 Samantha Hoffer, metroConnections | by Samantha Hoffer • Event planning - a top ten most stressful job • Quick tactics to tackle stress CareerCast.com releases an annual list of top ten most stressful occupations, in 2016 it’s easy to see why once again it was topped by soldiers, firefighters, airline pilots, and police officers. What may come as a surprise to people outside the industry, however, is number five on the list: event coordinator. The position doesn’t usually require running into burning buildings or safely landing 450-ton airliners, but there’s a reason that event coordinator has not only made it onto the list again, but actually moved up three spots from its 2015 ranking. |
While people tend to go into the other listed professions expecting at least a moderate level of pressure, the same isn’t likely true for those entering the industry as an event coordinator, a job that, from an outside point of view, may look like it’s non-stop fun. And while it certainly has its enjoyable moments, event coordination made this top ten list of stressful jobs for a reason; it can be demanding, competitive, and at the mercy of numerous factors outside of one’s control. It requires work outside of normal office hours, with much of it happening while on the road. Tight deadlines, working on a very public stage (both metaphorically and literally), physical demands, and working directly with the public are all fundamental parts of an event coordinator’s job. These are factors that went into CareerCast’s decision to rank the positions on their list.
Even the most organized event coordinator may struggle to manage their stress effectively from time to time, but there are specific ways to handle the strain of the job that make it ultimately rewarding, both personally and professionally.
Here are some quick stress-relieving activities that fit even the busiest planner’s schedule:
Progressive relaxation: From your head to your toes, tense and then release each muscle group in your body.
Aromatherapy: If you know it won’t bother officemates, try to soothe your nerves with pleasant scents like lavender, citrus, or coffee, which have been consistently shown in studies to reduce stress levels.
Guided visualization: Envisioning a serene, peaceful scene may help reduce stress and ease your anxiety.
Meditative walk: Even a quiet five-minute stroll around the office can lower your stress, especially if you’re able to pop outside for a moment. (Don’t run around the office and talk business with coworkers – that doesn’t count as a “meditative walk.”)
Sip and snack: Green tea, dark chocolate, honey, and mango are said to help with stress and anxiety.
Meditate: Find a quiet space and concentrate on breathing (in… out… in… out) for about five minutes. Studies show that doing this twice a day can relieve stress.
For proactive initiatives to reduce stress before it starts and ways to manage stress when things go wrong, read parts 2 & 3 of this series in upcoming Midwest Meetings eNewsletters. Subscribe today www.MidwestMeetings.com/e-newsletter.html
Samantha Hoffer began as a coordinator in the Event Services division at metroConnections in March of 2012. Specializing in teambuilding and event décor, Samantha is part of the event process from start to finish. In her current role as Senior Program Manager, she focuses on researching ideas for proposals, formulating contracts, handling budgets and financials, coordinating all logistics, and managing onsite - all while ensuring client expectations are exceeded. Samantha is dedicated to bringing the client’s vision to life, creating a fun and seamless event experience.
Even the most organized event coordinator may struggle to manage their stress effectively from time to time, but there are specific ways to handle the strain of the job that make it ultimately rewarding, both personally and professionally.
Here are some quick stress-relieving activities that fit even the busiest planner’s schedule:
Progressive relaxation: From your head to your toes, tense and then release each muscle group in your body.
Aromatherapy: If you know it won’t bother officemates, try to soothe your nerves with pleasant scents like lavender, citrus, or coffee, which have been consistently shown in studies to reduce stress levels.
Guided visualization: Envisioning a serene, peaceful scene may help reduce stress and ease your anxiety.
Meditative walk: Even a quiet five-minute stroll around the office can lower your stress, especially if you’re able to pop outside for a moment. (Don’t run around the office and talk business with coworkers – that doesn’t count as a “meditative walk.”)
Sip and snack: Green tea, dark chocolate, honey, and mango are said to help with stress and anxiety.
Meditate: Find a quiet space and concentrate on breathing (in… out… in… out) for about five minutes. Studies show that doing this twice a day can relieve stress.
For proactive initiatives to reduce stress before it starts and ways to manage stress when things go wrong, read parts 2 & 3 of this series in upcoming Midwest Meetings eNewsletters. Subscribe today www.MidwestMeetings.com/e-newsletter.html
Samantha Hoffer began as a coordinator in the Event Services division at metroConnections in March of 2012. Specializing in teambuilding and event décor, Samantha is part of the event process from start to finish. In her current role as Senior Program Manager, she focuses on researching ideas for proposals, formulating contracts, handling budgets and financials, coordinating all logistics, and managing onsite - all while ensuring client expectations are exceeded. Samantha is dedicated to bringing the client’s vision to life, creating a fun and seamless event experience.
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