If you love organizing, creating, and executing memorable events, you might be wondering how to turn your passion into a profession. Event planning is a diverse and rewarding career that requires creativity, communication, and problem-solving skills. But how do you get started in this field? Here are some of the first steps to becoming an event planner.
Event planning is a broad term that covers many types of events, such as weddings, corporate meetings, festivals, concerts, and more. Each event has its own specific needs, challenges, and expectations. To succeed as an event planner, you need to identify your niche and focus on the events that match your interests, skills, and goals. For example, if you enjoy working with couples and vendors, you might specialize in wedding planning. If you prefer working with businesses and speakers, you might opt for corporate event planning. Finding your niche will help you narrow down your target market, build your portfolio, and develop your expertise.
To start as an event planner, first, you have to figure out your niche – the kind of events you want to plan. Think about what you enjoy and are good at. It could be weddings, corporate events, or parties. Next, learn about that niche by attending events, reading, or even taking a course. Build a portfolio showcasing any relevant experience or projects. Network with people in the industry to get advice and opportunities. Start small, maybe with events for friends or family, to gain hands-on experience. This helps you focus, learn, and gradually establish yourself in the exciting field of event planning.
My advice for anyone looking to come into the events industry is to build a diverse skill set early on! Gain hands-on experience in various areas to start learning what you enjoy/don't care for within each area. This not only helps you hone in on your path, but also molds you into a well-rounded, versatile event professional. Exploring different areas equips you to assist clients more effectively and strengthens collaborations with fellow vendors. In the end, broadening your expertise benefits your career, but enhances your role as a valuable partner in the industry.
Identifying your niche is not as simple as the title makes it sound. Even if you don't have enough knowledge about events, it is important that you recognize the necessary skills and have the desire to work in that field. Then focus on the events you want to organize and read about them, learn, connect with experts. In that research and learning, allow yourself to change course because until you dive into the world of events, you cannot be 100% sure where you are best. Answer yourself who you offer your services to and who your ideal clients are for the type of event you specialize in.
While there is no formal education requirement to become an event planner, having a relevant degree or certificate can give you an edge in the competitive market. A degree or certificate in event management, hospitality, business, or communication can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to plan and execute successful events. You can also pursue professional certifications from recognized organizations, such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP). These certifications demonstrate your competence and credibility as an event planner and can boost your career opportunities and income.
One of the best ways to learn the ropes of event planning is to gain hands-on experience and network with other professionals in the industry. You can start by volunteering for local events, such as fundraisers, festivals, or community events. This will help you gain exposure, learn from experienced planners, and make valuable contacts. You can also look for internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs at event planning agencies, venues, or vendors. These opportunities will allow you to develop your skills, build your resume, and expand your network. Networking is crucial for finding new clients, partners, and mentors in the event planning business.
Event planning is a people business, so don't underestimate the power of networking beyond your immediate workplace. Attend industry conferences, join online event planner communities, and connect with people on LinkedIn. The connections you make can open doors to new opportunities, mentors, and even future clients. So get out there, be social, and build those relationships – they'll be your secret weapon in the event planning world!
Rien de tel que le terrain pour multiplier ses savoir-faire ! Pendant des études, les conventions de stages s'obtiennent facilement alors il faut en profiter pour explorer cet univers, acquérir de l'expérience et développer son réseau. Observer vos collègues pour comprendre les rouages du métier : construction d'un dossier, négociation commerciale, logistique, relation client et prestataire, etc. Ces expériences vous donneront une base tremplin pour votre premier job !
In this industry, hands-on experience reigns supreme. Witnessing seasoned event professionals in action, handling challenges on the spot, resolving client issues seamlessly, and accomplishing seemingly impossible feats without attendees noticing – that's the best training you could ask for! Many event agencies, vendors, and venues have internship opportunities that will not only give you this experience but will start connecting you with other professionals in your area to build up your network and possibly even help you find a mentor, which is key to any new event professional.
As an event planner, you are your own brand. You need to create a professional image and reputation that showcases your style, personality, and value proposition. You can start by creating a catchy name and logo for your business, as well as a website and social media accounts that highlight your services, testimonials, and contact details. You also need to create a portfolio that showcases your previous and current work. A portfolio is a visual representation of your skills, creativity, and achievements as an event planner. It should include photos, videos, descriptions, and feedback from the events you have planned or assisted with. A portfolio is essential for attracting new clients and showcasing your work.
A portfolio is not only a great way to show off your work and experience but also to help show off your personality and help potential employees and partners get to know you! Find a method that feels right to you (website, slide deck, etc) and start adding examples of your work, experience, client verbatims, and things that help make you shine. My favorite portfolio tips are: 1) Keep a running list of all the events you work on and the data (attendees, budgets, anything unique to the event, etc) - that way, when you go to update your portfolio, it's all handy in one place! 2) Keep an email folder for any compliments or rave reviews you receive from clients or partners to add to your portfolio in your next update!
The final step to becoming an event planner is to market yourself and find clients. You can use various strategies to promote your business and generate leads, such as word-of-mouth referrals, online advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, networking events, and more. You need to identify your ideal clients and tailor your marketing messages to their needs, preferences, and pain points. You also need to develop a pricing strategy that reflects your value, experience, and services. Once you find potential clients, you need to communicate effectively, pitch your ideas, and close the deal. You also need to deliver excellent customer service, follow up, and ask for feedback and referrals.
Go B2B - Belly-2-Belly. Go out and speak to people face to face. This is the quickest and best way to grow your business. In a face-to-face meeting, you can sense the client and deal with any objections immediately. If you have no customers, you have 8 hours a day to do sales.
Work with other event planners. Reach out to them and see how you can support them. Having a 2nd event planner working by their side could benefit them while giving you experience, testimonials and possibly a long-term partner that will refer business to you if they are to busy.
I believe we can't be well succeeded in event planning if we don't have passion for the theme. As any other activity, our objective will be achieved in the measure of our passion level. Of course all that said in the article must be taking in account, and additionally I suggest: - seek support for a Team and external entities specialists in first times - find a mentor or someone that can give you practical insights of the business - never stop learning to a continue improvement
If you have never had previous event experience, I recommend shadowing alongside a successful event planner to ensure it's a field/position you want to step into. There is so much glamorization around the end product but not what it takes to get there, shadowing allows you to gain knowledge and see different sides of the industry. Another place to start, for example, is working on the food and beverage side at a property, then working your way into a position of event sales before being a planner. This gives you the upper hand when you can understand the many different departments/sides of a business (ie many vendors) that work together to make an event successful.