There’s something you learn quickly in events: no two projects are the same. But when you start working in different countries, that stops being an idea… and becomes a constant.
In my role as a Project Manager at Barter, I have had the opportunity to work in countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Colombia and Argentina, among others. And if one thing becomes obvious, it’s that the same event is never the same once the context changes.
The pace changes. The way people communicate changes. Audience expectations change. And, above all, the way you execute changes.
When you work abroad, what you thought was standard stops being so. These are some of the lessons that working on international events teaches you:
1. Adapting isn’t optional — it’s part of the job
Every market has its own codes. What works in one country may make no sense in another.
From communicating with suppliers to making decisions on site, everything requires constantly adjusting your approach. It isn’t about replicating a model, but about understanding the context and working from there.
2. The local partner isn’t support — it’s key
Working with local teams isn’t just an operational need, it’s a strategic advantage. They are the ones who understand the real rhythm of the event, anticipate problems and help ground decisions. Bringing them in from the start completely changes the execution.
3. Scale changes everything
Some events grow to more than 100,000 attendees. And at that size, every decision has an impact.
Planning, level of detail and coordination become far more demanding. It’s no longer just about organising, but about sustaining complex structures in real time.
4. People are still at the centre
Working in different countries also brings you into contact with very diverse profiles.
From international leaders to leading figures in different sectors — people such as Muhammad Yunus, Ndaba Mandela or Juan Manuel Santos — in settings where the conversations contribute as much as the event itself.
Because in the end, beyond the format or the country, what really creates value are the connections that are built.
None of this would be possible without the team behind it. Projects are a constant rollercoaster, and without a team there is no way to sustain them.
A special mention to Paula Juyol Mir and Paula Payés Gallardo, for their standard of work, their attitude, and for making day-to-day work as professional as it is enjoyable.
And yes, it’s no coincidence that the three of us share the same name.
When you bring together people who work the same way, challenges stop looking impossible.
Originally published in Spanish on LinkedIn.