Event planners are well–rounded professionals who are capable of handling anything thrown their way.
For an event to go off without a hitch, an event planner has to ensure that all the different parts have been planned and executed perfectly.
If you love planning, logistics, and organization, why not consider a career as an event planner? Continue reading to learn what it takes.
What Is an Event Planner?
On a basic level, event planners are responsible for putting together everything associated with an event, from venue to catering and decor.
The specifics entailed depend on the size of the event and the venue, the number of guests, the duration of the event, and the client's budget.
Event planners organize several distinct parts to create events that impress clients and wow their guests.
Job Duties
Event planners organize a wide range of events, from small, personal affairs to large–scale conventions and conferences.
On a typical day, an event planner may do any of the following:
- meet with clients
- plan the time, location, and cost of an event
- check out proposed venues for events
- solicit bids from vendors
- coordinate hotel accommodations, food, and travel services for events
- review and pay bills to vendors
- plan and coordinate activities associated with events
The typical event planner is planning separate events for several clients at once, so days can get quite hectic.
A good event planner knows how to make each client feel like they're the only client the event planner is working with.
Work Environment
While you'll likely spend a lot of time in your own office, you'll also be meeting clients and traveling to event locations.
During events, you'll typically be on the scene to ensure that everything goes according to plan.
The nature of the job means many evenings and weekends at events. Some travel might also be required depending on your client base.
Event planners are also typically expected to be fully available to their clients by email, text, or phone in the days leading up to the event.
Hard and Soft Skills
Event planners need a combination of specific skills and personality traits to set up events that impress their guests.
Hard skills for event planners include:
- business acumen
- negotiating skills
- troubleshooting knowledge of tech and equipment
- familiarity with online platforms for virtual events
- logistics and organization skills
- research skills
In addition to all of those hard skills, an effective event planner needs to have an array of soft skills.
Soft skills for event planners include:
- creativity
- strong communication skills
- flexibility
- a calm, cool demeanor (especially under pressure)
- attention to detail
How to Become an Event Planner: Step by Step
Learn more about what it takes to become an event planner and the steps to take to being your career today.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree
Technically, no degree is required if you want to work as an event planner. However, most event planners have a bachelor's degree.
You'll be best served by a bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related discipline.
If you're anxious to get started, a one–year diploma program can give you the skills you need for an entry–level assistant position.
There are also associate degree programs in event planning that take about two years of full–time study to complete.
Step 2: Gain Hands-On Experience
Hands-on experience is essential if you plan to open your own event–planning business.
At existing event planning firms, you'll typically assist more experienced event planners for a while before you're given your own events.
Spend at least a year or two learning the ropes of event planning in your area and building your network of contacts.
Step 3: Network and Grow Your Connections
The event planning industry is all about making and nurturing connections to build your clients the best event package possible.
Joining a professional association allows you to network with other event planners and gain access to various vendors and opportunities.
Maintain connections with all vendors, caterers, and venues that you work with so you can call on them again in the future.
Step 4: Choose a Specialization
Most event planners specialize in a particular type of event so they can master the signature aspects of that type of event.
For example, if you enjoy planning weddings, you might decide to specialize in weddings.
Specializing in a specific type of event allows you to focus on the vendors and locations that are best for that type of event.
Step 5: Create a Portfolio
Your portfolio showcases some of your most successful events and helps you market your event–planning business.
Most wedding planners have a website with a digital portfolio that includes photos and videos.
Use your portfolio to show potential clients the type of events you plan and the level of quality they can expect from you.
Average Income of an Event Planner
Event planners make $58,750 on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Corporate event planners tend to earn more money on average than those who plan personal events.
Those who plan events in the tech sector tend to earn the most, averaging around $95,920 per year.
Top paying states for event planners include New York, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
Event Planning Job Outlook
The events industry took a hit with the COVID–19 pandemic, but is expected to grow by 18% from 2021 to 2031.
The BLS predicts about 16,600 job openings for event planners per year, on average, during that same decade.
Much of this growth is due to recovery from the COVID–19 recession as organizations and individuals begin to organize public events again.
As virtual events continue to replace some in-person events, knowledge of virtual event platforms is essential for new event planners.
Learn About Becoming an Event Planner Today
Contact Best Accredited Colleges today for more information on how to become an event planner.
