Tell me about a time when you had to think creatively to solve a problem during event planning.

Sample answer to the question

During a tech conference that I planned, we encountered a problem with the audio-visual setup. The projector stopped working right before a keynote speech. To think creatively, I quickly suggested using a large TV screen as an alternative. I coordinated with the AV team to rearrange the setup, ensuring the speaker's slides were displayed on the screen. Thanks to this creative solution, the keynote speech went on smoothly without any technical issues.

A more solid answer

During a high-profile product launch event I organized, we faced a challenge when the caterer cancelled last minute. To tackle this problem creatively, I contacted a nearby culinary school and proposed a collaboration. They agreed to provide a chef and students who were eager to showcase their skills. We arranged for the students to prepare and serve the food, while the chef supervised the quality. This collaboration not only solved the catering issue creatively but also allowed us to support local talent and establish a positive community connection.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides specific details about the event, the problem faced, and the creative solution implemented. It also highlights the candidate's ability to think outside the box and their experience in event planning. However, the answer could be further improved by discussing how the problem was communicated and resolved within tight deadlines.

An exceptional answer

During a corporate conference organized by our company, there was an unexpected power outage in the venue just before the event was about to start. Being the lead planner, I had to quickly come up with a creative solution to avoid canceling the event and disappointing attendees. I contacted local lighting companies and arranged for emergency generators to be brought in within 30 minutes. To maintain a seamless experience for the attendees, I collaborated with the AV team to rearrange the schedule and prioritize sessions that did not require electricity. By thinking creatively and acting swiftly, we successfully managed the crisis and ensured a smooth event execution, maintaining the company's reputation.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer not only provides specific details about the event and the problem faced but also highlights the candidate's leadership qualities, decision-making skills, and ability to handle high-pressure situations. The answer demonstrates the candidate's expertise in event planning and their proactive approach to problem-solving. However, it could be further enhanced by mentioning specific ways in which the candidate communicated the updates to attendees and how they managed stakeholder expectations.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your previous event planning experiences and identify situations where you had to think creatively to solve problems.
Focus on showcasing your ability to come up with innovative solutions quickly and under pressure.
Highlight your experience in managing unexpected challenges during event planning and execution.
Practice articulating your problem-solving process and how it contributed to the overall success of the event.
Research industry trends and best practices for event planning to stay up-to-date and showcase your knowledge during the interview.

What interviewers are evaluating

Creative thinking and problem-solving skills
Experience in event planning
Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines