Managing Burnout as a Business Owner in the Events Industry

In the events world, burnout isn’t just common — it’s practically a job hazard. The long hours, tight timelines, constant travel, and emotional energy it takes to keep everything running smoothly can catch up fast. Add the pressures of running your own business on top of that — managing clients, finances, marketing, operations — and it becomes a delicate balancing act between passion and exhaustion.

For many of us, this industry isn’t just a job; it’s part of our identity. We thrive in the energy of it — the problem-solving, the creativity, the people. But that same drive can make it hard to slow down. I’ve learned (and am still learning) that managing burnout isn’t only about recovery — it’s about building habits that protect your energy before you run out of it.

Here are a few things that have helped me navigate both sides of that equation — being a business owner and an event professional:

1. Truly taking time off. Not working weekends. Not checking emails in the evening. And definitely not responding to messages while under the weather (something I’m admittedly still working on). I take two full weeks off every year between Christmas and New Year’s, and it’s become my favorite time to rest, reflect, and reset for the year ahead.

2. Choosing staycations over vacations. Because I’m on the road so often, leaving town doesn’t feel restorative. Instead, I’ve learned that weekends at home — visiting the farmers market, spending time outdoors, going to a concert, or even just doing nothing — recharge me in a way travel can’t.

3. Taking spontaneous midweek breaks. Sometimes, stepping away midweek does more for my energy and creativity than a full weekend off. It usually means shifting my schedule elsewhere, but those unexpected pauses help me regain perspective — and remind me that flexibility is one of the perks of being my own boss.

4. Reconnecting with the industry. Attending Customer Advisory Boards or other industry events always re energizes me. They remind me why I love this work — collaborating, exchanging ideas, and shaping the future of meetings and events. Walking away from those moments with new inspiration always helps me return to my business with a fresh perspective.

5. Investing in mindfulness and wellness. Over the past 18 months, I’ve incorporated daily meditation, journaling, reading, and exercise into my routine. The change has been noticeable — not just for me, but to others as well. I used to hit a wall once a quarter; in 2024, I only had one true burnout moment. Taking care of my mental health has made me a stronger leader and a more grounded professional.

6. Setting boundaries and learning to say no. This one is tough — especially in hospitality, where saying “yes” feels second nature. But boundaries are essential. Last week, I had six back-to-back meetings and a half-day onsite with just one client. When others asked to schedule additional calls, I said no — not out of disinterest, but because protecting my time allows me to show up fully and effectively for the work that matters most.

Running a business while working in the business can feel like a constant tug-of-war — between serving clients, staying creative, and protecting your own bandwidth. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that burnout doesn’t make you a better leader, planner, or entrepreneur.

Taking time to rest isn’t lazy — it’s strategic. It’s how you stay sharp enough to lead, create, and deliver the kind of work that makes this industry so special in the first place.

If you’re a fellow business owner or event professional — what’s one thing that helps you avoid (or recover from) burnout?