allows you to discover what works best for your business without the pressure of immediate results. Step 5: Create a tool and prompt library. Establish a system to track which AI tools and prompts work well for your specific needs. This could be a simple spreadsheet or a notes app where you record successful strategies, making it easier to replicate and build upon your wins. Step 6: Measure and adjust. Keep an eye on your results. Are you saving time? Reaching more clients? Use these insights to guide your next steps. Overcoming AI hurdles: easier than you think Concerned about implementing AI? Let’s address those worries: “I’m not tech-savvy enough.” Solution: Many AI tools are designed with simplicity in mind. If you can use a smartphone, you can use these tools. “I’ve tried it and the results were terrible.” Reality check: AI tools are improving rapidly. If you have had a bad experience, try newer tools or different approaches, like establishing a prompt library of tried-and-true prompts. Remember, AI is a tool—your expertise guides its output. “I’m worried about losing the personal touch.” Pro tip: AI isn’t meant to replace your personal touch—it’s designed to enhance it. Use AI for behind-the-scenes tasks, freeing up your time to focus on client relationships and creative aspects that truly require your personal expertise. AI in action: event industry examples • Writing marketing copy: AI can help craft compelling content for your website, emails, and social media. While you’ll need to experiment with prompts, many AI experts share their most effective ones. Start with
these and tailor them to your unique voice and brand. • Crafting diplomatic responses: When faced with negative reviews or challenging client communications, AI can help you respond thoughtfully and professionally. It can suggest language that addresses concerns while preserving relationships, giving you a solid starting point for your replies. • Optimizing operations: AI can streamline your business processes by analyzing your workflow and suggesting efficiencies. It can help create Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), identify tasks ripe for automation, and even assist in optimizing staff schedules and logistics. • Generating design ideas: While early attempts at AI-generated designs may have been hit-or- miss, the technology has improved significantly. Use AI to brainstorm innovative concepts, color schemes, or layout ideas. Remember, these are starting points—your expertise will refine and personalize these ideas to match your client’s vision. • Personalizing client proposals: AI can analyze past successful events and client preferences to help you create tailored event proposals. By inputting key details about a potential client, AI can suggest personalized elements that align with their tastes, increasing your chances of winning their business. Remember, in all these applications, AI is a tool to enhance your creativity and efficiency, not replace your unique skills and industry knowledge. The key is to view AI as a collaborative partner in your event planning process. The future is AI-enhanced (not AI-replaced) Remember, AI is here to enhance your skills, not replace your expertise. Your creativity, personal touch, and event know-how? That’s what truly sets you apart. AI is just a tool to help you shine even brighter.
Your next steps 1. Choose one area of your business to experiment with AI. 2. Research and try out a user-friendly AI tool in that area. 3. Give it a month, then assess the impact on your time and efficiency. 4. Share your experiences with fellow event pros—we’re all learning together. Ready to take your first step into the world of AI-driven marketing? The future of event planning is innovative, efficient, and still deeply personal—with a little help from our AI friends. Christie Osborne is the owner of Mountainside Media, a company that helps event industry professionals and brands develop scalable marketing strategies that bring in more inquiries and leads. Christie is a national educator with recent speaking engagements at NACE Experience, WIPA, ABC Conference, and Catersource + The Special Event. Christie regularly shares industry insight in her Special Events column, as well as on Wed Altered, Rising Tide Society, WeddingIQ, and NACE’s industry blog. Christie Osborne at Catersource + The Special Event See Christie Osborne speak more on AI at Catersource + The Special Event in Fort Lauderdale, FL this February! • AI-Driven Marketing for Small Businesses: Harnessing Innovation on a Budget • Marketing Masters 2025: Effective Marketing Strategies for Wedding & Event Professionals • Social Media Ads Playbook in the Age of AI
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SPECIAL EVENTS WINTER 2024
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