Whether you're managing a corporate seminar, a youth fest, or a government-backed event, first-time event managers often learn things the hard way. But if you've landed here, you don't have to.
I'm Mrinal Kishor, and over the past decade, I've led and advised high-impact political rallies, public awareness campaigns, and state-level cultural events across India. In that journey, I've seen what works — and more importantly, what breaks under pressure.
This blog is your shortcut to experience. Here are the top mistakes new event managers make — and how you can avoid them.
❌ Mistake 1: Jumping In Without a Clear Goal
Many new event managers begin planning without answering:
👉 What exactly is the purpose of this event?
A vague vision leads to vague execution.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Start by defining the event objective in one line. Is it:
- Brand visibility?
- Political mobilisation?
- Youth engagement?
- Voter awareness?
- Fundraising?
This one decision will shape your venue, guest list, design, content, and media plan.
❌ Mistake 2: Underestimating Time and Manpower
Beginners often think a 2-hour event takes 2 days of prep.
Reality: Even a simple event demands 15–30 days of planning, approvals, design, logistics, and tech setups.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Break the event into pre-event, on-ground, and post-event phases. Assign dedicated people and timelines for each.
A single delay in one department (e.g., sound check) can create a chain reaction of chaos.
❌ Mistake 3: Poor Vendor and Stakeholder Coordination
New managers often forget that vendors don't just need money — they need briefs, reminders, and clear communication.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Build a stakeholder map:
- List everyone involved (AV team, caterer, security, press, influencers)
- Assign a SPOC (Single Point of Contact) for each
- Create a vendor update sheet
Trust me, calls at 2 AM won't save you. Coordination will.
❌ Mistake 4: No Backup or Contingency Plan
From chief guest cancellations to power cuts, something always goes wrong. First-time event managers often freeze under pressure.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Prepare a Plan B for everything:
- Backup generator
- Alternate speakers
- Extra seating
- Printed materials in case of AV failure
- Rain plan (for outdoor events)
Your confidence lies in how ready you are for chaos.
❌ Mistake 5: Forgetting Permissions and Legalities
I've seen entire events cancelled because someone forgot to get the right NOC or police clearance. First-timers often skip the boring paperwork — and it costs them dearly.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Create a pre-event compliance checklist:
- Local authority permissions
- Traffic and crowd control approvals
- Medical or disaster management readiness (for big events)
- Music/public performance licenses
When your event is public-facing, your paperwork should be bulletproof.
❌ Mistake 6: Ignoring Branding and Audience Communication
Many fresh managers focus only on execution and ignore the narrative. But if your event doesn't look impactful, it won't create long-term value.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Start branding and content planning at least 10 days in advance.
- Set up Instagram & LinkedIn pages
- Create a teaser video
- Use storytelling in your posters, reels, and invites
- Partner with local creators or micro-influencers
Events are not just events anymore — they are media properties.
❌ Mistake 7: Not Reviewing or Learning Post-Event
First-time attendees often leave the event without understanding what worked and what didn't.
✅ Mrinal Kishor's Tip:
Always schedule a post-event review meeting. Ask yourself and your team:
- What were the key hits and misses?
- Did we stay within budget?
- What feedback came from guests, vendors, and audience?
- How did we perform on social media and press?
Documentation of mistakes = fuel for future success.
Final Thoughts by Mrinal Kishor
Every experienced event professional was once a beginner — the difference is in how fast you learn and how well you prepare. I've mentored dozens of new managers over the years, and the ones who succeed are those who treat events not as shows — but as structured systems.
If you're serious about making a name in the Indian event management scene, focus on:
- ✅ Strategy
- ✅ Execution discipline
- ✅ Team culture
- ✅ And most importantly — resilience under pressure