The Value of Connection and Self-Care Within the Event Industry: Insights from Alicia Thomas

By Board Director, Alicia Thomas

As we approach the end of the year, it got me thinking about the value of connection & self-care.

We all know that the event industry is a fast-paced, high-energy sector that thrives on creativity, organisation, and delivering exceptional experiences. However, behind the glitz and glamour lies the reality of long hours, tight deadlines, and the pressure to deliver seamless events. Within this demanding context, two elements have become increasingly important for professionals to thrive: connection and self-care. Both play a crucial role not only in individual well-being but also in the sustainable success of the broader event industry.

In an industry where relationships are the lifeblood of our success, connection is everything. Event professionals, from planners to suppliers, know that strong networks can be the difference between a successful event and a logistical nightmare. The importance of building and maintaining these relationships cannot be overstated.

Organisations like Meetings & Events Australia (MEA) have long recognized the importance of fostering connection within the event community, after all we have been doing this for almost 50 years. MEA has created a robust support network built on being the organisation that represents all who are involved in bringing events to life!

Beyond professional advantages, connection within our industry also provides emotional and psychological support. The high-pressure nature our roles can lead to burnout, stress, and anxiety. By fostering meaningful relationships, professionals can share their experiences, express frustrations, and offer mutual encouragement, creating a healthier work environment.

While connection within the industry is critical, self-care is just as vital for maintaining a sustainable career in events. The pressure to deliver perfection on tight deadlines, while managing multiple stakeholders and unexpected issues, can lead to exhaustion and mental strain.

Event professionals need to prioritise self-care to prevent physical and mental burnout. Practices such as setting boundaries, taking regular breaks, and ensuring adequate sleep are essential to sustaining high performance. Many industry leaders are now advocating for organisations to adopt policies that encourage a healthier work-life balance. MEA has led discussions around mental health awareness at their conferences over the years, underscoring that self-care is essential not just for individual well-being but also for improving overall productivity and creativity.

Self-care is also crucial for maintaining the creativity and energy required to innovate within the industry. When we are rested, we are able to come up with fresh ideas, solve complex problems, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the world around us. Incorporating mindfulness, exercise, and hobbies into daily routines can help us recharge and return to work with renewed focus.

Building meaningful connections can act as a form of self-care by providing emotional support, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration that reduce the burden of working in isolation. Similarly, self-care practices enable us to approach our connections with more energy, patience, and creativity, leading to stronger, more effective relationships.

As our industry evolves in response to global changes and technological advancements, the value of connection and self-care will only continue to grow. By prioritising relationships and personal well-being, the industry can create a more sustainable, resilient, and innovative future. Organisations like MEA are leading the charge, ensuring that professionals have both the networks and the tools needed to succeed in a rapidly changing landscape.

Our industry thrives on the balance between connection and self-care and fostering meaningful relationships allows for better collaboration and support, while prioritising self-care ensures that we can continue to deliver top-tier events without sacrificing our health and well-being. With organisations like MEA championing these principles, the future of the event industry looks brighter, healthier, and more connected than ever before.