7 answers
Amelia
Student
Northfield, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
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What is a day like as an event planner?
I am a senior in high school and have done a lot of research about planning. I was wondering what a breakdown of a day is as an event planner. #business #event-planning #event-management #coordinating-events #corporate-events
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7 answers
Cori Gutharz
Non-Technical Project Manager
8
Answers
Chevy Chase, Maryland
Updated
Cori’s Answer
Hectic! I used to work on citywide conventions (means you occupy most of a convention center and most hotels in the area). There was never a dull moment, which I liked. I was met each day with a new set of tasks and challenges. You have to be exceptionally organized. I usually make an initial "plan of attack", which includes a timeline and all of the tasks you can think of in order to accomplish the end game. Obviously this is a fluid document as this can change dramatically each day or more frequently. Every day, I would make lists of tasks and prioritize and re-prioritize through the day.
I would also say that problem solving and connecting the dots is key! Event planners have to know how to pivot on a dime when an issue arises, especially when time is of the essence. There are many articles out there on all of these topics as well as formal training. I found that my on the job training was invaluable. Good luck with your journey!
I would also say that problem solving and connecting the dots is key! Event planners have to know how to pivot on a dime when an issue arises, especially when time is of the essence. There are many articles out there on all of these topics as well as formal training. I found that my on the job training was invaluable. Good luck with your journey!
Amanda Delaney
Events & Employee Experience
2
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
Hi there! I think this really depends on where you work. My personal experience has been doing internal corporate events at really small companies and a few bigger companies around 2k employees. Every day is so different but I think event planning includes a few key components.
1. Stakeholder management-- understanding the parties involved in creating and executing and event and figuring out who needs to be involved and when.
2. Initial kickoff meeting-- asking all the questions! What's the goal? How many people? Budget? Is the budget confirmed? How do you want people to feel? I think we forget that event planning for most is extremely stressful so we are here to make it fun and seamless and assure the host that we've got this (and we do!)
3. Research phase-- I loove brainstorming and researching and building relationships with vendors. As you continue in an events career you'll have a ton of relationships all over the place and a list of amazing venues, vendors, and ideas!
4. Staying organized-- organizing communications, budget, project plan, stakeholder management, vendor management, following processes and rules.
5. have fun! You are bringing a group together intentionally (whatever the purpose is). And to me events have a huge impact on folks and are the memories that people have forever!
Good luck!
1. Stakeholder management-- understanding the parties involved in creating and executing and event and figuring out who needs to be involved and when.
2. Initial kickoff meeting-- asking all the questions! What's the goal? How many people? Budget? Is the budget confirmed? How do you want people to feel? I think we forget that event planning for most is extremely stressful so we are here to make it fun and seamless and assure the host that we've got this (and we do!)
3. Research phase-- I loove brainstorming and researching and building relationships with vendors. As you continue in an events career you'll have a ton of relationships all over the place and a list of amazing venues, vendors, and ideas!
4. Staying organized-- organizing communications, budget, project plan, stakeholder management, vendor management, following processes and rules.
5. have fun! You are bringing a group together intentionally (whatever the purpose is). And to me events have a huge impact on folks and are the memories that people have forever!
Good luck!
Celeste Cole
Events Professional
6
Answers
Updated
Celeste’s Answer
A typical day tends to include jumping from task to task - there's always a very long list of items to complete and you need to be good at keeping a lot of balls in the air. I might spend time negotiating contracts with vendors, paying invoices, creating menus with a caterer, writing copy for an event invitation, creating materials for an event such as name badges, meetings with stakeholders... My day is driven by deadlines - what is due soonest, what can be put off for another day? What items aren't due for a long time, but need thought and consideration now?
Cynthia Botello, DES
Events Manager
2
Answers
San Mateo, California
Updated
Cynthia’s Answer
I would say that it all depends on the type of Events you are working on. There are many styles of events so your day can look very different. For example if you work on Marketing Events, then your day could be you working on the road meeting vendors/customer or if you work on Internal Events, then most of your time will be spent in office working with employees. Different partners, but the same concepts apply. Planning for unpredictability as best you can, setting goals and strategy, managing expectations, budgeting for your event, negotiating, etc. Following a daily routine is quite rare in our industry. Be prepared for some long days, weekend work but also some amazing exposure to people from all walks of life!
