what do i need to become a party planner

Hi Elizabeth - Thanks for reaching out! First, I suggested checking out a book on event planning. This will give you a huge head start on learning the many steps of planning an event.

I initially got into event planning by becoming an office coordinator/front desk receptionist at a technology company. At that time, I had ZERO event planning experience. In my role, I was asked to plan team meetings and began booking rooms, inviting team members and organizing catering.

From this experience, I then began taking on the planning of our all-company meetings and happy hours. This required additional planning through additional materials, beverages, desserts, decorations and logistics. Through these experiences, I finally gained the confidence to apply for an events coordinator role.

After earning my first event coordinator role, I started planning much larger company events that required me tour outside venues, locate vendors, create large-scale budgets and even more detailed plans. In the midst of this, I sought out others in my company for advice, continued reading and took some local short-term college courses on event planning (that my company paid for).

This is a great way to learn on the job. Similarly, I would seek out local event planning companies and ask if they have any job shadowing opportunities, internships or starter roles in the catering or admin office to began learning the various components of planning.

To be a party planner your field of study would be Event planning and management. This will teach you how to plan an event, what details are important, prioritize duties and trouble shoot challenges that may arise. Event planning requires an eye for detail, this will allow you to see things that are out of place or missing. Also the ability to create detailed list frequently and execute the duties listed in a timely manner. You also need to anticipate possible negative scenarios and create contingency plans for those, e.g. an outdoor birthday party that could be interrupted by rain. A backup location nearby should have been arranged or a tent provided, that is either already setup or can be quickly setup.

Steps to Become a Certified Event Planner

Let's go over what steps you'll need to take to become a certified event planner.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

Most employers require event planners to hold a bachelor's degree. Event planners may come from a variety of educational backgrounds such as hospitality management, marketing, or public relations. Relevant coursework includes accounting, hospitality management and meeting management. Some schools offer programs of study specific to event and meeting planning. Students in these programs might study event promotion, computer skills for business and event design.

Complete an internship. Some programs may require students to complete internships. Internships help you gain hands-on experience in the field and acquire a greater understanding of the event planning process.

Step 2: Gain Planning Experience

Many event planners start out planning smaller events, such as meetings and forums, for small organizations. Administrative assistants, for example, may assume meeting planning responsibilities in addition to their normal duties. You also may enter the field in related occupations, such as catering coordinator positions, to build experience and advance to a planner role.

Become familiar with common computer programs. Event planners must have skill with multitasking and organizing large amounts of information and tasks. Project management software, as well as spreadsheet and database software, may be helpful in keeping you organized and on track with planning duties.

Join a professional organization. If you wish to advance in the field of event planning, joining a professional organization, such as Meeting Professionals International (MPI), may be beneficial. Members of these organizations may find advantages such as networking opportunities, job search resources and webinars.

Step 3: Obtain Certification

Event planning certification designations may help you stand out to potential employers. The content in certification exams can vary according to event planning areas. One option is the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation exam. The CMP credential is available to convention, meeting and exhibition event planners. Prior to taking the certification exam, you must prove eligibility; three years of experience and recent employment in the field are necessary, as well as earning continuing education credits.

Another certification that you may earn is the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation. You must qualify with experience and membership in the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). Completion of a 3-day course and certification exam are also required.

Step 4: Specialize Professional Skills

According to the BLS, there are many different types of event planners. Association planners market the value of annual conferences and other voluntary meetings. Corporate planners focus on meetings in the corporation or with a related business. Government meeting planners need to be familiar with government regulations for buying materials and booking hotels to plan accordingly, while non-profit planners focus heavily on fundraising.

Event planners organize private and public events like weddings. Convention service managers act as liaisons between companies and venues such as hotels to make sure all the details are managed. Finding your niche and networking accordingly can help ensure professional prospects for the future.