My Pre-Planning Rituals for DJing International Gigs
“We can tell you take your work very seriously, are extremely detail-oriented and meticulous.” That’s not something you hear on every introduction call. When the client shared more about how they came to this conclusion before we’d even met, it made me reflect. I’ve always been the type to go above and beyond to make sure every event — whether it’s a wedding, a corporate gala, or a destination celebration — is a success.
For a recent international event in the Maldives, I took my preparation a step further…
Woke up in the middle of the night to check/respond to emails because I considered the business hours of the locale instead of expecting their staff to conform to my schedule
Coordinated with the government to secure necessary visas
Ensured all power and equipment needs were communicated and agreed upon far in advance
Ordered additional equipment to have on hand just in case
Took the time to research and apply for an international business visa so that everything was done by the book
Flew to the destination a day early to ensure I wouldn’t be jetlagged after 30+ hours of travel
Ambiguity is a recipe for disaster. Each event comes with its own unique set of challenges — venue logistics, equipment requirements, travel constraints, cultural nuances. Clients hire you not only for your talent, but for your ability to anticipate and solve issues before they occur. Investigating the details, taking the time to educate yourself, and staying on top of all the moving pieces is a no-brainer. The worst-case scenario is spending extra time troubleshooting scenarios that never happen — and being over-prepared. Personally, I think that’s the best-case scenario.
