Fatigue at Events and 4 Tips on How to Beat It

November 12, 2016

Katie Price

Katie Price from RAL Display, a market leader in Display Marketing, has years of experience working with events managers. 

Steady on Superman, fatigue at events is real, and we’ve all had it!

Events and exhibitions can last all day or all night and your business or client requires you to be on your feet and on your best at all times. It’s true, this can be exhausting and dragging yourself through the day, with a constant smile on your face is a real challenge. Yet the best event organisers and coordinators somehow manage it, so what’s their secret?

Here’s some top tips for keeping those eyes open at your next event …

Get to know your venue

Yes, we know it sounds obvious but getting to know every nook and cranny of your venue is vital for saving time and energy. You don’t need a detailed blueprint imbedded in your memory, just the important bits. Identify where the toilets and entrances and exits are. If it’s a large venue with lots going on, make a note of where your team members are or use radios to keep in touch. Knowing the venue like the back of your hand means you can avoid running around all day and concentrate on the more important and fun aspects of your event.

Pick a team you can rely on

It’s not breaking news…You can’t always run an event on your own. However, picking a team that’s on the same wave length with members you know you can count on, is a great way to save yourself all important energy. A reliable team ensures you can rotate shifts at certain locations, take it in turn to man your exhibition or stand and take regular breaks.  If you assemble a well briefed and professional team, you can feel confident the event is running smoothly even when you’re not around.

Keep refuelling

“I haven’t got time to eat”, sound familiar? The short answer is…Yes you have. If you’re not taking on food and drink throughout the day, you’ll soon find fatigue kicking in. Likewise, If you only fill up on sugary snacks, energy drinks and coffee you might experience a dreaded caffeine or sugar crash.

Be sure to start the day with a good breakfast; try something on the healthy side that slowly releases energy all day. Eat small amounts throughout the day when you can and stay hydrated. Avoid a large heavy lunch that might make you sleepy though. Staying refuelled combats fatigue and ensures you’re sharp and raring to go.

Stay on the move

If it’s a busy event, then this won’t be an issue obviously. However, it’s amazing how tired you can get if you’re sitting behind a stand or standing in the same spot all day, so keep on the move as much as possible. Even if you have seat behind a stand, try to resist the temptation to use it. Stay on your feet, walk around and talk to everyone – you’ll find your energy creates a great impression too!

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Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact