There is no one way to plan a great event. This field thrives on creativity, ingenuity and constant reinvention. You can take smart steps to start the journey, learn skills, and establish yourself as a leader in your field.

Here’s a list of top strategies to help you kickstart a rewarding career in event planning.

Learn how to start a career in event planning:

Establish a solid foundation of industry knowledge.

Education is an excellent way to acquire foundational knowledge about the events and hospitality industries. You can stand out from other job candidates with an industry-specific education foundation. Because you invested in specialized training, you will stand out. This training is just as important for starting an event planning company as getting hired. This is a great way to learn about the many planning jobs available.

Our event planners are in high demand.

The events industry is expanding, and demand is expected to rise at an average rate of seven percent through 2028.

What degree or certification are you required to become an event planner?

Although you don’t have to earn a degree to be an event planner, certain certificates and qualifications can help you stand out.

Numerous colleges and universities offer degree programs in related fields. These include meeting designations and certificate programs. These courses are taught by industry professionals who understand the business inside and out. You can take either a certificate program or a degree in hospitality. Please take advantage of all the networking opportunities they provide.

All event (and non-events) experiences can be repurposed into the relevant experience.

You can build a diverse experience portfolio within the events industry or not. This will show you have a valuable and varied skill set. Are you a food and beverage expert? Your relationship-building skills, food and nutrition knowledge, and multitasking abilities are all strengths. Did you work in retail? You can use your customer insight and people skills to create memorable events that everyone will love. You might be the person who hosts parties for friends and family.

Examine your current jobs and identify your interests in transferable soft skills. Consider how these skills can be used to plan and create events, and then include them in your event-planning portfolio.

How to create an event planning portfolio for a new events planner

Staged photos are a great way to show off your creativity. Are you a creative person who uses natural elements or has a knack for designing centerpieces? Connect with local photographers, wedding shops, furniture rental agencies, and models for promotional photos that benefit all parties. To showcase your work, take before-and-after photos.

You need to balance your logistical knowledge with your creative output.

A great event professional can engage both their creative and logical sides in their work.

Successful events are built on logic and logistics. It is important to be interested in the details, not just the big picture. Event budgets and floor plans will be on your mind. This requires the ability to think logically and plan accordingly. Events that aren’t organized or put together with precision can lead to unhappy clients and attendees.

You can plant seeds to start a career in event planning in the sector you love.

You don’t have to limit your search when it comes to looking for events jobs. Many organizations host events and are seeking professionals who can plan them. Do you love the work of local non-profits? You can volunteer to be a planner or help design events. If you are interested in healthcare or the arts, associate positions are available at these organizations that will help you build your portfolio.

You can still gain valuable experience in events, regardless of whether you work for a pharmaceutical company that plans their annual convention or for a small restaurant that hosts social events.

Establish strong connections in the events sector.

Networking is the best way to jumpstart your career as an event planner. It’s all about getting to know others and building relationships. Attend hospitality groups’ networking events to get out there. Although networking may seem intimidating at first, it is an essential skill in this field.

For event planning success, you need to network in person.

Learn how to engage in conversation. It’s important to pay attention to your body language first. Watch out for slightly open-minded people when you approach groups of three or more people in conversation. This signals that they are welcome to join the discussion. Avoid a conversation in which participants are in a closed circle or have crossed their arms.