In the event industry, we like to believe everything will go according to plan.
Because when you’ve spent months planning every detail, drafting technical documentation, running rehearsals, fine-tuning the concept—what could possibly go wrong?
The answer: everything.
And sometimes—just the sound guy. 🙂
But let’s start from the beginning.
Ten years ago, while organizing a strategically important event for the company Agrostadt, we were tasked with creating and executing the promotion of their newest and most powerful agricultural machine:
the Deutz-Fahr Series 9 tractor, a flagship product from the German brand.
A concept that embodied brand power
Our goal wasn’t just to show the tractor.
Our goal was for the audience to feel it.
To experience the power—not just see it.
So, we designed a special setup:
A wall made of hay bales, arranged to form a striking visual barrier.
The audience had no idea that the tractor was hidden behind it.
At the key moment—following an inspiring speech about the machine’s performance—accompanied by dramatic lighting and the intense intro of Rammstein’s “Engel”,
the tractor was supposed to break through the wall and make a grand entrance.
(Of course, we rehearsed it multiple times for safety reasons. 🙂)
Power. Force. Energy. All in one moment.
The scene was part of a carefully choreographed storyline within the Agrostadt concept—an event that merged education, hands-on experience, industrial innovation, and spectacle.
And then… Titanic.
On the day of the event, everything was ready.
Rehearsals done. Team focused. Tractor in position.
And just when “Engel” was supposed to blast from the speakers and seal the experience…
🎶 The Titanic theme starts playing instead. 😬
You know, that part. The one that plays as the ship sinks.
My colleague and I exchanged a frozen stare.
A second that felt like an eternity.
The sound guy realized the mistake, hit the right button.
Rammstein kicks in.
The audience? Blown away.
And us? Pale… with tiny heart attacks inside. 😅
What did I learn from this “mistake”?
👉 The audience doesn’t know what was supposed to happen.
👉 They only see what actually happens.
👉 Mistakes occur—but they must not stop you.
If you pour your heart, knowledge, and experience into your work—
you’re already doing the best you can.
And one more very practical takeaway:
Plan A is not enough.
Sometimes Plan B doesn’t even exist.
You have to stay calm even when Titanic starts playing and you’re already on stage.
Event organization is complex, intense, and deeply creative.
Within big concepts like Agrostadt, every scene carries weight—but also the opportunity to make a lasting impression.
So yes—plan everything.
But when something goes wrong… don’t stop.
Because if you know what you’re doing and why—
even Titanic can go unnoticed. 🙂
