An event planner is a person who plans and organises special events such as conferences, parties, concerts, conventions, and shows. They need to ensure that the event goes well and has a proper turnout. They also take care of people’s needs and wants during the event.
Event planners plan not only for what happens during an event but also beforehand: booking venues, sending out invitations, and even choosing speakers (or other guests) if there are any present at the event. It is also essential to manage costs so that their client can have an adequate budget to work with.
The job description of an event planner varies from one company to another depending on what type of special event they are planning. However, they generally have a lot of responsibilities and tasks that need to be done for the event to go according to plan.
For example, the planner will:
- Determine the size, layout, and number of chairs needed at their venue.
- Order catering (if necessary).
- Arrange transportation if required.
- Coordinate with other companies such as security or sound engineers.
- Schedule speakers (or other guests).
- Create invitations and pamphlets or print programs if there are any printed materials.
- Make sure all equipment is in good working condition, etc.
Working Conditions:
- Event planners usually work between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays, but events may last until late at night on weekends. They may also work some evenings or weekends depending on what types of events they are planning.
- Event planners work indoors in an office most of the time but can also go to various places where their events will be held. For example, if they’re planning an outdoor music festival, they may travel to the location several times to plan accordingly.
- Event planners usually work under pressure as it is their responsibility to ensure that nothing goes wrong during their event. They need to be patient and flexible with tight deadlines as well.
- Event planners may also have other duties such as accounting or marketing, making them multi-task frequently daily.
How to Become an Event Planner
There are various requirements for becoming an event planner, depending on the company that hires them. It usually involves a bachelor’s degree in an area such as event planning, business management, or marketing and then several years of experience under your belt.
Event planners also need to think on their feet and pay close attention to minute details as it can ruin the flow of their events if they’re not attended to. They need to be organised and patient and make quick decisions when necessary.
Since event planners manage many tasks and responsibilities at once, teamwork is vital for this type of job. Therefore communication skills are paramount whether you work with other employees, clients, or guests who attend your events.
Finally, since special events require money, resourcefulness is crucial because you will have limited time (and probably budget) during which you need to plan your events. If you want more detailed information on how to become an event planner, here are additional resources that may be helpful for you:
Tips on Becoming an Event Planner
So you think you’d like to spend your days putting together fun activities involving food, friends, and festivities? That sounds like just the perfect place for you, but now comes the hard part: how do you turn it into your career? Here are some helpful tips on how to get started.
Know the Industry: It’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into, so it’s wise to do some research on this exciting field beforehand, especially since interests can vary significantly across different individuals.
In doing so, it will be possible to determine if event planning is proper for you and if it correlates with your interests and skills. Many events need to be planned, from concerts and festivals to weddings and political conventions.
Make a list of all these types of events and any others that may come up during your research process, then pick at least one or two that interest you most.
Get Your Education: After deciding which type(s) of event(s) would suit you, you can then learn where and how to get started. There are various academic programs available for those wishing to pursue a career in event planning.
Many universities across the globe offer relevant courses ranging from entertainment production management or hospitality management to environmental studies. The key is obtaining a degree relevant to this field and getting your feet wet with internship opportunities beforehand, which will help prepare you for a job search later on.
Make sure that any education program you pursue has strong industry connections since these internships will help jumpstart your future career.
Start Networking: Once you’ve got an educational background behind yourself, start networking! The best way to do this is by going out and meeting people within the event planning industry.
You can go to many events where professionals within the event planning industry partake, such as those organised by MeetUp or through your local chamber of commerce. It would be best if you also made an effort to begin networking online by joining various groups and forums related to this field on LinkedIn and Facebook.
Start Volunteering: This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to break into the event planning industry but doesn’t yet have the credentials or connections that would immediately land them a job in this competitive market. Many volunteer positions require no prior experience or education at all!
However, if you have relevant work experience from previous jobs or internships, apply for any open positions tied with it since these will help you gain the skills necessary to land yourself a full-time job later on.
There’s no better way to start than by simply getting your foot in the door, so take advantage of these opportunities when presented to you since they can be invaluable in furthering your career.
Attend Conferences and Networking Events: Last but not least, attending conferences or networking events can also be an excellent way to network with professionals within this field, which may result in gaining employment down the road.
These are typically free to attend (or instead paid for by companies who want their services) and offer many benefits, such as seminars and workshops that provide vital industry insights or keynote speakers who share their personal stories or experiences about starting up within the event planning industry.
They can also be a great way to discover new and emerging trends, products, and services related to this field, which may help you get ahead of the competition in terms of what’s hot within this market!
Conclusion
Event planners are essential parts of special events, whether a formal dinner, outdoor rock festival, or seminar. They ensure everything flows smoothly and the schedule runs on time while considering what their clients wish to achieve with their events.
They need to make quick decisions for the event to go according to plan and coordinate various tasks simultaneously, challenging but manageable if done correctly. Event planning involves a lot of responsibilities, teamwork, and creativity, which makes it a hard job and a great career path for those who love organising events and working on tight deadlines.
