How I Stay Creative & Innovative as a Corporate Event Planner

(Spoiler: I Steal a Lot—With Love)

Let’s be honest: planning event after event can sometimes feel like running on a very sparkly but relentless hamster wheel. Deadlines, logistics, room blocks, meal counts, and a client who’s still not sure what kind of vibe they want (but "definitely not what we did last year")—it’s a lot.

So how do I keep the ideas fresh? The events engaging? The creativity flowing? Here's the truth: I borrow. I observe. I learn. I shamelessly collect inspiration like it’s my full-time job—because, well, it kind of is.

Conferences Are My Creative Fuel

When I go to a conference, I’m less interested in what’s being said on stage and way more interested in what’s happening behind the scenes. I'm scanning signage placements, checking the flow of the agenda, testing event apps, and sneakily taking pictures of cool lounge setups.

Call it professional curiosity. Or call it event planner espionage. Either way, it works.

Some of my recent favorites?

• MPI WEC (where I attended sessions like Contract and Negotiation Specialist Certificate)

• PCMA Convening Leaders & Educon

• MIC of Colorado

I’m also eyeing a few new ones to attend, like CEMA and HITEC, because there’s always more to learn (and more ideas to swipe).

Site Visits Are Secret Goldmines

Want to know a weird little trick? Schedule a hotel site tour while another group is in-house. Why? Because other people’s events = FREE INSPIRATION. I’ve picked up ideas from branded signage at the check-in desk, table tents that sparked a new idea, and even clever ways groups manage transitions between sessions.

These are things planners don’t always post about online—but when you see them IRL, a lightbulb goes off. (Sometimes literally, if their A/V team is really on it.)

I Keep a Swipe File Like It's My Job (Because It Is)

After conferences or events, I’m absolutely that person reviewing notes, screenshots, and iPhone photos like they’re treasured heirlooms. I keep a digital file full of little nuggets I’ve picked up along the way—some are ideas I can use right now, others are waiting for the right client or moment.

It’s not always immediate. Sometimes I have a wild idea that I know will be perfect… eventually. Until then, I gently nudge clients toward it (or wait for the right one who’s ready to go bold).

Sometimes I Just Ask Attendees What They Want

Radical, I know.

Last year I led a breakout session where I asked attendees to help me design the next year’s program. It was part brainstorm, part group therapy. I got honest feedback, brilliant ideas, and yes—some things I had to veto due to budget. But the ideas that did work? We’re using them this year.

It was such a good reminder: the event isn’t for me. It’s for them. And the best way to make it better is to actually listen.

And Yes… I Scroll Instagram & Pinterest

There, I said it. I find so much creative energy just scrolling through Pinterest, TikTok, and my current faves on Instagram. Influencers like Isabelle Heikens, Macy Blackwell, and Morgan Yates are hosting over-the-top themed dinners and holiday parties that might be meant for a few friends—but I see event gold. These concepts scale beautifully into corporate welcome receptions, networking lounges, or even breakout room experiences.

Because who says corporate has to mean boring?

– – –

Staying creative doesn’t mean constantly reinventing the wheel. It means paying attention, getting inspired, and being humble enough to learn from others. So yes, I “steal” a lot of my ideas—but I do it with love, curiosity, and the goal of making every event I plan better than the last.