Why Marketing Teams Are Always Stuck Planning Events (And How to Fix It)

Ever feel like your marketing team is moonlighting as the office party planners? 🎉 If so, you're not alone. In a recent episode of Blame It On Marketing, Ruta and Emma dive deep into the all-too-familiar scenario where marketers are roped into organizing events, managing swag, and handling all sorts of “extra” tasks that go beyond their core responsibilities.

The Unwanted Event Planners

Ruta kicks things off with a classic “gift gone wrong” story, highlighting how even well-intentioned gestures can sometimes add to the chaos marketers face:

"I don't believe that is a thing. But anyway whatever I said it now. So we bought each other marketing gifts which is gonna lead us into what we're gonna talk about today."

It’s a humorous start, but it quickly segues into a more serious issue: the assumption that marketing teams are the go-to for everything related to events and company culture.

Why Are Marketers Always the “Fun Squad”?

Emma adds another layer, suggesting that marketers often have those outgoing, creative traits that make them ideal for organizing events:

"Marketing are seen as not only the sort of like fun squad but the people who will get stuck in and do loads of other things."

This perception isn't entirely off-base. Marketing departments typically thrive on creativity and engagement, making them natural candidates for planning events. However, this often means that marketers are stretched thin, handling tasks that detract from their primary goals.

The Swag Dilemma

One of the most relatable pain points Ruta and Emma discuss is the endless cycle of ordering and managing swag. From boring branded t-shirts to inexplicably quirky items like chili bottles, swag can sometimes feel more like a burden than a marketing tool.

"Swag is a difficult one, because a lot of the time it's so boring. Like, like you say, it's like a label, a logo on a chili bottle or whatever."

Emma even recounts a frustrating experience of spending six months ordering swag only to have it undervalued:

"I thought.. I've been hired as a.. as a.. like a.. seen.. relatively at the point.. senior marketer. And you're literally getting me to order t-shirts for people."

It’s clear that without thoughtful planning, swag becomes just another tedious task rather than a strategic marketing asset.

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Event Planning: A Necessary Evil?

Ruta shares her experience of organizing large-scale events, emphasizing the physical and emotional toll it takes:

"I had to do events because you always have that person that shows up and they just show up and then complain about stuff."

Emma echoes this sentiment, highlighting the stress and often thankless nature of event planning:

"It has like a time.. there's a time limit on it because the stress is like unreal. It is.. it is probably the most thankless bit of marketing."

These insights paint a picture of marketing teams being overburdened, handling tasks that could be more efficiently managed by other departments.

Solutions: Sharing the Load

So, how do we stop marketers from being the default event planners? Ruta and Emma offer some actionable strategies:

Create a Social Committee

Instead of relying solely on the marketing team, establish a dedicated social committee that rotates responsibilities. This not only distributes the workload but also engages different parts of the organization.

Appreciate and Acknowledge

When marketing does take on these tasks, a simple thank you can go a long way. Acknowledging their effort helps prevent burnout and reinforces that their contributions are valued.

"Just some appreciation is great because it's so tiring doing those."

Involve Other Departments

Encourage collaboration between departments. Sales teams, for instance, can assist with event logistics, turning these tasks into opportunities for team building and cross-functional cooperation.

"Sales teams can help with events and that kind of thing, not just marketing."

Strategic Swag Planning

When it comes to swag, ensure that items are thoughtfully chosen and tied into broader marketing campaigns. This makes swag more meaningful and less of a tedious chore.

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Final Thoughts

Ruta and Emma’s candid conversation sheds light on a common issue within many organizations. By understanding why marketing teams are often burdened with event planning and swag management, businesses can take steps to redistribute responsibilities more fairly.

Ultimately, empowering marketers to focus on their core functions while involving other departments in event-related tasks creates a more balanced and efficient workplace. So next time you're tempted to ask your marketing team to plan the office party, remember these tips and strive for a more collaborative approach.

Join the Conversation

What’s your experience with marketing teams handling events and swag? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!