Last updated on Jul 2, 2024

What do you do if conflicts arise during the event production process?

When you're knee-deep in event production, conflicts are almost inevitable. Whether it's a disagreement over the event schedule, vendor issues, or team communication breakdowns, how you handle these conflicts can make or break your event. The key is to approach each situation with a clear head and a strategy for resolution. Understanding the nature of conflicts and having a plan in place ensures that when issues arise, you're ready to tackle them head-on and keep your event on track.

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1 Assess Quickly

When a conflict surfaces, time is of the essence. Your first step should be to assess the situation quickly to understand the root cause. Listen to all parties involved without jumping to conclusions. By identifying the core of the problem, you can determine if it's a simple misunderstanding that can be resolved with clear communication or a more complex issue that requires a strategic approach. Remember, the sooner you address the conflict, the less impact it will have on the overall event production process.

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Laura Lanferdini

Diretora de Arte
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Com a experiência você adquire bagagem dos principais problemas que podem ocorrer na produção de um evento e consegue se antecipar a eles. Uma dica é ter uma equipe de plantão para ajudar na resolução, tanto criação, planejamento, áudio, montagem etc.

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2 Open Dialogue

Open dialogue is crucial in resolving conflicts. Encourage transparent communication between the conflicting parties and facilitate a space where everyone feels heard. This can involve mediating a conversation to ensure that each side understands the other's perspective. By fostering an environment of respect and openness, you often find that solutions become apparent through collaborative discussion. It's important to keep the conversation focused on finding a resolution rather than placing blame.

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Christopher Knight

Director, Client Partnerships at ASTOUND Group
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When conflicts arise during the event production process, opening a dialogue is essential. Communication is key to understanding the root cause of the conflict and finding a resolution that satisfies all parties involved. Begin by listening actively to everyone's concerns and perspectives, encouraging open and honest communication. Once each viewpoint is understood, work collaboratively to brainstorm potential solutions. Remember to remain calm and respectful throughout the discussion, focusing on finding common ground and maintaining the overall goals of the event. By addressing conflicts head-on and fostering a constructive dialogue, you can effectively navigate challenges and ensure a successful event production process.

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Laura Lanferdini

Diretora de Arte
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Falamos muito de diálogo, mas você realmente ouve? Na correria do momento a tendência é atropelar processos e não tomar decisões racionais. É importante manter o foco, o líder responsável pela equipe estabelecer um ambiente confiável para que o foco não seja no possível erro mas sim na resolução. Ouvir (de verdade) as sugestões muito importante para que a equipe se sinta pertencente e que colabore de fato na resolução do conflito.

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Emily Davis

Global Event Marketing | AI Adventurer | Boy Mom
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Additionally as long as there’s a known understanding that the Events team is the overall key decision maker, the program will run smoothly. When there are too many approval cycles and cooks in the kitchen, it will severely suffer.

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3 Find Compromise

Finding a middle ground where all parties can agree is often the best route to conflict resolution. This compromise may involve adjusting schedules, reallocating resources, or amending plans to accommodate different needs. It's essential to be flexible and creative in your problem-solving approach. The goal is to find a solution that satisfies everyone enough to move forward without compromising the event's success.

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Laura Lanferdini

Diretora de Arte
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A expressão "meio termo" nem sempre é o ideal, temos a ideia errônea de que todas as partes sairão satisfeitas em um possível acordo, porém na maioria das vezes para uma parte sair ganhando a outra perde em algo. A questão é você ter ciência do que pode ou não abrir mão: verba, prazo, equipe, fornecedor? A habilidade de negociação e gestão é de extrema importância para mediar problemas.

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4 Implement Solutions

Once a compromise is reached, it's time to put that solution into action immediately. This might require revising timelines, communicating changes to the team, or adjusting contracts. Implementation should be swift and decisive to prevent the conflict from escalating or causing further issues. It's also important to document any changes made for future reference and to ensure that everyone is on the same page moving forward.

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Christopher Knight

Director, Client Partnerships at ASTOUND Group
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Foster open communication among team members to identify the root cause. Encourage everyone to voice concerns and perspectives. Asses potential solutions collaboratively, weighing their feasibility and impact. Consider compromises that satisfy all parties involved. Implementing clear protocols for conflict resolution beforehand can streamline this process.

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5 Monitor Outcomes

After implementing solutions, monitor the outcomes closely to ensure that the conflict has been truly resolved. Keep an eye out for any signs of lingering issues or resentments that could resurface later on. Continuous monitoring not only helps in maintaining harmony throughout the event production process but also provides valuable insights for managing similar conflicts in the future.

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6 Reflect Post-Event

Once the event is over, take the time to reflect on the conflicts that arose and how they were handled. This reflection is an opportunity for learning and growth. Consider what worked well and what could be improved upon for future events. By analyzing the conflict resolution process, you can develop stronger strategies and best practices that will help in minimizing conflicts in subsequent event productions.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if conflicts arise during the event production process?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Quickly

2 Open Dialogue

3 Find Compromise

4 Implement Solutions

5 Monitor Outcomes

6 Reflect Post-Event

7 Here’s what else to consider

Event Production

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What do you do if conflicts arise during the event production process?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Quickly

2 Open Dialogue

3 Find Compromise

4 Implement Solutions

5 Monitor Outcomes

6 Reflect Post-Event

7 Here’s what else to consider

Event Production

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