The New Modern - Replanning The Event Industry with Eddie Suliman
/In conversation with one of Canada’s most talented, intelligent, remarkable, and premier event planners, Eddie Suliman, on the future of the event planning industry in the new modern world.
1. What one aspect of the event industry will see the longest-lasting repercussions of the global health pandemic?
I feel that more restrictions will be potentially put onto how events will have to be run going forward...i.e. further security measures, decreased capacities at events.
2. Will traditional events as we used to know them return in tomorrow's world?
I believe that traditional events will return however in what form is the question... some annual events are already looking at modernizing themselves into a virtual presentation and that might very well be the new norm for a while.
“I definitely have to look into becoming savvy with using my planning skills to create online events.”
3. With the overall decline in revenue for almost every business, do you see this as an opportunity to collaborate with others in your industry?
Yes, I have actually already discussed this with a florist and photographer who are friends of mine and we are open to creating a plan on how we can combine our services into a package format going forward.
4. Is there a realistic option to create hybrid events, with some attending in person and others attending virtually?
Yes, I believe this has already been done... an example is New Year's Eve in New York's Time Square... some people/performers attend in person and some attend virtually.
5. What changes will you be implementing in tomorrow's world for your business?
My business has pretty much always been about the face to face from guests enjoying activities, food and music live on location so now I definitely have to look into becoming savvy with using my planning skills to create online events.
“There will always be an audience whether events are held in person or virtually.”
6. How has the pandemic affected you personally and professionally?
Personally... it's been a little bit of a struggle I'm not going to lie... I am a social butterfly, a hugger a people person and having all of that taken away (with the exception of my household family members of course) has been tough. There are only so many home projects I can take on to keep me busy and only so many grocery trips I can do to get me out of the house, so as the old cliche goes..."The struggle is real..." Professionally I am actually having a easier time dealing with all of this uncertainty we are all experiencing... I have done what I had to do to undo the work that I started in January... I have had most of my events cancelled with not much hope for new ones to be booked right now and I have had discussions with some of my clients about taking the events we were planning, into the virtual world.
7. What's one constant in the event planning world that will transition from yesterday's world to tomorrow's?
The audience.... there will always be an audience whether events are held in person or virtually.
“The event industry currently has the opportunity to incorporate components into it from all over the world via virtual format therefore enhancing an already amazing event ”
8. Hardship, with the right approach, can lead to opportunity. What opportunities does the event industry world have currently?
The event industry currently has the opportunity to incorporate components into it from all over the world via virtual format therefore enhancing an already amazing event and doing so at a more minimal cost than having those components live on site.
9. What's kept you grounded throughout this?
Hands down I would have to say my family, music and believing that we are just putting in the necessary time until it's safe to hug and be around our family and friends again.
“Businesses will be thinking of how to make their company resistant to the unforeseen regardless of what could be thrown at them next.”
10. Will the influx of being online create a new wave of entrepreneurs and event industry companies?
I definitely think that businesses will be thinking of how to make their company resistant to the unforeseen regardless of what could be thrown at them next. I myself have already begun to brainstorm in order to find services I can implement into my business that will go untouched leading into the future regardless of the worlds circumstances.
11. What additional skills/talents have you had to learn in adapting to the new modern?
I have become more of a Cook, Baker, Teacher, Hair Stylist, Handy Women, Gardner, Crafter and my favourite... I have learned to have more "Me Time" through self care.
“I offer consultation services as well so if people want nothing more than ideas and or help with elements of their events that they plan to execute on their own I can be hired for that type of assistance as well.”
12. Many of us are upping our content output (words/pictures/video) and some of us are learning how to do things ourselves, opposed to having others do it for us.
Why will there still be a need for event planning companies in tomorrow's world?
Because people will forget... it may take a while for people to get back to whatever their normal will be, but eventually couples will be busy with work, clients will no longer have time to plan events and the need for someone to take on the tasks of planning their events will be there.
13. What plans did you have for 2020 that will probably be delayed/cancelled?
Some of my 2020 events have been cancelled and some are currently on a teeter totter not sure which way to go, I have had to cancel a family vacation and I risk possibly having to cancel one more this summer.
14. How can people support your business through this pandemic?
By not forgetting about my services. When the time comes it would be great for people to reach out and hire me to coordinate their events. I offer consultation services as well so if people want nothing more than ideas and or help with elements of their events that they plan to execute on their own I can be hired for that type of assistance as well.
Since 2010, Eddie has passionately worked her magic through wedding coordination for her excited couples. Eddie specialized solely in wedding coordination until 2014 when the opportunity presented itself to work on a Mayoral Campaign in Mississauga. There, Eddie was able to use her skills and plan many events for the purpose of raising funds for the campaign. Due to this opportunity Eddie’s world was opened up to new contacts, new events and an open door into event planning in the corporate world. In 2015 Eddie became a highly recommended planner and the demand for her services caused her to create a new division of her business, which is now known as Eddie Suliman Events.
Eddie is a fun loving, creative, passionate and professional woman who consistently demonstrates all those traits and more to everyone she meets. While juggling every day tasks with her supportive husband and children, Eddie makes sure that all of her clients are taken care of as if they too are part of the family."
Connect with her here.
