network and unlock new opportunities.

Unsplash
Share the load and provide opportunities
Going it alone can create overwhelm and stress, and ultimately put you on the fast-track towards burnout. Collaboration helps you offload tasks to very capable humans, and those trust-worthy professionals are seeking opportunities to work alongside you as well! Spread your mentoring wings and grow your team for certain projects, where you all can walk away with new skills and renewed energy.
Collaboration truly is the key to unlocking your service’s full potential, so let’s head into Q3 with (quite literally) open arms, and invite different perspectives and skills to our world.
To you and your growing network’s success,
Leanne
PS: Want to find some amazing collab artists? Connect with over 1000 meeting and event professionals at the Canadian Meetings and Events Expo August 15+16. Come find me and say, “Hi!”
Leanne Calderwood, CMP, is a branding and LinkedIn trainer for the meetings, events, and hospitality industry. She believes our industry is built on experiences, and that experience should start with our professionals. She serves hospitality professionals and teams through her online courses and consulting services to help guide #eventprofs out of the shadows and into the spotlight using their branding strengths and stories. When she’s not talking shop, you can find Leanne drinking tea, making jam, and gardening at her home in Kelowna, B.C. with her husband, two teenage sons, and her dog, Farls Barkley. You can learn more about Leanne over on her blog at www.leannecalderwood.com.
Leave a Reply