Does one event make an event planner? In my book, absolutely!
Over a decade ago, I took on a summer gig that wasn’t just a job — it was a crash course in event planning. With a budget of $10,000, I orchestrated a 10-day festival in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, celebrating the town’s 85th birthday.
The agenda? A parade, a bed race that had everyone in stitches, a dunk tank for those daring enough, and a surprisingly entertaining jello-eating contest. Throw in a street dance, a battle of the bands, and a powerlifting contest for good measure. There were events for kids and more contests.
We relied on grassroots advertising — remote radio spots and good old-fashioned local newspaper ads.
While this stint might not show up on my resume, it was a hands-on lesson in logistics, creativity, and community engagement. That summer festival wasn’t just a series of events; it was a testament to the power of bringing people together for a good time.
So, does one event make an event planner? I’m living proof that it does.
