“It’s not always about the checklist. It’s about the vision and the people behind it.”
As someone from a communication background, I’ve spent most of my professional life understanding people, researching their behaviors, organizing ideas, and creating settings that resonate. Naturally, I assumed that event organization would come naturally to me. After all, how different could it be from what I was already doing? Yet, as I stepped into the world of event planning, I quickly realized that it came with its own unique challenges—ones that couldn’t simply be addressed by following a prescribed path.
There’s a widely held belief that event planners need formal training or specific certifications to do their jobs well. But my experience has challenged that assumption, especially when I took on the task of organizing a cultural fest for children.
The Idea: A Cultural Fest for Children
For a long time, I had toyed with the idea of organizing a cultural event where children could showcase their heritage. When May rolled around—Asian Heritage Month—I knew it was the perfect time to bring this idea to life. It’s important for children to explore their roots, understand their heritage, and express it proudly. Learning to embrace who they are goes a long way in building their confidence and self-acceptance.
But with only a month to plan, I knew this would be a challenge. And yet, my lack of formal event planning training didn’t feel like a barrier. I had the vision, and I had a plan.https://speakerhubhq.medium.com/should-event-planning-be-taught-in-schools-a04491ee8f53
The Foundation: Vision, Values, and Boundaries
The first thing I did was sketch out my ideas on paper—how I wanted the event to unfold, what it should stand for, and just as importantly, what it should not be. These three simple points helped me shape the event in a way that felt authentic and meaningful.
- It’s a Cultural, Not Religious Event
This was the foundational piece: the event would celebrate diversity, not religious differences. The idea was to foster acceptance and community rather than division. - Showcase Diversity
I wanted to highlight the richness of South Asian cultures, inviting friends from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and beyond to be part of the celebration. It was important that the event radiate positive energy and send a message of inclusion. - Children Take the Stage
This event was for the kids, so we decided to focus on children’s performances. The goal was to keep it fun and authentic—an experience where kids could embrace and express their cultural heritage with pride.
The Details: Food, Fashion, and Art
It’s impossible to have a South Asian cultural event without showcasing the region’s vibrant cuisines and textiles. So, I reached out to local food vendors and ethnic clothing businesses to collaborate. We were able to bring in flavors and fabrics from different parts of South Asia, creating a colorful, sensory-rich environment.
In addition to the food and fashion, the event proudly showcased traditional art forms from various regions. It was a celebration of the diversity that makes each culture unique and beautiful. The result was a potpourri of performances, tastes, and textures that felt both authentic and joyous.https://monvoyage.in/a-recap-of-our-south-asian-cultural-heritage-fest/
What I Learned: Experience Over Education
What struck me most throughout this process was that event organization doesn’t require a degree. In fact, sometimes formalized templates and methods can become a barrier. The real magic of an event comes from innovation and character—qualities that stem from the organizer’s unique vision.
By avoiding the typical “to-do” list and rigid formulas, I was able to bring a freshness to the event. It wasn’t about checking off boxes but about creating an experience that resonated with everyone involved. This flexibility allowed the event to be a true reflection of the children and cultures it aimed to celebrate.
Conclusion: Stepping Outside the Mold
Challenging the notion that event organization requires formal training has been a liberating experience. Organizing the cultural fest was an exercise in trust—trusting my intuition, my understanding of people, and my ability to bring ideas to life.
Sometimes, the best events aren’t those that follow the beaten path. They’re the ones that break from tradition, inject a little personality, and capture the essence of what makes a moment special. So, if you find yourself about to organize an event, remember: It’s not always about the checklist. It’s about the vision and the people behind it.
