Event Pros Share Boundaries to Avoid Burnout

From refusing to work with difficult clients to protecting personal time, event leaders reveal the limits that help them survive.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Producing live events often means long hours, high stakes, and constant problem-solving. But for many event professionals, longevity in the industry depends on something less visible: boundaries. From protecting personal time to pushing back on unrealistic expectations, experienced producers say the ability to set limits can make the difference between burnout and a sustainable career. Event leaders from across the industry share the boundaries they learned, sometimes the hard way, and why those lessons continue to shape how they work today.

Why it matters

The events industry is known for its demanding pace and high-pressure environment, which can easily lead to burnout if professionals don't establish healthy boundaries. By sharing their personal experiences and the limits they've set, these event leaders provide valuable insights that can help others in the field maintain their passion, effectiveness, and longevity.

The details

Event professionals shared a range of boundaries they've set, including: Scheduling downtime after major events to rejuvenate, not flying home immediately after events, separating professional excellence from logistical issues, knowing when to ask for help, refusing to work with disrespectful clients, protecting personal time in the evenings and on weekends, ensuring team members take breaks, and being selective about which vendors and partners they work with. Many emphasized the importance of not trying to prove themselves by saying 'yes' to everything, and instead focusing on delivering exceptional work within realistic parameters.

  • The article was published on March 6, 2026.

The players

Phil Mershon

Founder and CEO of Unforgettable Experiences, a live events company based in Wichita, Kansas.

Corina Frankie

CEO of Brand Besties, an events agency based in Austin, Texas.

Valerie Bihet

CEO of VIBE Agency, an events company based in Miami.

Jordan Kaye

Founder and CEO of Analog Events, an events production company based in Los Angeles.

Alex Smith

Head of operations at Seen Presents, an events company based in London.

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What they’re saying

“Create downtime following large events. The needs are there to wrap things up, but your body, mind, and spirit need time to rejuvenate. Schedule that in.”

— Phil Mershon, Founder and CEO, Unforgettable Experiences (bizbash.com)

“I can't lead my team through a crisis if I'm drowning in it myself.”

— Corina Frankie, CEO, Brand Besties (bizbash.com)

“Life's too short to work with mean people.”

— Jordan Kaye, Founder and CEO, Analog Events (bizbash.com)

“What we choose to be busy with is ultimately always our choice.”

— Alex Smith, Head of Operations, Seen Presents (bizbash.com)

“Our job is not to nod along with their requests and hope it works. Our job is to align early on what success looks like, then work backward from those goals. We are not yes men; we are trusted partners.”

— Steve Rock, Creative Director, Good Kids (bizbash.com)

The takeaway

By establishing clear boundaries around their time, workload, and client relationships, event professionals can avoid burnout and maintain a sustainable career in the high-pressure events industry. These boundaries, while sometimes learned the hard way, enable them to deliver exceptional work while preserving their own well-being.