Event planners are responsible for the physical details of an event. They have to know about lighting, sound, stage design and set-up, catering, décor and all the other aspects that go into a successful event. The best way to learn how to be a good planner is with hands-on experience as well as education in event planning principles.
In Order to Become an Event Planner You Need:
- A bachelor’s degree in event management or related field from a four-year college or university;
- A certificate (or two) in areas like marketing communications and public relations;
- A thorough understanding of what makes events work – which means not just knowing about the technical side but also understanding marketing, human resources and organization.
Other Requirements to Become an Event Planner:
- Ability to understand and meet the expectations of your client;
- Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing and listening;
- A keen eye for detail as well as strong problem-solving skills;
- An entrepreneurial spirit – event planning is a business where you not only have to be a strong planner but also know how to make money;
- A desire for self-employment such as owning your own business or starting an events company.
Recommendations
- If you want to become an event planner, get involved in organizing social and academic events at school.
- Start volunteering with non-profit organizations and community groups.
- Work at a catering company or in the hospitality industry.
- Try to get an internship (for college credit) working for an event planner or with an events-related business such as a venue, audio visual supplier or caterer.
Can You Be an Event Planner Without a Degree?
The answer is no. Although some event planners have a background in performing arts or theater, the majority of successful event planners have degrees from universities. The reason for this is that there are very few undergraduate programs designed specifically to train people in the skills needed to be an event planner.
With some creativity and hard work you can create your own program by combining business courses with event management or marketing courses. Look for classes in areas like psychology, public relations, communication, psychology, business administration and art history.
Career Outlook for Event Planners
Due to the covid situation it has been a tumulus few years for event planners. Despite this, as things currently seem to be going somewhat back to normal, the future for even planners looks good with many people preparing for big events such as weddings, birthday parties, and other various celebrations they had put on hold for the last few years.
How to Become a Freelance Event Planner?
- Think about what kind of event planning services you are interested in providing.
- Think about how your background matches up with the types of events that you are interested in planning.
- Create a business plan for what you will do as a freelance event planner including the pricing structure, marketing plans and ways for potential customers to find you.
- Contact people within your industry for advice on how to go about setting up a profitable business.
- Get all the necessary licenses and permits.
- Develop your branding, including a website and social media presence.
- Promote yourself even if you are just starting out, be sure that your online profile is professional.
- Network with others involved in events planning to gain experience, learn about the field and develop contacts for future jobs.
- Attend industry conferences and events to expand your professional network.
- If you haven’t already, join the Specialty Society of Wedding Professionals.
- Look for work and promote yourself that way as well.
- Find mentors within the event planning industry that can guide you in terms of advice and contacts.
Conclusion
To become an event planner, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A proper degree in Event Planning is ideal, however.
Event planners should also be organized, detail-oriented people who are good with numbers and excel in problem solving.