What is an event planner?

A professional who organizes and coordinates special events such as weddings, ceremonies, corporate gatherings, fundraisers, and corporate parties. Also known as an event planner or event specialist, an event planner is also called an event coordinator. They organize budgets, coordinate transportation and accommodations for guests, and find dates. The specific tasks of an event planner depend on many factors, such as the event’s size, type, and the planner’s education. An event planner also has other duties.

• To understand the purpose of an event, we meet with our clients
• Plan the event’s scope, including the cost, location, and program.
• Inspection of places to ensure they meet client’s needs
• To coordinate details, speak with the staff on-site
• Monitor event activities to ensure that the client and guests are happy
• Examining and authorizing payment

Event planner requirements

Event planners can choose from the following career paths:

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications or Public Relations is required to become an event planner. A degree is not required to be able to apply for entry-level positions, but you should have at least one or two years of experience in this field.

Training

Companies prefer candidates who have had formal training. Many event planners will receive training in the field from someone who has worked in a similar position. You might shadow a senior planner to help you learn the ropes and then take on your tasks.

Many universities and colleges offer programs in event planning training. These programs typically last between two and four years and include lectures and hands-on event planning.

Certificates

Many event planners are experts in one type of event. No matter their area of expertise, event planners can be distinguished by obtaining a professional certification. These are the most popular certifications in this field:

Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP).

The International Live Events Association (ILEA) offers the CSEP certification to event professionals who have demonstrated the ability, knowledge, and skills required to execute all aspects of a special event. Candidates must have three years of experience in event planning, and they must pass the CSEP exam to be eligible for this certification.

Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

The Events Industry Council (EIC) offers this designation to event planners who are experts in organizing conventions and meetings. The CMP exam covers meeting management.

Certified Professional in Catering and Events (CPCE).

The CPCE certification program is organized by the National Association for Catering and Events. It’s a nationally recognized program that allows event planners to become experts in the catering, hospitality and events industries. Candidates must complete a training program before taking the exam to become CPCE certified.

Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP).

The CGMP certification, jointly developed by the Graduate School at USDA (SGMP) and the Society of Government Meeting Professionals(SGMP), is for planners and suppliers whose work is regulated by the federal government. This is the most prestigious designation for organizers of government meetings.

Certified Conference and Events Professional (CCEP).

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) offers the CCEP certification to professionals who wish to improve their organization’s ability. Candidates must have two years of experience and a bachelor’s/master’s degree in a related field to collegiate events and conferences. They also need to submit a letter and a resume and then complete the CCEP program.

Skills

These are the skills event planners need to be successful in their job:

Attention to detail

Event planners should be able to identify and correct minute details. This could include spelling errors and guest preferences.

Organization

Event planners need to be organized. Event planners must keep track of multiple tasks, vendors, and to-do lists while keeping clients happy.

Networking

Event planners require a wide range of event professionals to help them plan events. This is because the event industry is heavily people-driven. Planners will use this network to make their events memorable for their clients.

Communication

Event planners must be able to listen and speak clearly. They must be able to listen to their clients and offer their ideas and suggestions.

Creativity

Planning an event requires creativity. The job involves designing a unique theme and finding affordable decorating solutions that fit within a limited budget.

Interpersonal

Event planners need to be comfortable with maintaining and building relationships with vendors. This will make it easier for them to plan future events.

Problem-solving

Even though events are often scheduled according to a schedule, unexpected circumstances can happen. Event planners need to be flexible and resourceful to make quick decisions.

Event planners work in a supportive environment.

Event planners work in an office to perform administrative tasks such as booking hotels and reserving venues for events. Event planners working in large hotels and convention centers may share a workspace with other event planners, answering phones and registering guests. Event planners may work longer hours as the event date approaches. Event planners might need to work fast depending on how many events they are responsible for.

Event planners who plan large events, such as film screenings, national conventions, or regional job fairs, may visit clients’ workplaces to discuss their requirements. Event planners may visit clients at their headquarters to discuss requirements, such as the guest list, hours and dates of the event, and the names and contact information for the keynote speakers.

How to be an event planner

These are the steps you should take to be a successful event planner.

Earn a bachelor’s degree

A bachelor’s degree is not required but can help event managers interested in a career as event managers get a better job and negotiate a higher salary. Marketing and hospitality management are two relevant majors.

Gain work experience

Event planners might start in a similar field to get started in the industry. To get a feel for what it is like behind the scenes of events, they might also consider job shadowing with professional event planners.

Choose a specialization

If they plan to open their own business, event planners might specialize in one type of event. You can specialize in a specific area, such as weddings, conferences or business meetings.

Obtain a certification

Event planners who have received certification in event planning may be able to impress potential employers. There are many different types of certification exams. Every certification has its requirements. However, most require event planners to have completed a training program and have at least five years of experience.

Join a professional association

A professional organization can help new event planners make important connections and expand their career opportunities. You may also find other valuable resources, such as continuing education.

Career advancement is your goal.

Event planners can gain more job experience and move up the ladder to become program coordinators, meeting directors, or meeting managers. They might also choose to change from a small company to one with more career opportunities or start their own event planning business.