Freelance Toolkit: Top Tools, Resources & Skills Needed in the Event Industry
Across the globe, 1.2 billion freelancers (and counting) are changing the work landscape. The increasing popularity of the Gig Economy has no doubt been inflated by the work from home mandates over the past several years. Many companies have been forced to reevaluate how they gather, meet, and do work together–both with their internal teams and with clients/customers. Freelancers and independent talent proficient in meeting and event expertise have been in high demand, as more and more companies are outsourcing the specific skills and resources they need.
From helping companies plan and execute remote meetings and events, to a transition to hybrid, and now back to face-to-face events, freelancers must be equipped with specialized skills and tools to thrive in a still-changing work landscape.
After speaking with our community of freelancers and observing incoming company requests for talent, we’ve identified the most important expertise a freelancer must have in the current industry landscape. In this article, we will outline some of those top skills, tools, and resources that freelancers need in order to navigate the current event world and prepare for the future of events.
Freelance Skills
The world of meetings and events will never be the same. Now businesses must be able to operate beyond just in person. With the recent addition of remote and hybrid landscapes, effective freelancers can support businesses to run successful events in any arena.
Part of the magic of freelancers is their drive and dedication to continually upskill. According to Upwork’s Freelance Forward 2020 study, 59% of freelancers have participated in skills training in the last 6 months, compared to 36% of non-freelancers. The ability for freelancers to specialize in chosen skillsets is also incredibly beneficial, as they can hone in on the skills they want to use most. This keeps them relevant, desirable, and able to best serve companies amongst industry changes. Freelancers can stand out from the competition and continue to grow their education as the industry evolves by obtaining certifications. Here are three (among many) of our top recommendations:
Cvent Certifications - build new skills and supplement existing ones with various selections for both Event and Hospitality Professionals. Choose industry-specific certifications like Virtual Events or Event Marketing Strategy or specific product and supplier network certifications.
MPI Virtual Event & Meeting Management - designed for industry professionals to build on their existing event management skillset and experience by learning how to plan and execute virtual events.
PCMA Digital Event Strategist – learn how to expertly plan, produce, and measure results of live stream and digital events.
Freelance Tools
Being savvy in live, virtual, and hybrid events means using the most up-to-date tools and processes to help freelancers do their job well. Here are some of the top tools we can give you access to learning when you join the Soundings Thrive community.
Virtual Event Platforms – where the (virtual) magic happens
Event Cadence - all-in-one events platform for live, virtual, and hybrid events.
Cvent - host any type of event or webinar for any type of audience.
Encore Chime Live - custom virtual and hybrid event platform and production services.
Notified - virtual event platform to manage, plan, deliver, and realize ROI.
Project Management Software – keep yourself and your clients organized
Trello - Kanban-style visual work management tool with mad list-making capabilities.
Asana - work management platform to organize, track, and hit project deadlines.
Microsoft Teams - if Skype and G-Suite were to have a baby–communication platform.
Communication Tools – connect no matter where you are
Zoom - the tried-and-true videoconferencing OG.
Slack – business communication platform that makes working with your team easier and more efficient.
MURAL – virtual whiteboard platform for your team to collaborate visually and problem-solve faster.
Build Your Freelance Toolkit
As the freelancing workforce and events industry continue to expand, your skillset should as well. No matter where you are in your freelancing career, you can grow in your area of expertise. In what areas can you improve? How can you add to your toolkit to accelerate your career?
Here at Soundings, we want to help freelancers thrive. We created the Soundings Thrive community to help you hone your skills, get better clients, and network in a members-only freelancer community. Learn more about Soundings Thrive and join us for free here.