Let’s get one thing straight: event managers are calm, collected professionals. They juggle logistics, vendors, timelines, speakers, sound checks, seating charts, and somehow still remember your client’s preferred brand of bottled water. But even the most seasoned event planner has their limits — and some phrases are like pressing the big red panic button.
Here’s a lighthearted look at what not to say to your event manager… unless you enjoy living dangerously.
1. “It’s just a small change.”
That “small change” usually involves rearranging the entire floorplan, reprinting 500 name tags, and notifying three vendors. Small is relative. Very relative.
2. “Do we really need a rehearsal?”
No, let’s just trust that everyone will magically know where to stand, when to speak, and how to pronounce the CEO’s name correctly under stage lights. What could go wrong?
3. “Can we add a fog machine?”
At this point in the timeline? Only if it comes with a fire marshal, insurance policy, and a time machine.
4. “The client wants to move the event... to next week.”
Ah yes, the classic “we’ve booked the venue, the caterer, the speakers, and all signage is printed… but sure, let’s move the whole thing.” Easy peasy.
5. “We invited a few more people. Like 300.”
Just a few extra chairs, right? And food. And badges. And security. And maybe more Wi-Fi. And definitely a bigger venue.
6. “What’s the backup plan if it rains indoors?”
Wait… what? (This actually happened once. We’re still confused.)
7. “We want it to feel spontaneous – you know, unrehearsed.”
You mean that effortless kind of spontaneity that requires three months of planning, a tech team, and an emergency checklist? Got it.
Final Thought
Event planning is a high-stakes balancing act of creativity and chaos management. So next time you’re about to say something “harmless,” just remember: your event manager has already fought five fires today (some literal, some metaphorical).
Instead, try saying:
“Everything’s going great, and we appreciate you.”
Trust us — that one never causes chaos.