If you’ve ever found yourself on a video call finalising a run sheet while simultaneously trying to locate a missing sock before school drop off, this one’s for you.
Being a Senior Event Producer is no small feat, deadlines, client expectations, venue emails, and the ever present pressure to deliver flawless experiences. Now throw in the role of “Mumma,” [insert tune of Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody] which, let’s be honest, is its own full time job (with less sleep and no HR department), and suddenly you’re juggling two very different worlds that somehow never stop spinning.
So how do I make it work?
1. Let go of perfection (seriously)
In both roles, the temptation to aim for perfection is huge (especially as a Leo!). As producers, we’re wired to question every detail, will the stage wash lighting clash with the sponsor logos? Will the Wi-Fi hold during the livestream? That same mindset spills over into parenting, healthy lunches, screen time limits, perfectly packed school bags on library day.
Here’s the reality, some days your event might run smoothly, but dinner is toast and tantrums. Other days, you’ll smash the bedtime routine but forget to reply to a supplier. That’s okay. Perfection isn’t the goal, presence is.
2. Build a dream team (at work and home)
Event pros know the value of a strong crew. The same logic applies to your home life. Whether it’s a supportive partner, an amazing school-teachers/school-mum, or just a reliable friend who doesn’t flinch at a last minute school pickup, lean on your people.
At work, trust your team. Delegate, communicate clearly, and remember that micromanaging isn’t scalable. Give yourself permission to log off and be mum without guilt creeping in.
3. Boundaries are your best friend
If you’re anything like me, your work brain doesn’t switch off easily. You mentally rehearse your event openings while folding laundry or write packing lists during bath time. But boundaries are crucial.
Set work hours and stick to them where possible. Say no when your plate’s full. If you’re taking a morning to attend a school assembly, don’t apologise for it, own it. When you’re off the clock, be off the clock. Your little one deserves quality mum time just as much as your client deserves your A-game.
4. Embrace the chaos (and laugh about it)
There will be days when your child decides 3 a.m. is the perfect time to discuss dinosaurs and that same day, your keynote speaker cancels last minute. You’ll think, “This can’t be real life.” But it is, and it’s yours.
Learn to laugh at the chaos. Laugh when you’re rehearsing your show flow whilst watching your son at Jiu Jitsu. Laugh when your kid unknowingly waves hello to your CEO on Teams. It’s all part of your wonderfully messy, multi-tasking life.
Final thoughts
Being a Senior Event Producer and a mum isn’t about balancing, it’s about blending. Some days it’s seamless, other days it’s sticky, loud, and covered in glitter (metaphorically AND literally). But both roles make you who you are, a powerhouse of logistics, love, creativity, and resilience.
To every mum in events, you’re doing an amazing job. And in case no one told you today, it’s okay to reheat your coffee three times. We’ve all been there x
Tamara Ihnen
Senior Producer