A little anxiety goes a long way  in the events industry

I have yet to meet an event manager who has not suffered from anxiety in the lead-up to an event. A little anxiety (emphasis on little) propels event managers to the finishing line.

Anxiety is a natural reaction to perceived danger and it focuses our attention by giving us a dose of hormones including adrenaline. Adrenaline helps us to react quickly, and for some, the increase in energy is helpful in the build-up to an event. This energy helps us to become laser-focused, alert and ready to tick off that long list of event deliverables.  

You may be aware of the phrase ‘fight, flight, freeze, fawn and flop’. These are our options when we are under stress. When event managers have no choice but to get the work done, they often ‘fight’. Basically, anxiety makes them scared about messing up and worrying becomes the advantage.   

However, we can also become frozen from stress and anxiety. This is usually when we are bombarded with too many tasks at once and do not know which one to do first, then we become frazzled. This often happens in events management.

When this happens, it can be helpful to stop working (I know this is easier said than done when there are deadlines looming), take yourself away from your desk and go sit in a dark room without any stimulation. Decompress for 10-20 minutes. Focus on your breathing.

When you are ready to get going again, focus on one task at a time. Try to stay in the present moment with that task, this will help you to stop thinking about the never-ending project plan.  

Being in a constant state of worry before an event is not healthy, and it can really impact our mental health, however, it is difficult to channel your inner Dalai Lama when registration, speaker, exhibitor, sponsor, venue and financial targets need to be met and time is running out.  Worrying about an event is something event managers would rather not do, however, worrying does help them to do an outstanding job at delivering an event.

So how can you tell the difference between when you are thriving off that pre-event anxiety and when your workload is just too much? These are the tell-tale signs:  

What thriving off pre-event anxiety looks like:

• feeling buzzed and energetic  
• chatty
• feeling productive ticking off tasks 
• feeling excited  
• positive attitude 'I can do this’, 'this event is going to be a success' 

What too much stress/anxiety looks like:

• frazzled, finding it hard to focus
• flitting between tasks but not getting them finished  
• snapping at colleagues/family/friends/partner  
• procrastination
• crying spells
• feelings of an impending sense of doom

I invite you to notice how you feel in the lead-up to an event. It may be useful to keep a brief tracking diary of how you feel hour by hour or once in the morning and once in the afternoon. You too can then figure out if you are thriving or surviving.   

If you’re suffering from chronic stress, please tell your manager or contact a mental health professional.