My first event of the year is in 2 weeks, and it seems to be fallling apart at the seams. This is not totally unexpected, as I've never had such a perpetual headache as when I was planning our last Mexico event in September. Mexicans seem very difficult to get to confirm their attendance, and then cancel or send replacements by the bucket load in the last weeks before the event. Last year, 10 panelists cancelled or told me they were sending replacements in the last week, and only 18 hours before the event, 2 of my 5 opening panelists cancelled. I cried, not going to lie. To give you perspective, our workbook is printed 2 weeks before the event, and was 50% wrong since so many people had cancelled or sent replacements. We even added a speaker that very morning since one "panel" only had 1 speaker who showed up!!! This is UNHEARD of at any other event, except in Mexico.
By comparison to the September event, this one came together really easily. I've had too many speakers, if anything. But starting last night, I'm receiving cancellations. Some really big speakers are dropping out. It's too late to get any other big name speakers, and I'm just keeping my fingers crossed that the majority of those who have confirmed stay confirmed.
Good vibes, ladies, please! And any tips you may have on keeping cool in stressful situations, and managing disappointment. I gotta hold this fort down until February 17th.
