4 answers
madelynn
Student
Murray, Kentucky
1
Question
Asked
259 views
what is the first step of becoming a event planner?
do i need to go to collage if so, what are the classes i need to take? after school what do need to to next?
4 answers
Linda Mire
Interior Design
98
Answers
Lake Charles
Updated
Linda’s Answer
Wow well I am an Interior Designer many years and have been task to plan events .It is sort of like staging a Model home for an open house. Most important aspects of this work is to be very organized. There are a lot of moving parts and everyone is looking to you for all the answers so you better have them or a well worked out plan B at the ready. If you are focused and keep your head in the game and most of all don't get rattled easily you have the beginning of a good Events planner. It requires you to know something about almost everything, like where is the vendor for youhoo's sounds random but if you event has that particular item showcased and your friends with a vendor who will go out on a limb for you your in business and Event planning can be unpredictable. You must remain calm and level headed at all times. As anything else the longer you do events the more control you arrange. I know a guy who has done big events for many years and could organized one in his sleep and most go well because he is prepared but ever once in a while things go haywire and he is cool as a cucumber and works it all out. Like the big trade shows he is amazing to watch in action. Good luck nerves of steel
Veronica Adams
Creative Professional
50
Answers
Updated
Veronica’s Answer
Identify the kind of events you wish to organize. Enroll in relevant courses and stay updated with the latest trends in your field.
Joe L.
Program Manager
60
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Joe’s Answer
Getting ready for a career in event planning involves a combination of education, gaining practical experience, developing relevant skills, and networking. Here are the steps to help you prepare:
1. Education
Formal Education: Consider earning a degree in hospitality management, event management, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Certification Programs: Look into certification programs such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) to enhance your credentials.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Internships: Seek internships with event planning companies, hotels, convention centers, or non-profits that organize events.
Volunteer Work: Volunteer to plan events for community organizations, schools, or charities to build your experience and portfolio.
Part-Time Jobs: Take part-time jobs or entry-level positions in related fields such as catering, customer service, or administrative support in event planning firms.
3. Develop Relevant Skills
Organizational Skills: Learn to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and handle logistics efficiently.
Communication Skills: Improve your verbal and written communication to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and team members.
Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiating with vendors and suppliers to get the best deals.
Budgeting and Financial Management: Learn to create and manage budgets for events.
Creativity: Develop a creative eye for design, themes, and innovative ideas to make events unique and memorable.
4. Build a Portfolio
Document Your Work: Keep a record of all events you’ve planned or assisted with, including photos, videos, and client testimonials.
Create a Professional Portfolio: Compile your best work into a professional portfolio to showcase your experience and skills to potential employers or clients.
5. Networking
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of professional organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Live Events Association (ILEA), or the Society of Event Planners (SEP).
Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet industry professionals and stay updated on trends.
Social Media and Online Presence: Maintain an active online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, and consider creating a professional website or blog to share your insights and experiences.
6. Stay Updated
Industry Trends: Keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in event planning through industry publications, blogs, and webinars.
Continuing Education: Take courses or attend workshops to continuously improve your skills and knowledge.
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in event planning.
1. Education
Formal Education: Consider earning a degree in hospitality management, event management, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Certification Programs: Look into certification programs such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) to enhance your credentials.
2. Gain Practical Experience
Internships: Seek internships with event planning companies, hotels, convention centers, or non-profits that organize events.
Volunteer Work: Volunteer to plan events for community organizations, schools, or charities to build your experience and portfolio.
Part-Time Jobs: Take part-time jobs or entry-level positions in related fields such as catering, customer service, or administrative support in event planning firms.
3. Develop Relevant Skills
Organizational Skills: Learn to manage multiple tasks, prioritize, and handle logistics efficiently.
Communication Skills: Improve your verbal and written communication to effectively interact with clients, vendors, and team members.
Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiating with vendors and suppliers to get the best deals.
Budgeting and Financial Management: Learn to create and manage budgets for events.
Creativity: Develop a creative eye for design, themes, and innovative ideas to make events unique and memorable.
4. Build a Portfolio
Document Your Work: Keep a record of all events you’ve planned or assisted with, including photos, videos, and client testimonials.
Create a Professional Portfolio: Compile your best work into a professional portfolio to showcase your experience and skills to potential employers or clients.
5. Networking
Join Professional Associations: Become a member of professional organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Live Events Association (ILEA), or the Society of Event Planners (SEP).
Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events to meet industry professionals and stay updated on trends.
Social Media and Online Presence: Maintain an active online presence on platforms like LinkedIn, and consider creating a professional website or blog to share your insights and experiences.
