Event Planning is one of the most exciting career options in today’s labor market.

This is due to the large number of clients who are always looking for creative event organizers and the constantly evolving technology fueling this industry.

Event Planning is a broad term that encompasses a variety of careers. This is a varied field that requires an individual to be creative, energetic and skilled at dealing with change and unexpected circumstances.

You can become an event planner to get into this field. Being a professional planner takes experience, as well as formal training.

Let’s look at what you can do to make yourself a better event planner and be more ready to tackle new challenges and win over clients.

Decide which type of event planner you want to be

As mentioned, event planning is a broad field. This means that you will need to find a niche that suits your interests and personality.

A niche is simply a specific area you are interested in working in. Event planning, for example, can be broken down into three categories: corporate event planning (non-profit event planning), social event planning (non-profit event planning), and social event planning.

Each stream has its advantages and disadvantages. Pick the one that offers you the best work-life balance and fair pay.

Let’s look at the many career paths available to event planners to get an idea about the types of events they can plan.

Freelance consulting/Social event planning

You might consider becoming an event planner if you like flexible hours, want to be free from office politics, and work from home with a small group of vendors.

You may choose to take on the jobs you are most interested in or become a party planner. You might work in certain niches like organizing weddings for friends, kids’ birthday parties, or small events for hotels.

Corporate event planner

If you can work in an environment that allows you to organize events for well-known brands and feel you have the ability to do so well, then you might consider becoming a full-time planner.

Planners of corporate events have to be efficient and collaborative. They need to coordinate with many third-party vendors to plan events. Corporate events are often large and promote a brand.

This can be a lot of fun, but it can also be very demanding. You may have to work long hours or meet strict deadlines.

Non-profit organizations

Non-profit planners have some of the most rewarding and fulfilling assignments.

Events for non-profits can include fundraising events, athletic events to raise awareness and even collaboration with for-profit organizations for public relations purposes.

It can be very diverse and suitable for anyone who enjoys trying new things and challenging themselves.

Becoming an event planner means you must understand yourself and determine which niche is best for you.

Understanding the duties of an event planner

You may already know that event planning can be a complex job. Their duties can be broken down into three categories: duties before, during, and after the event.

Before an event, duties

An event planner must work closely with clients before an event can be planned. This will allow them to determine the event’s scope, dynamics, and costs. This includes the location and time of the event.

Next, coordinate with vendors. Event planners receive bids from vendors that include caterers and equipment suppliers.

You will need to understand the client’s goals before you can plan an event. You will need to find speakers that can speak on the topic.

During the event

Next comes the responsibility for managing the event. Professional event planners know how important it is for guests to be happy during the event. You will need to ensure that they are satisfied and that the event runs smoothly.

Assign tasks to your team members and ensure that everyone is working efficiently.

You should also keep track of how the event is going. These notes will help you compile a report in step 2.

After the event

The most important task for an event planner is to compile a complete report after the event has ended. This report will include information such as the revenues and costs, attendance, etc.

This is the time to conduct post-event surveys to get feedback from attendees. This will allow you to plan more effectively for the future.

Training and experience

You may be aware that planning events require many skills and a lot of knowledge. To become an event planner, you must first complete formal training.

A BA in communications, hospitality, or public relations would be great. A degree in event planning may be an option. This degree will enable you to take courses in event management, marketing, and other related subjects.

The next step is to get into event management companies and take on some entry-level jobs in event planning. It is a great idea to get experience in a studio, as this will give you a better understanding of the event planning industry.

Continue your formal training.

You may also be able to pursue additional training beyond a degree. Register for online courses to learn in a variety of event planning areas. For example, QC Event Schools offers a comprehensive training program in event planning for corporate and wedding events.

To keep up-to-date with the industry, you can also attend webinars.

Create a portfolio

A compelling portfolio can help you get more clients and gigs throughout your event planning career.

Double-check to ensure you have taken notes on the difficult events you had to organize. It would help if you also categorized your event plans by niche. You should, for example, separate wedding events from corporate events.

Working as an event planner and becoming certified

It’s worth becoming a certified event planner if you want to hit the ground running. This will increase your credibility and help you to attract more clients.

To become certified, you will need at least three to five years’ experience.

A reputable association for event planning will offer a certification program.

The Convention Industry Council (CIC) and the Meeting Planners International (MPI) are two of the most well-respected certifications.

Join a relevant trade association

After completing a certification, your membership automatically becomes active in the trade association you attended. To renew your membership, you may be required to pay an annual charge.

These associations offer continuing education and seminars that help event planners stay on top of industry trends.

You can become a certified event planner.

After you have become certified and are a member of a trade association, you can start to take on larger projects or even your own business.

You will need to create a team, establish strong relationships with vendors and gather the necessary resources to start your own event-planning company. You can also use the many online event management platforms like Gevme to start and establish a website that reaches a wider audience.