Ode to Event Planners

Twas the night before event day, when all through the place
Everyone was stirring; and trying to make space;
The aisle banners were hung by the rigging points with care,
In hopes that the electrician soon would be there;
The attendees were nestled all snug in their beds;
While visions of giveaways danced in their heads;
And the chef in her “apron,” and I with my book,
Had just racked our brains for something to cook,
When out on the show floor there arose such a clatter,
I sprang into action to see what was the matter.
Away to the expo I flew like a flash,
Tore open the curtain, and breathed in a gasp.
The spotlight shown brightly on the forklift I saw,
Gave a lustre of midday to boxes in the hall,
When what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But an unexpected shipment of supplies as I feared,
With nothing to do but make a decision real quick,
I couldn’t show on the outside I just might be sick.
More rapid than bullets the issues they came,
So I shouted for assistants, I called them by trade:
“Now, Driver! now, Deliverer! now, Rigger and Bellman!
On, Producer! on, Speaker! on Exhibitor and Captain!
To the check-in counter! To the end of the hall!
Now prep away! prep away! prep away all!
As leaves that before a wild hurricane fly,
Nametags and handbooks piled high to the sky;
Then up to the stage, the performers flew
With their music in hand, and the soloist too-
And then in a twinkling, I heard with my ears,
The sweet sounds of singing I hadn’t heard in years.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the aisle the speaker came with a bound.
He was dressed in a suit from his head to his foot,
And he looked like a pro which was a very good look;
His backpack of notes he had flung on his back,
And he resembled a student just opening his pack.
Another issue came up, needs my attention, how hairy!
My cheeks were flush now, turning red like a cherry!
The event app was crashing, reboot happening now,
If this doesn’t work, old-school paper check-in, wow!
As computers fired up, I clenched tightly my teeth,
But couldn’t wait around, the next issue to meet.
There aren’t enough chairs in the general session,
Hopefully attendees are willing to make a concession.
We’re minutes from starting the program itself.
I can’t believe it’s finally here, in spite of myself.
In the blink of an eye and a turn of my head,
I knew all to well that same feeling of dread;
I spoke not a word, but went straight to my work,
Putting out fires, on my face was a smirk,
And laying a finger aside of my nose,
And giving a nod, the event we did close;
Attendees jumped to their feet and gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard an exclaim as they ran out of sight-
“What a great event to all, and to all a good night!”

~written by Tracy Baer, CMP, CFMP
More at tracybaer.com.