How to Become an Event Planner Successfully

Steps to Become an Event Planner

There are around 134,000 event planners in the US. In such a competitive industry, how can you stand out? 

Here are a few steps to get you started, beginning with understanding what an event planner does.

1. What do event planners do?

Event planners organize and coordinate events. This can include everything from birthday parties to large corporate events. 

They make sure everything is in place, like decorations, food, music, and activities. They also manage schedules and budgets to ensure the event is successful and enjoyable.

2. What skills do you need?

To be a good event planner, you need several important skills:

• Organization: You must be able to keep track of many details and tasks.
• Communication: Talking to clients, vendors, and team members clearly is very important.
• Creativity: Thinking of fun and unique ideas for events will make your events stand out.
• Problem-solving: Sometimes things don’t go as planned, and you need to fix problems quickly.
• Time management: Making sure everything happens on time is key to a successful event.

Using the ToDoist app can help you stay organized and on top of all your event planning tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

3. What education do you need?

While you can start managing events with a high school diploma, having a degree in event management, hospitality, or a related field can be very helpful. These programs teach you about planning, organizing, and managing events. Some schools even offer specific courses on event planning.

4. Gaining experience

Experience is crucial. Here are some ways to get it:

• Volunteer: Help organize school events, local community events, or charity functions.
• Internships: Look for internships with event planning companies or venues.
• Part-time jobs: Work in related fields, like catering, hospitality, or customer service, to learn more about the industry.

5. Building a portfolio

A portfolio showcases your work to potential clients. Include:

• Photos and videos: Show pictures and videos from events you have planned or helped with.
• Event descriptions: Write about the events you’ve worked on, what you did, and how it turned out.
• Client testimonials: If clients or supervisors give you positive feedback, include that in your portfolio.

6. Marketing yourself

To find clients, you need to market yourself effectively:

• Create a website: Showcase your portfolio, services, and contact information.
• Social media: Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to share your work and connect with potential clients.
• Networking: Attend industry events, join event planning groups, and connect with other professionals.

7. Finding Clients

Finding clients can be challenging at first, but here are some tips:

• Start with friends and family: Plan events for people you know to gain experience and build your portfolio.
• Offer discounts: Give special rates to your first few clients to encourage them to hire you.
• Join professional associations: Associations like the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) can help you meet potential clients and learn more about the industry.

8. Certifications

Getting certified can boost your credibility. Consider certifications like:

• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
• Certified Wedding Planner (CWP)

These certifications show that you have the knowledge and skills needed to plan successful events.

Final Tips

Here are some final tips to help you on your journey to becoming a successful event planner.

• Stay updated: Trends in event planning change, so keep learning and stay updated with the latest trends.
• Be patient: Building a successful career takes time, so be patient and keep working hard.
• Have fun: Enjoy the process of creating amazing events and making people happy.