Why Event Planning is One of the Most Stressful Jobs in the World

Why Event Planning is One of the Most Stressful Jobs in the World
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The High-Stress World of Event Planning
Event planning has consistently ranked as one of the most stressful jobs in the world. It frequently appears in lists highlighting the top five of high-stress careers, alongside professions involving life-or-death decisions such as firefighting and healthcare. While event planning may not deal with direct physical danger, the immense mental and emotional strain of the job can be quite overwhelming. Event planners are responsible for coordinating numerous moving parts, managing multiple stakeholders, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Even the smallest mistake can lead to major disruptions, creating intense pressure in a “one and done” situation.
 
Whether it’s a corporate conference, wedding, or large-scale public event, the stakes are high, and the stress levels reflect that. Research consistently highlights the unique demands of the job, with many surveys recognizing event planning as one of the most anxiety-inducing careers worldwide.

​The Unpredictable Nature of Event Planning
A key factor contributing to the stress of event planning is its unpredictable nature. From weather disruptions to last-minute changes in client preferences, planners must remain flexible and quick on their feet. This unpredictability means that event planners can never truly relax until the event concludes successfully. Any unforeseen issue, such as a vendor failing to deliver on time or technical problems with audiovisual setups, can lead to elevated anxiety levels.
 
Managing these unexpected challenges while still delivering a perfect event experience is difficult. Planners must often troubleshoot on the go, making quick decisions to prevent any negative impact on the event’s outcome.

​Post-Covid Challenges in Event Planning
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new stressors to an already demanding industry. Following this worldwide disruption, event planners now face higher costs in several areas, including audiovisual equipment, beverage services, and most deeply felt, food. Some of these costs have risen by over 20% compared to pre-pandemic levels. This financial burden is particularly stressful for planners working on tight budgets - especially those who have been charged to plan large-scale fundraisers for nonprofits and service groups. With senior leadership and Board of Directors demanding profitable events, planners are left in a tough spot - they must meet expectations without compromising on quality or attendee experiences.
 
Adding to this pressure is the challenge of reduced revenues and attendance. Many organizations report that their event income has fallen significantly since 2019, yet planners are still expected to deliver exceptional experiences despite fewer resources - “do more with less”. This has produced a perfect storm of rising costs and reduced incomes, creating an environment ripe for stress and anxiety.

Beyond the state of events in the aftermath of COVID-19, there are many other reasons why your favorite event planner is a ball of stress:

1. Lack of Event Management Tools and Technologies: Unlike industries such as marketing or sales that are supported by advanced automation tools, event planning often lacks comprehensive, specialized technology solutions. This forces planners to handle multiple complex tasks manually - from juggling schedules and coordinating with vendors to creating the perfect backup plan for any unforeseen emergency.
2. Venue Selections - A Time-Consuming Process: Finding the perfect venue for an event is one of the most critical tasks event planners face. The process can be extremely time-consuming, as it involves evaluating multiple options and analyzing location logistics, audience capacity, and amenities. Simply securing a venue that fits the event’s specifications isn’t enough - planners must also conduct on-site inspections, check for potential problems, and ensure the venue aligns with the event’s overall vision. And - even after selecting the “perfect venue”, planners might still face issues during the event, such as poor technical setups or “less-than” coordination and communication from the venue’s staff.
3. Managing Expectations of Multiple Stakeholders: Event planners are often caught in the crossfire of managing the expectations of multiple stakeholders - and they have the added stress of producing many “once-in-a-lifetime” events. From clients and attendees to vendors and service providers, each party has its own set of demands and priorities. Meeting these varying and sometimes conflicting expectations requires careful coordination and most importantly, clear communication. A misstep in any one area can lead to dissatisfaction, ultimately impacting the overall success of the event.
4. Financial Risks and Uncertain Budgets: Budget management is a crucial component of event planning, and it is often one of the most stress-inducing aspects of the job. Most event planners are forced to work within limited budgets that must stretch to cover a wide range of costs - from venue rentals and catering to marketing and audiovisual services. Rising costs and fewer venues and vendors to choose from post-pandemic, make financial planning more difficult than ever. Planners often have little control over unexpected price hikes, such as increases in food and beverage costs and labor charges. These unpredictable expenses can create financial strain and they often force planners to make difficult decisions to cut costs in areas that could impact the overall experience.
5. High Expectations for Flawless Execution: The pressure for perfection in event planning is huge. Clients expect events to run seamlessly, and even minor hiccups can lead to anger and damage a planner’s reputation. Whether it’s technical glitches, logistical errors, or last-minute changes, any disruption can be detrimental to the event’s success. Event planners must be proactive problem solvers, anticipating any potential issues before they arise.
6. Having to Rely on Others: Another key factor that often contributes to the most stress of event planning, is the need to rely on multiple vendors and external teams to execute. Coordinating with suppliers for services such as catering, audiovisual support, and venue management often presents challenges. Late deliveries, miscommunication, or underperformance by vendors can create chaos. Event planners often also fill the role of relationship managers who have to oversee and manage relationships in order for everything to run smoothly.

​A Rewarding Yet Stressful Career Path
Event planning is undeniably one of the most stressful jobs in the world, but it can also be one of the most rewarding. The ability to turn a vision into reality, create memorable experiences, and contribute to an event’s success brings immense satisfaction. However, the journey to that successful moment can often be filled with challenges, stress, and BIG pressure.
 
The key to surviving and thriving in this industry is to find ways to manage stress through proper planning, the use of technology, and seeking support from a reliable team of vendors.

At Big Deal Company, we understand these challenges, which is why our team of professional event planners is equipped with diverse skills to ensure that every event runs smoothly. Our collaborative approach helps us support one another, share the workload, craft creative touches and solutions, and eliminate much of the stress that comes with high-stakes events. With our experienced team at the helm, our clients can rest assured that their event will be successful and stress-free. 

​Want to work with Big Deal to create memorable and stress-free events?
We’re here to help you elevate your next event and leave a lasting impact on your audience. Contact us today for a consultation: 970-613-1455
 
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