Let’s get real. Hiring people who can sell isn’t that hard. Hiring people who love to sell event planning services the way you do? That’s the magic trick.
Because this isn’t just about filling quotas. It’s about energy. Ownership. That shared spark that makes a team unstoppable.
You want closers who treat every “no” as a challenge, not a rejection. Who knows when to push, when to pause, and when to listen. Who feel your drive, and reflect it right back.
That kind of team doesn’t happen by accident. You build it. Layer by layer.
Let’s talk about how.
Think Like a Closer
Every great closer shares a few things in common. They listen. Really listen.
They read a room before they pitch. They ask questions that matter and adjust mid-conversation.
In 2025, emotional intelligence is the top skill in event sales. AI tools can predict client needs, but it still takes a human touch to seal the deal.
If you want your team to sell like you, start with a mindset. Look for curiosity. Grit. Empathy. People who can take rejection on a Tuesday and show up hungry again on Wednesday.
That’s the DNA of a closer.
Recruit with Intention
Forget the perfect resume. Look for personality. Drive.
Ask questions that show how they think under pressure. How they handle objections. Whether they light up when talking about solving client problems.
You can teach closing techniques, but you can’t teach hunger.
And cultural fit? It matters more than ever.
Your team should feel like an ecosystem, not a group chat of freelancers chasing commissions.
Train Like You Mean It
Here’s where most leaders slip. They train once, then expect miracles.
Real training is a cycle. Role-play tough objections. Run mini “deal labs” where team members pitch each other and dissect what worked. Throw in some storytelling practice.
In the luxury event space, stories close more deals than stats ever will.
And bring in real clients for feedback sessions. It humbles and sharpens even your best performers.
Make Passion the Culture
People don’t sell well when they’re bored. They sell when they believe.
So celebrate the wins. Big ones, small ones, the messy ones that almost fell apart but didn’t.
Encourage autonomy. Let your team own their relationships instead of micromanaging every follow-up.
When people feel trusted, they perform better. When they feel inspired, they close better.
Lead Like You Sell
You’re the model. The blueprint. The “watch how it’s done.”
Tell them about the toughest deals you ever closed. The ones where you almost lost it, but didn’t. Be transparent about your mistakes, too. That’s what makes leadership real.
Your energy sets the temperature of the room. If you’re fired up, they will be too.
Motivate Beyond the Money
Commission matters, sure. But it’s not everything.
Recognition? That hits deeper.
Personalized incentives work better than blanket bonuses. Some people crave the spotlight. Others value flexibility or mentorship.
In 2025, smart leaders design motivation around people, not policies.
Try things like:
- A leaderboard that highlights effort, not just numbers
- Mini contests that spark fun competition
- Public shoutouts for creativity in the sales process
Motivation sticks when it feels personal.
Let Tech Do the Heavy Lifting
Sales isn’t just gut instinct anymore. It’s data and strategy.
A good CRM (HubSpot, Pipedrive, Salesforce…pick your poison) keeps everyone organized and saves hours of admin. AI-driven tools like Lavender can analyze call sentiment and suggest better follow-ups.
But tools only work if your team uses them. Train them well. Keep it simple.
Technology should amplify their confidence, not drown it.
Measure. Refine. Repeat.
Check the numbers, but also the energy.
Who’s improving? Who’s burning out? Use both data and intuition to guide feedback.
Host regular one-on-ones that aren’t just about goals, but growth. Ask: what’s getting in your way? What’s one skill you want to level up this month?
The best teams don’t chase perfection. They chase progress.
Grow Without Losing the Spark
When the time comes to scale, go slow.
Don’t add people just to fill space. Add people who add energy.
Keep your culture tight. As your team grows, roles will shift and maybe you bring in dedicated closers, or relationship managers to nurture leads.
Whatever you do, protect what made your team special in the first place: shared passion, accountability, and belief in the mission.
See These Strategies in Action at The Event Planner Expo 2025
Building a sales team that closes like you isn’t a playbook. It’s a mindset.
It’s about passion paired with process. People empowered by purpose. And leadership that shows up every day, ready to do the work alongside them.
When that clicks? Your sales team doesn’t just hit targets. They create momentum.
That’s why The Event Planner Expo 2025 is a must. Three unforgettable days where top event professionals, sales leaders, and luxury brand decision-makers gather to talk shop, swap insights, and close real deals.
Expect power networking, hands-on workshops, and insider panels with the pros shaping the future of event sales. Grab your tickets (the countdown is on!) to The Event Planner Expo 2025 before slots run out!
