How to run your events business like a CEO, not like an event planner
You’re running your events business like an event planner, not like a CEO, and it shows
You say you want to scale, but your days are filled with tasks that keep you small. You’re in the weeds, managing every detail, putting out fires, and wondering why you feel stuck. Busy doesn’t equal successful—leading, authentically, does.
I’ve coached hundreds of event pros and event CEOs, and I’ve seen this pattern over and over. The ones who break through are the ones who start running their business like a CEO, not just a planner. And to be abundantly clear—there’s nothing “just” about being an event planner. But you need different skills to scale and lead a business.
Here’s how they do it:
1) They set bold, bigger, measurable goals
Fluff is out, targets are in. Beyond revenue, think visibility, client transformation, and brand impact. My clients set goals that elevate their business and elevate themselves by becoming the person for whom that goal is inevitable. This is the energetics and mindset part that most people miss. We dive deep on data because success leaves clues. If something isn’t working, they pivot fast.
2) They stop being the bottleneck
You’re the CEO, not the admin. Delegating isn’t about handing off tasks; it’s about freeing yourself to lead in your zone of genius. I’ve seen clients transform their business by trusting their team, outsourcing low-value work, and focusing on what truly drives growth. Storing everything in your head is costing you big time right now.
3) They move fast and fearlessly
What got you here won’t get you there. The best event leaders are the ones who aren’t afraid to shake things up—bigger rooms, new strategies, fresh offers, and making bold moves when the rest of the industry is stuck in the same cycle.
I’ve helped clients step into their CEO role, build multi-six- and seven-figure businesses, and become industry leaders because they stopped managing and started leading.
So, where are you running your business like a planner when you need to be leading like a CEO?