Wondering what event planners do and how to become an event planner? In this guide, you’ll see the responsibilities of the job and steps to turn it into your career:

An event planner is responsible for coordinating all aspects of an event, ensuring that it runs smoothly and meets the goals and objectives of the organizers. Their duties may include:

1. Initial Consultation: Meeting with clients to understand their vision, objectives, and budget for the event.
2. Budgeting: Creating a budget and allocating funds to various aspects of the event, such as venue rental, catering, entertainment, and decorations.
3. Venue Selection: Researching and selecting appropriate venues for the event based on the client’s requirements and budget.
4. Vendor Coordination: Hiring and managing vendors such as caterers, florists, photographers, and entertainers.
5. Logistics: Planning and coordinating the logistical aspects of the event, including transportation, lodging, and audio-visual equipment.
6. Timeline Management: Creating a timeline for the event and ensuring that all tasks are completed on schedule.
7. Risk Management: Identifying potential risks and developing contingency plans to mitigate them.
8. On-site Coordination: Overseeing the event on the day of, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and handling any issues that arise.
9. Post-Event Evaluation: Gathering feedback from clients and attendees to assess the success of the event and identify areas for improvement.

Overall, event planners work tirelessly behind the scenes to bring their clients’ visions to life and create memorable experiences for all involved. Now that you know what event planners do, let’s talk about becoming one.

How to Become an Event Planner

Becoming an event planner can be an exciting and rewarding career choice. Here are the steps you can take to pursue this path:

Gain Relevant Education or Training

While a formal education in event planning is not always required, obtaining a degree or certification in hospitality management, event planning, marketing, or a related field can provide you with valuable knowledge and skills.

Enroll in a degree program in hospitality management at a university, complete a certificate program in event planning offered by a professional organization or online platform, or attend workshops and seminars to learn specific aspects of event planning.

Gain Experience

Building experience in event planning is crucial for developing your skills and understanding the industry. Consider starting with entry-level positions in event planning, hospitality, or related fields to gain hands-on experience.

Work as an event assistant or intern at an event planning company, hotel, conference center, or nonprofit organization. Volunteer to help plan events for community organizations or clubs.

Develop Skills

Event planners need a variety of skills, including organization, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Focus on developing these skills to excel in the field.

Practice effective communication by working on interpersonal skills, negotiation skills by discussing contracts with vendors, organizational skills by creating detailed event timelines and checklists, and problem-solving skills by finding creative solutions to unexpected challenges during events.

Build a Network

Networking is essential for finding job opportunities, building relationships with vendors and clients, and staying updated on industry trends and best practices. And it’s another step on your journey to learning how to become an event planner.

Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events. Join professional organizations such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Connect with professionals in the field through social media platforms like LinkedIn.

Create a Portfolio

A portfolio showcases your previous work and demonstrates your skills and experience to potential clients and employers.

Compile photos, videos, or testimonials from events you have planned. Include details about your role in each event, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Create a professional website or online portfolio to showcase your work.

Launch Your Career

Once you have gained education, experience, skills, and a network, you can start pursuing paid opportunities as an event planner.

Apply for entry-level event planning positions at event planning companies, hotels, convention centers, or corporate event departments. Consider freelancing or starting your own event planning business. Network with potential clients and market your services through social media, word-of-mouth referrals, and online platforms.

Now you know how to become an event planner. By following these steps and continually honing your skills and expanding your network, you can build a successful career as an event planner.