Event marketing is a high-stakes arena where pressure and stress are part of the daily grind.

"It feels like everyone has their eyes on you because you sit at the center of comms, ticket sales, sponsorship leads, PR, on-site marketing activities, and endless emails and deadlines."

However, embracing and effectively navigating these challenges can lead to personal growth, stronger connections, and professional success.

This article covers key insights from a 15-minute video session with Sabina Osorio from TED. She shares practical strategies for managing stress, cultivating meaningful relationships, and achieving balance in this fast-paced, ever-evolving field.

Build a supportive community

The importance of finding and nurturing a supportive community cannot be overstated. 

Sabina reflects on her experiences at TED, where she has formed deep connections with colleagues and conference attendees. This sense of community extends beyond professional networks, offering a buffer against the isolating effects of stress.

"At TED, everything’s so different," she says. "I’ve started making the best of friends at the TED conferences I’ve attended." Building a "conference squad" or a group of like-minded professionals to attend events with enriches the professional experience and enhances personal well-being.

‍"Events are so much better when you do them with people that you enjoy catching up with and that you find to be good friends."

The therapeutic power of movement

Movement is a key component of stress management, especially in a high-pressure role like event marketing. Regular physical activity—walking, playing tennis, or engaging in other sports—is vital for maintaining a healthy mental and physical balance.

"Remember, your body whispers at you, and if you don't listen, it starts to yell."

However, diversifying physical activities is crucial to preventing injury. Sabina shares her experience of overexerting herself with tennis, which led to a three-month hiatus due to injury. "I learned the hard way that you need to diversify your activities and balance things out," she advises.

Embrace continuous learning

As event marketing evolves further, committing to continuous learning and growth is paramount. Stay updated on industry trends, explore new tools, and engage with innovative platforms to remain relevant and effective in this field.

"You have to poke around—try out that new platform, download that thing you heard about, play that new game, create something with that new AI tool."

This mindset of exploration and curiosity not only enhances your professional skills but also leads to personal growth and satisfaction. It’s about allowing oneself the space to learn, make mistakes, and innovate.

The world of event marketing is as rewarding as it is challenging. By managing stress through strategic self-care, building supportive communities, staying active, and continuously learning, event marketers can not only survive but thrive in this dynamic field.

Watch the complete session for more insights.