Sometimes the toughest part of an event isn’t the presentation itself; it’s just getting the speaker to the stage. Weather delays and road construction can throw even the most carefully planned schedules off track. But with resourcefulness and teamwork, what looks like a major setback can turn into one of the most memorable moments of the day.
At a recent gathering of hundreds of top real estate leaders, one of the headline speakers hit an unexpected snag. Weather conditions grounded his original flight, forcing a last-minute reroute to a different airport over an hour away. By the time he landed near the venue, heavy construction on the main road caused another delay that threatened to push back his session even further.
Fortunately, our logistics managers are on call from the moment a speaker departs until they safely return home after the event. With the help of our booking agent and logistics manager, the team was able to communicate and form a backup plan in real time.
That’s when the sponsor’s CEO stepped in with a creative idea. Instead of sitting in traffic, he grabbed his bike, met the speaker at the edge of town, and the two rode together for the final stretch. Not only did they bypass the gridlock, but they also shared a lighthearted ride that perfectly set the tone for the session ahead.
The speaker arrived just in time and delivered an engaging presentation that the audience raved about. What could have been an even more stressful delay became a great story, proof that quick thinking, flexible partners, and a little creativity can keep events moving smoothly, no matter the obstacle. Ready to make AAE part of your team? Contact us today.
