7 Things That Always Go Wrong at Events (And How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

1. The Wi-Fi Goes Down (Right When You Need It Most) 🚨

Picture this: The keynote speaker is about to launch their live demo, and suddenly—no internet. Attendees are refreshing their browsers like it’s 2005. The venue’s “high-speed Wi-Fi” turns out to be more like dial-up, and your hybrid guests are watching a buffering circle of doom.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Test the venue’s Wi-Fi in advance – Don’t trust a “fast connection” claim. Run a real test with multiple devices.

✅ Have a backup hotspot – A 5G router or multiple mobile hotspots can save the day.

✅ Limit unnecessary connections – If Wi-Fi is crucial for presentations, set up a dedicated network for event staff and speakers.

💡 Pro Tip: If you’re hosting a digital event, ensure speakers have a pre-recorded version of their talk in case their internet fails.

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2. The Tech Gremlins Attack Your AV Setup 🎤

Mic cuts out. The projector won’t sync. The slides freeze at the worst possible moment.

It’s like your AV setup has been cursed. And of course, it happens right when 500 people are watching.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Always schedule a full AV test (at least 3 hours before the event). Run through the presentations, audio, and transitions.

✅ Have extra cables, adapters, and batteries – You’d be surprised how often the problem is just a dead battery.

✅ Hire an AV technician – If your event involves speakers, panel discussions, or hybrid elements, a pro will make sure everything runs smoothly.

💡 Pro Tip: In digital communication, techfails happen too. If your campaign relies on live video, pre-record a backup version and have social media content ready in case of last-minute changes.

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3. Guests Arrive Late… or Not at All 😬

You planned for 200 guests, but only 50 showed up on time. Your main speaker starts, and people are still wandering in.

What went wrong? People forget, schedules change, and no one respects start times.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Send multiple reminders – One week before, three days before, and on the day itself (email, SMS, and push notifications).

✅ Create an incentive for early arrival – Offer free drinks, premium seating, or networking perks for those who show up on time.

✅ Use an event app – Attendees get push notifications and live updates about the schedule.

💡 Pro Tip: In digital marketing, audience drop-off is a big issue too. If emails aren’t getting opened, try SMS, social media DMs, or a quick personal call for high-value attendees.

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4. The Catering is a Disaster 🍽️

Cold food. Not enough drinks. People are whispering, “Did you eat before coming?” 😬

Food is one of the biggest things guests remember—get it wrong, and they’ll complain. Loudly.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Always do a food tasting before finalising the menu. Never trust a menu description alone.

✅ Order at least 10-15% extra portions – Someone’s always hungrier than expected.

✅ Think about food waves – Instead of a single buffet or meal, stagger food throughout the event to keep people satisfied.

💡 Pro Tip: In digital communication, your content is like catering—if you serve the same thing over and over, people get bored. Keep it fresh, engaging, and relevant.

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5. The Speaker Goes Missing 🎤

Your keynote speaker is stuck in Brussels traffic (aka eternal gridlock). Your panellist got the time wrong. And now, you’re standing on stage, stalling.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Always confirm speakers 24 hours before – And remind them about potential travel delays.

✅ Have a backup speaker – Keep an emergency session ready (panel discussion, Q&A, or interactive session).

✅ Provide a virtual option – If a speaker can’t make it, pre-recorded videos or live-streaming can save the day.

💡 Pro Tip: Digital campaigns can also fall apart at the last minute. If a big campaign or influencer collab fails, always have a Plan B post or alternative speaker ready.

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6. The Weather Has Other Plans 🌧️

Outdoor event? Surprise rainstorm. Heatwave in September? Of course.

Mother Nature doesn’t care about your schedule.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Have an indoor Plan B – Always. Even if it’s just a backup tented area.

✅ Rent heaters or fans – Unexpected temperature changes can ruin comfort.

✅ Inform guests in advance – If weather is an issue, tell guests what to expect and what’s available.

💡 Pro Tip: In digital communication, unexpected storms happen too. Algorithm changes, ad bans, social media outages—always be ready to pivot.

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7. The Energy Drops (And People Start Leaving Early) 💤

Everything starts strong, but by 3 PM, people are checking their watches. By 4 PM, they’re sneaking out.

You’ve lost them.

🔥 How to Fix It:

✅ Add interactive elements – Live polls, giveaways, Q&As to keep people engaged.

✅ Change the format – Too many speeches? Add group activities, panel discussions, or networking breaks.

✅ Surprise guests – Unexpected performances, fun announcements, or giveaways can keep people excited.

💡 Pro Tip: In digital marketing, engagement works the same way. If people aren’t interacting with your content, shake things up—add videos, run polls, change your posting style.

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