An Event Planner’s New Year’s Intentions
At the beginning of each new year, I like to focus on setting a handful of intentions or resolutions to guide me through the months ahead. These intentions act as a compass, shaping the way I approach my work and personal life.
Reflecting on last year, I’ve identified five areas of focus for 2025: curating personalization, maintaining work life balance, saying “no” more often, expanding my creativity, and fostering meaningful connections—both new and old.
1) Curating Personalization
This year, I want to dive even deeper into understanding my clients' unique needs and preferences to create truly tailored, unforgettable experiences. Since the beginning of my career as an event planner, my goal has always been to design events that are not only memorable but also deeply meaningful to the hosts and guests. One of my favorite examples is a surprise slideshow that captured moments from a conference the guests were still attending. The guests smiled and cheered watching the images of themselves and their newly formed friendships. New technologies are making it possible to personalize faster and better.
2) maintaining work life balance
As much as I love my work, I’ve come to realize that maintaining balance is essential for sustained creativity and energy. This year, I am all about setting healthy boundaries to allow me to spend time with my family and set aside some time for myself. I am dedicated to exercising daily, whether it is weight training or a long outdoor walk with a friend - not an easy feat with young children and a business, but the benefits are clear. By carving out time to recharge, I can bring even more passion and focus to every project.
3) saying “no” more often
Many business owners can relate to taking on too many projects when you first start out - it is hard to say no to an opportunity when you work for yourself. But did you know that Steve Jobs, the co-founder and former CEO of Apple, would ask his employees, “How many things have you said 'no' to today?” In hospitality, we tend to be trained as “yes” people, attending to guests before ourselves. In 2025, I’m channeling Jobs and throwing in some “nos,” taking on events that are the right fit for me and saying no to opportunities that are not aligned with my business or schedule.
4) Expanding Creativity
Creativity is at the heart of what I do, and I’m challenging myself this year to push boundaries and think outside the box. Whether it’s introducing unique themes, incorporating unexpected experiences, or experimenting with fresh décor elements, I want every event I design to have a distinctive, memorable touch. Staying curious and open to inspiration from all areas of life will fuel this endeavor.
5) Fostering Meaningful Connections
Finally, I want to place greater emphasis on building and nurturing relationships—both professionally and personally. I recognize and greatly appreciate the people who have supported me in this endeavor, from referrals to friendly advice and conversations over lunch. Relationships are the foundation of my business, and strengthening them will always be a priority.
As we kick off 2025, I’m excited to see how these intentions will shape the year ahead. Here’s to a year filled with purpose, creativity, and connection!