Emily Garavaglia (she/her)
Agent Experience Manager
5
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Ameilia,
Planning events really requires strong prioritization, communication, and time management, which are all things you'll get great at as you put your focus toward them!
I held a role with lululemon called "Regional Community Lead" where one of my main responsibilities was planning and facilitating community activations (events) to attract people to the brand and eventually become customers. I essentially leveraged my outlook calendar as a daily agenda and blocked off time to complete administrative work like budgeting and research, I scheduled calls with vendors whenever necessary, and scheduled client meetings there as well. Whenever I began a new project I made sure to take the time to create a work-plan, which I added to my calendar of course, and whenever a project was complete I would write up a recap so that I could reflect on my work and identify areas to improve in the future.
I am not sure that the role exists with the company any longer, but in my latest role with WeWork as a Community Lead I often planned in-office events and followed a similar process! It is certainly worth exploring what sorts of roles are out there for you that get you diverse planning experience!
Planning events really requires strong prioritization, communication, and time management, which are all things you'll get great at as you put your focus toward them!
I held a role with lululemon called "Regional Community Lead" where one of my main responsibilities was planning and facilitating community activations (events) to attract people to the brand and eventually become customers. I essentially leveraged my outlook calendar as a daily agenda and blocked off time to complete administrative work like budgeting and research, I scheduled calls with vendors whenever necessary, and scheduled client meetings there as well. Whenever I began a new project I made sure to take the time to create a work-plan, which I added to my calendar of course, and whenever a project was complete I would write up a recap so that I could reflect on my work and identify areas to improve in the future.
I am not sure that the role exists with the company any longer, but in my latest role with WeWork as a Community Lead I often planned in-office events and followed a similar process! It is certainly worth exploring what sorts of roles are out there for you that get you diverse planning experience!
Aseneth Quinones
Event Specialist
1
Answer
Weehawken, New Jersey
Updated
Aseneth’s Answer
Busy. To be a planner is to be a multitasker. Event planners always have a more than just one event to plan. You must have strong organizational skills, patience and know how to 'juggle' multiple tasks. It is great to understand all aspects of planning. As you are thinking of a career in event planning, understand there are different areas. Try to intern, volunteer or seek part time work with an event company. You can work for a catering company or catering hall. It takes several years to fully educate the many aspects of event planning. It helps guide you to the career and level of event planning you wish to do.
Hospitality is a great field but you must have the right tools to succeed. Hospitality is always about making your client happy......dealing with customers, service and flexibility. It is not always a 9-5 job from Monday to Friday. You may work long hours and weekends but at the same time, you travel, meet amazing people, work for an event and watch it come to life. The feeling to be in an event you helped create, hear your clients happy and see them smile and the fun that comes along with it makes it all worth while.
Always have the right frame of mind, smile and patience. As you take any job or task, remind yourself that gaining knowledge and experience that will provide the right tools/skills for your dream job.
Hospitality is a great field but you must have the right tools to succeed. Hospitality is always about making your client happy......dealing with customers, service and flexibility. It is not always a 9-5 job from Monday to Friday. You may work long hours and weekends but at the same time, you travel, meet amazing people, work for an event and watch it come to life. The feeling to be in an event you helped create, hear your clients happy and see them smile and the fun that comes along with it makes it all worth while.
Always have the right frame of mind, smile and patience. As you take any job or task, remind yourself that gaining knowledge and experience that will provide the right tools/skills for your dream job.
Samantha Brown
Office Manager
25
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
Hi Amelia,
The typical event planner spends most of his day in the office, speaking with clients and vendors on the phone, by e-mail or in-person. They negotiates contracts with suppliers and facilities, coordinates catering services and creates budgets to project each event's unique expenses.
Long hours are required but this is also a fun and creative job!
Sam
The typical event planner spends most of his day in the office, speaking with clients and vendors on the phone, by e-mail or in-person. They negotiates contracts with suppliers and facilities, coordinates catering services and creates budgets to project each event's unique expenses.
Long hours are required but this is also a fun and creative job!
Sam