6. Stay Updated
Industry Trends: Keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in event planning through industry publications, blogs, and webinars.
Continuing Education: Take courses or attend workshops to continuously improve your skills and knowledge.
By following these steps, you can build a strong foundation for a successful career in event planning.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
5028
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Madelynn,
Pathway to Becoming an Event Planner: Guidelines and Prerequisites
Step 1: Acquiring Education and Training The initial stride towards becoming an event planner is to obtain the requisite education and training. Even though a formal education isn't always obligatory, it can notably amplify your abilities and reputation in this field.
Higher Education:
Aiming for a degree in hospitality management, event planning, marketing, or business can equip you with a robust base for an event planning career.
Think about registering for a bachelor's degree program in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Marketing, Business Administration, or a similar field.
Pertinent Courses: The specific courses may differ based on the program and institution, but usual classes that can be advantageous for budding event planners encompass:
Event Planning and Management
Hospitality Law
Marketing and Public Relations
Budgeting and Finance
Communication Skills
Project Management
Step 2: Accumulating Experience After wrapping up your education, it's essential to accumulate practical experience to thrive as an event planner. Here are some steps to consider:
Internships: Look for internships with event planning firms, hotels, or organizations to acquire real-world experience.
Volunteer Work: Provide your services pro bono at events or non-profit organizations to craft your portfolio.
Networking: Participate in industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in the field.
Step 3: Cultivating Skills To shine as an event planner, you need to cultivate a variety of skills such as:
Organizational Skills: Competence to handle multiple tasks and details concurrently.
Communication Skills: Proficient communication with clients, vendors, and team members.
Creativity: Innovative thinking to design unique and unforgettable events.
Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency to tackle unforeseen challenges during events.
Step 4: Founding Your Business If you have ambitions to launch your own event planning business:
Draft a business plan that outlines your services, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing tactics.
Register your business and secure any necessary licenses or permits.
Establish a robust online presence via a professional website and social media platforms.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
Event Planner Career Guide by The Balance Careers: This source offers comprehensive details on how to become an event planner, including education prerequisites, necessary skills, and steps to jumpstart a career in event planning.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides insights into the job prospects for meeting, convention, and event planners, along with information on typical educational prerequisites for the profession.
International Live Events Association (ILEA): ILEA is a worldwide organization that provides resources for event professionals, including education programs, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
God Bless You,
JC.
Pathway to Becoming an Event Planner: Guidelines and Prerequisites
Step 1: Acquiring Education and Training The initial stride towards becoming an event planner is to obtain the requisite education and training. Even though a formal education isn't always obligatory, it can notably amplify your abilities and reputation in this field.
Higher Education:
Aiming for a degree in hospitality management, event planning, marketing, or business can equip you with a robust base for an event planning career.
Think about registering for a bachelor's degree program in Hospitality Management, Event Planning, Marketing, Business Administration, or a similar field.
Pertinent Courses: The specific courses may differ based on the program and institution, but usual classes that can be advantageous for budding event planners encompass:
Event Planning and Management
Hospitality Law
Marketing and Public Relations
Budgeting and Finance
Communication Skills
Project Management
Step 2: Accumulating Experience After wrapping up your education, it's essential to accumulate practical experience to thrive as an event planner. Here are some steps to consider:
Internships: Look for internships with event planning firms, hotels, or organizations to acquire real-world experience.
Volunteer Work: Provide your services pro bono at events or non-profit organizations to craft your portfolio.
Networking: Participate in industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals in the field.
Step 3: Cultivating Skills To shine as an event planner, you need to cultivate a variety of skills such as:
Organizational Skills: Competence to handle multiple tasks and details concurrently.
Communication Skills: Proficient communication with clients, vendors, and team members.
Creativity: Innovative thinking to design unique and unforgettable events.
Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency to tackle unforeseen challenges during events.
Step 4: Founding Your Business If you have ambitions to launch your own event planning business:
Draft a business plan that outlines your services, target audience, pricing strategy, and marketing tactics.
Register your business and secure any necessary licenses or permits.
Establish a robust online presence via a professional website and social media platforms.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Question:
Event Planner Career Guide by The Balance Careers: This source offers comprehensive details on how to become an event planner, including education prerequisites, necessary skills, and steps to jumpstart a career in event planning.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS provides insights into the job prospects for meeting, convention, and event planners, along with information on typical educational prerequisites for the profession.
International Live Events Association (ILEA): ILEA is a worldwide organization that provides resources for event professionals, including education programs, networking opportunities, and industry insights.
God Bless You,
JC.
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