Why a Foundational Understanding of AI Matters (and How It’s Helping Me Do My Job Better)
There’s a lot of conversation right now about artificial intelligence and what it means for the future of work. For some, it sparks excitement; for others, anxiety. I understand, headlines about AI taking jobs or automating entire industries can be unsettling. But for me, it’s been quite the opposite.
As an event planner, I’ve learned that AI isn’t here to replace me; it’s here to amplify what I do. I think of it as another teammate (one that never argues with me, which is kind of nice). It helps me do what I already do well, just faster, smarter, and with a bit more creative spark.
When I need to research venues, brainstorm session titles, or craft compelling event descriptions, AI helps me get unstuck. It trims hours off repetitive tasks and helps me find new ways to express ideas I might have otherwise buried under deadlines. It’s not about handing over my work but rather about giving myself more time to focus on what really matters: designing meaningful experiences and connections.
I’ve also started experimenting with tools like Gemini and ChatGPT, building small “gems” and reusable prompts that streamline my workflows. From generating project timelines to refining event copy, these AI tools have become an integral part of my daily toolkit. I’m also learning how to create my own AI-powered workflows and agents, allowing me to automate repetitive tasks that slow me down and spend more energy on creativity, strategy, and connection. The learning curve has been worth it, and it’s empowering to build systems that think alongside you.
Having a foundational understanding of how AI works has made all the difference. I don’t need to be a data scientist to use it well. I just need to understand its strengths and limitations. Knowing how to ask better questions, provide context, and build workflows that complement my expertise has helped me use AI confidently and responsibly.
At the end of the day, AI is a tool, one that’s only as effective as the person guiding it. And when you approach it with curiosity rather than fear, it can become one of the most powerful collaborators you’ll ever have.
The Future of Event Planning Is AI-Native
As our industry continues to evolve, becoming AI-Native isn’t about replacing the human touch; it’s about enhancing it. The future of event planning will blend human intuition with AI-driven insights to design experiences that are more personalized, efficient, and impactful. When we utilize AI to eliminate administrative noise, we create more space to do what we do best: build moments that connect people, spark ideas, and leave lasting impressions.
