The events industry has long been recognised as one of the most fast paced and dynamic environments to work in. So how can event professionals keep calm under pressure?
Rachel Phillips, Sales Director for The Celtic Collection, has worked in the events and hospitality sector for more than 22 years. During her time with The Celtic Collection, she has helped deliver hundreds of events including the 2014 NATO Summit.
With years of experience under her belt and to mark National Stress Awareness Day, we asked Rachel how she remains calm under pressure…
- Communication is key
With the fast-moving nature of events, it is critical to maintain a stream of clear communication with all relevant team members and the client in order to avoid stressful situations. With planning for and activation of multiple events happening concurrently, we always have a morning meeting to run through actions for that day and to address any potential challenges that we might be facing. We then have frequent check-ins with each other during the day, sometimes over a cup of tea and sometimes while having a walk around the property. We also meet together as a team each week and set out our plans and areas of priority, that way if someone needs support it is there for them. As a team we’re really cohesive and know how to get the best of each other so we’re very adept at working together to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Stop multi-tasking
I often have to juggle lots of different priorities at once and sometimes multi-tasking is unavoidable. Where possible, however, I try and block out time in my diary each day for specific tasks that need doing or client events that need focusing on. This helps to bring structure to my day and ensures everything is ticked off my list. By doing this not only can I ensure a seamless experience for our clients but also support my team to manage their work in an effective and efficient way.
- Know when to take a break
We all have deadlines to hit whether that is ensuring a proposal is sent to a client on time or getting information to a colleague before a meeting, but it is important to know when to take a break.
Many of us are so focused on meeting deadlines that sometimes we don’t notice our own personal needs. I make sure that I schedule regular breaks, even if some of them are only a few minutes long. I get away from my computer screen and try and get out into some of the beautiful grounds, bustling streets or quiet parks that are close to our hotels for some fresh air and to stretch my legs, or sometimes it’s just making a round of tea for the team. Even a few minutes of down time helps me go back to my desk feeling more refreshed and able to focus on what needs doing next. I constantly encourage my team to do the same – I’ve seen first-hand how important it is to take regular breaks and it definitely helps us to have a happier, healthier and more motivated team.
- Keep active
It has been proven that regular exercise and spending time in the outdoors can help reduce stress levels at work. There are some amazing places to visit in the areas around our hotels, whether that’s the beautiful grounds of The Celtic Manor Resort or the bustling streets and city parks on the doorstep of The Parkgate Hotel. I particularly enjoy taking strolls through the Coldra Woods, particularly in the autumn as the leaves are changing colour; it looks beautiful. We have a woodland trail, which runs through the trees and directly connects to our neighbouring venue, ICC Wales. I am very lucky that I get to work against such an appealing and varied backdrop.
- Focus on the positives
I’m fortunate enough to work in a role which I enjoy enormously however, as with any job there are times when things don’t go to plan. When this happens, I try and refocus on the positives and remember what it is that I love about my job. Writing things down can really help. My favourite aspect of my job, and something that always makes me very proud to be a part of this team, is conducting client site visits. I feel enormously proud each time I show prospective clients the different spaces we have to offer – hearing them say “wow!” as they enter the main lobby never gets old.
