We need to have an honest moment here: Event planning is no walk in the park. We’re talking juggling a dozen million moving pieces, calming vendors mid-meltdown, and still finding time to smile while the stakeholder/CEO/Boss/Event host decides they want to scrap the entire plan and start fresh a day before the event. Sound familiar? Now add sleepless nights, missed meals, and the constant pressure to outdo yourself, and it’s no wonder burnout in the events industry can sneak up faster than a disappearing champagne bottle at the reception.

We love this work—it’s our passion, our art, our hustle—but let’s be real: If we don’t watch out for the red flags, this job can take a toll. Burnout is more than being tired. It’s exhaustion that hits your body, your heart, and your mind all at once. Today, we’re going to dive into what those warning signs look like and, most importantly, what you can do to protect your sparkle. So, grab a comfy seat and maybe a latte (or a glass of rosé—no judgment here!), and let’s chat.

Recognizing Burnout: What Does It Look Like?

When Your Body Says “Girl, Sit Down”

Physical symptoms are burnout’s way of waving a big red flag in your face. It’s not just being tired; it’s feeling drained down to your bones. Maybe your shoulders feel like they’re carrying colossal boulders around all day, or you’ve got headaches that show up uninvited more often than you care to admit.

Are you catching colds more often or finding it hard to sleep (or sleeping too much)? Your body might be telling you it’s had enough. Listen to it. That superhero cape we planners wear is fabulous, but even Wonder Woman needs a spa day. The sooner we acknowledge these signs of burnout in the events industry, the sooner we can start healing.

When Your Heart Just Isn’t in It

Ever had that moment where you stare at your laptop and think, “Ugh, I just can’t today”? Yeah, us too. Emotional burnout hits when the love for your work starts to feel more like a chore. Tasks that used to light you up feel heavier than a box of chiavari chairs. 

Cynicism, frustration, or even feeling like you’re just going through the motions can be signs that your emotional tank is running on empty. Let’s not even talk about snapping at your partner for eating the last cookie because, honestly, they should have known better (right?). These feelings are valid, and they’re worth addressing.

When Your Actions Say “I’m Over It”

Pulling back from friends, canceling plans, or leaving emails unopened for days—sound familiar? Behavioral burnout can look like isolation or even procrastination. Maybe you’re skipping networking events or showing up late to team meetings because the energy just isn’t there.

When burnout gets bad, our work can suffer, too. You might notice your creativity taking a nosedive, or your once-flawless timelines start feeling…meh. Let’s be real, sis, you deserve better than “meh.” Catching these signs early helps us get back on track.

How to Reclaim Your Energy (and Your Sanity)

First things first: Give yourself grace. Burnout doesn’t mean you’re weak or bad at your job—it means you’ve been running on empty for too long. Start by carving out small pockets of joy in your day. A morning walk, journaling, or even five minutes of deep breathing can work wonders.

Next, set some boundaries, honey. You don’t have to say yes to every client or stay up till 2 AM fixing font sizes. Protect your time and energy like you protect your favorite pair of heels—no scuffs allowed!

And hey, if you’re looking for a supportive space to vent, share, or just breathe, check out the Phoenix Collective. We’re a group of planners who get it. No judgment, just support. Think of us as your planning BFFs who always have your back.

Take the First Step Toward Balance

If you’re ready to take charge of your well-being and connect with others who understand the struggle, join the Phoenix Collective today. We’ll help you rediscover your passion, one step at a time. And if you’re ready to take your commitment to ending burnout in the events industry to the next level, be sure to check us out at Phoenix Unleashed. After all, life’s too short for burnout, and your brilliance deserves to shine.