The Power of Connecting: An event manager's life

My journey into the world of events began at just 11 years old, in a small East African country called Ethiopia. My mother, a self-taught wedding stylist and all-round creative force, ran her business with passion, precision and the help of her two sons (my brother and I). She had us doing everything from sewing drapes and setting tables to carrying furniture into event halls. On weekends, we found ourselves not only behind the scenes of weddings but also at large public events she coordinated from fashion shows and community performances to dance contests. My brother and I were even part of the entertainment (yes, I was a hip-hop dancer!).

At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do in the future. But I did know one thing: I loved music and I loved the energy of events. I loved watching crowds smile, dance, connect and I loved being part of the magic that made it all happen.

Events Are in My Blood

Events have always been a major part of my life. Whether I’m producing one or simply attending, I thrive in the atmosphere of people coming together to experience something memorable.

But in the wake of COVID-19, like many industries, events took a hit. Live gatherings paused, plans were cancelled or postponed, and the future of face-to-face connection felt uncertain. One thing has become very clear: events will never look the same again, but they are still essential.

Don’t Cancel. Adapt.

As event managers, we’ve always been solution-focused. That’s why we’re now leading the charge into Virtual and Hybrid Events. Whether it’s online conferences, livestreamed performances, virtual exhibitions or interactive workshops — we’re still the best people to connect your audience, even through a screen.

If you’re thinking about cancelling your next event, don’t. Your clients, your teams, your community still need to connect. Your message still matters. Now, more than ever, we need to stay visible, stay engaged, and stay human and events (even virtual ones) are still one of the best ways to do that.

A Job for the Brave

Event management isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s listed as the fifth most stressful job in the world — right after police officers and firefighters. The hours are long, the pressure is high, and the stakes are always real.

So why do we do it?

Because we love it.

We love the challenge. We love the creativity. We love making things happen. And above all — we love helping people connect in meaningful ways.

The Unsung Heroes of Connection

Event managers are rarely recognised for the immense work we do behind the scenes. We don’t expect the spotlight, in fact, we make it our mission to shine that light on our clients, their brands, and their messages. But make no mistake — the best events you’ve ever attended, from weddings to music festivals to business conferences, had expert planners and coordinators pulling the strings from the shadows.

A great event manager has the ability to take a concept, a story, or a brand and bring it to life in a way that moves people. We build atmospheres. We curate emotions. We create space for people to connect, learn, laugh and remember.

Think back to the most powerful event you’ve ever attended, the keynote speaker who changed your mindset, the concert that gave you goosebumps, the wedding that moved you to tears. That feeling? That memory? That connection? That’s what we do.

We’re Still Here. And We’re Ready.

At Icon Corporate Events, we’re still here. We’re still building, still creating, and still connecting. If you're looking for a partner who understands how to turn a moment into a movement — we’d love to work with you.

Reach out to us at info@iconcorpevents.comOr visit www.iconcorpevents.com for more.

Let’s create something unforgettable. Together.