Being an event planner is much more than just throwing a big party. An event planner is able to take an idea and make it a reality for a client. It's about creating an unforgettable experience for clients and attendees, no matter what the function is.
In this article, we'll give you the basics on how to become an event planner.
Get Hands-On Experience
Networking is a large part of this job. Creating honest and strong connections with clients and vendors will benefit you immensely in this job. Effective networking will help you gain clients and jobs, which will help you get the hands-on experience that you need for this job.
Whether you're able to get experience through an internship or by planning events on your own, the experience can help you kickstart your career.
Experience can also help you strengthen the most important skills needed to be an event planner. By planning events, you're able to learn how to effectively communicate with your clients, problem-solve, and pay close attention to details. It can also help you strengthen your organizational skills to help you stay on top of deadlines and details of the event requested by the client.
There's no better way to get your foot in the door than gaining hands-on experience, learning from professionals, and developing the skills necessary to be successful in this industry.
Create A Portfolio
Once you've been able to attain hands-on experience planning events, it's time to put a portfolio together. This is another effective way to win over clients and to be hired for their events.
A portfolio is a collection of your past jobs that highlight the work that you do and your strengths as an event planner. A portfolio can include pictures of the events, testimonials, or press clipping to show your accomplishments at specific jobs.
Showing the interested client what you're capable of as an event planner can show them that you're good at your job. It also shows that you are able to work under deadlines and through any roadblocks you may encounter.
Include any niches for specific events that you think the client would like to hear. For example, if you've done a lot of fundraisers, be sure to include these in your portfolio for the client if they'd like to hire you to plan a fundraiser.
No matter what your strengths are or what you're still learning as an event planner, it's possible to show off your accomplishments in the work that you do.
Here's more information on how to become an event planner.
Other Tips on How to Become an Event Planner
Event management requires you to be a people person. From working with a client to vendors, it's important to be personable in order to effectively work with others. An event planner must work well with other people.
Along with being personable, an event planner must also be able to adapt. When planning events, sometimes the unpredictable happens. You, as the event planner, must be equipped to expect the unexpected and adapt considering the circumstances in order to be successful.
Overall, these skills can be learned and sharpened the more events you plan and anything is possible if this is a career you're passionate about.
There are also resources at your disposal here to learn more about event planning and event management.
Becoming an Event Planner
Overall, these skills can be learned and sharpened the more events you plan and anything is possible if this is a career you're passionate about. If you want to learn more on how to become an event planner, you can get your tickets to this year's Event Planner Expo and 10-Year Anniversary.
