A run-of-show is not a contingency plan.

After 25 years, I've learned to build events in layers — the plan, and then the shadow plan behind it. What if the speaker cancels? What if the catering is delayed? What if the registration system crashes an hour before doors open? Professionals don't hope for the best. They prepare for the rest.

As the late Andrew Grove said, "The greatest danger is in standing still."

You cannot stand and assume that your great plan will remain great. Because during the actual event, it will not. You always have to be ready and think ahead of time to thwart any surprises.

This is the reason why event managers are valuable and paid more than ordinary people.

This is what separates us from the rest.