It’s a Balancing Act

How do people do it? Work in the Hospitality and Tourism Industry and still find time to be with their families? Our organization plans a 3-day conference with a tradeshow for 2000+ people just 2-1/2 weeks after Christmas. Can we talk about some of the busiest hours of the event planning timeline and one of the most family-focused holidays of the year colliding at the same time? Nobody’s perfect, but with a little practice, our team has found some things that work.

First, it takes intentionality. You have to make an intentional choice to put boundaries on time for work, time for yourself, and time for family. Work will always be there tomorrow but your kids grow up so fast, family members move away, and elders pass on. Family isn’t as reliable as the constant barrage of work.

Second, you need accountability. Make sure there are others in your life who will call you out when you’re getting off balance. Someone you trust to get your attention and tell you when you are working too many late nights in a row or blowing off family functions.

Third, plan ahead. A healthy event team works with a planning timeline, milestones, and checks in regularly to ensure things are on track. One of the most influential ways the team is capable of staying sane during the Christmas season with an event so close behind is that we have a detailed event planning timeline in place and we prioritize weekly meetings to touch base with each other. The timeline keeps our entire team moving in the same direction and at an appropriate pace. It is also a living document that we revisit at the end of each event to make sure it still serves the team and the event well, and supports a healthy lifestyle.

It takes time and dedication to be able to have both a successful career in hospitality and spend time with your family, but it can be done and it is worth it. Plus, by caring for yourself before serving others at the event, you will be more prepared to work with a full tank of energy rather than head into your event already tired.

What tidbits do you put into practice to maintain a healthy relationship between work and home? Please email me or share them with us here!

I’d love to see more event planners benefit from these tidbits,
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