When I founded my event business in 1988, there were only five event planning companies in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fast forward to today, and I recently heard there are more than 700. It seems everyone is an event planner these days — caterers, florists, DJs, audiovisual companies, and countless others. At least, that’s what they claim. But are they really? When I started Bright Ideas Event Agency, I was completely on my own. I had no formal training, no…
The meetings, event and incentives industry is facing a talent reckoning. According to the Incentive Research Foundation’s 2024 Future of the Incentive Workforce report, more than three-quarters of meetings and incentive professionals are experiencing talent or skills shortages. At the same time, more than 70 per cent of potential job seekers have never considered a career in our industry. Not because it lacks appeal, but because they simply do not know the opportunities that exist within our industry. This…
What drives us to persist in a career as event professionals, knowing full well the toll it can take on our mental and emotional well-being? In a field ranked among Canada’s top three most stressful occupations, why do we continue to navigate its challenges, risking burnout along the way? For many of us, it’s about the thrill of creating memorable experiences that bring people together, thriving amidst the chaos and finding beauty within the storm. There’s a certain satisfaction…
