6 answers
Tanasia
Student
Hanover, Maryland
2
Questions
Asked
899 views
WHat are some tips to become an event planner?
I want to become an event planner and eventually own my own business. I am majoring in public relations and I would like to know if there are any specific routes I should take to reach my goals. #event-planning #public-relations #business
Login to comment
6 answers
Len Abbazia
PR/Marketing, Social Media and Messaging Maestro
2
Answers
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Updated
Len’s Answer
Build your network on LinkedIn and start connecting with influencers in the hospitality industry. Attend networking events with some of the major hotel chains re: hospitality and connect with large event marketing firms to see if they have internships.
Julie Norton
Meeting Planning
3
Answers
West Chester, Pennsylvania
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Congratulations on your interest in event planning! It's a dynamic and rewarding career that allows you to bring people together and create memorable experiences. Here are some helpful suggestions and encouragement to get you started:
Gain Relevant Experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in event planning. Consider volunteering for school events, local organizations, or community projects. This will help you understand the intricacies of event management and build a solid foundation.
Network and Connect: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet professionals in the field. Networking is crucial in event planning, as it can lead to mentorship opportunities, internships, or even job offers. Join relevant professional associations and engage with online communities to expand your network further.
Develop Organizational Skills: Event planning requires excellent organizational skills. Practice managing your time effectively, creating detailed schedules, and coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure smooth event execution.
Build Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in event planning. Develop your verbal and written communication skills, as you'll be working with clients, vendors, and team members. Practice active listening, negotiation, and diplomacy to effectively convey your ideas and understand others' perspectives.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends: The event planning industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Follow industry blogs, read books, and attend webinars to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in event planning. They can provide guidance, share their insights, and help you navigate the industry. Reach out to professionals you admire and ask if they would be willing to mentor you. Their expertise and advice can be invaluable.
Embrace Challenges and Learn from Mistakes: Event planning can be demanding and unpredictable. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. When mistakes happen, view them as valuable lessons and make adjustments for future events. Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities in this field.
Pursue Relevant Education: Consider pursuing a degree or certification in event planning or a related field. While not mandatory, formal education can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of event management principles and industry-specific knowledge.
Remember, event planning is a creative and exciting career path. Embrace your passion, stay dedicated, and continue learning. With perseverance and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in event planning. Good luck!
Gain Relevant Experience: Look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience in event planning. Consider volunteering for school events, local organizations, or community projects. This will help you understand the intricacies of event management and build a solid foundation.
Network and Connect: Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to meet professionals in the field. Networking is crucial in event planning, as it can lead to mentorship opportunities, internships, or even job offers. Join relevant professional associations and engage with online communities to expand your network further.
Develop Organizational Skills: Event planning requires excellent organizational skills. Practice managing your time effectively, creating detailed schedules, and coordinating multiple tasks simultaneously. This will help you stay on top of deadlines and ensure smooth event execution.
Build Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is key in event planning. Develop your verbal and written communication skills, as you'll be working with clients, vendors, and team members. Practice active listening, negotiation, and diplomacy to effectively convey your ideas and understand others' perspectives.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends: The event planning industry is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. Follow industry blogs, read books, and attend webinars to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.
Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in event planning. They can provide guidance, share their insights, and help you navigate the industry. Reach out to professionals you admire and ask if they would be willing to mentor you. Their expertise and advice can be invaluable.
Embrace Challenges and Learn from Mistakes: Event planning can be demanding and unpredictable. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. When mistakes happen, view them as valuable lessons and make adjustments for future events. Resilience and adaptability are essential qualities in this field.
Pursue Relevant Education: Consider pursuing a degree or certification in event planning or a related field. While not mandatory, formal education can provide you with a comprehensive understanding of event management principles and industry-specific knowledge.
Remember, event planning is a creative and exciting career path. Embrace your passion, stay dedicated, and continue learning. With perseverance and a strong work ethic, you can build a successful and fulfilling career in event planning. Good luck!
Lory Fraraccio-Kenney
AT&T Sales Operations, Business Communication and Incentives
14
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lory’s Answer
Find a Non profit in your local area who holds events and attend an upcoming event. Once your there, watch those in action volunteering to get a feel for what its like to actually work through the entire process.
Its a wonderful experience to see volunteers in action as the communication is more transparent with Non profit organizations. Once you've seen the process in action, introduce yourself to those that "Event Plan", ask questions!! Non profits are always looking for help and its a great way to get experience.
Most colleges also have Majors designed specifically towards Hospitality & Event Management. Set time with your Guidance Counselor to have a conversation about a College near you that may have the courses that would be the best fit. Best of Luck!!!
C McHugh
Executive Assistant
9
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
C’s Answer
Event Management is growing and a well sought after skill.
Lots of companies offer volunteering positions in event management and it is a great way to get your foot in the door and develop your skills in this area, even though it is not paid.
Look at developing your skills in budget management, planning and organisation. Also creativity and problem solving.
Do your research and reach out to companies to provide your services, forward through your CV, reach out on LinkedIn and outline your willingness to learn.
It is a fast paced and role with long unsocial hours. Clients can be very demanding. It can also be very stressful. Get some work experience in the industry first and go from there! Good luck.
Lots of companies offer volunteering positions in event management and it is a great way to get your foot in the door and develop your skills in this area, even though it is not paid.
Look at developing your skills in budget management, planning and organisation. Also creativity and problem solving.
Do your research and reach out to companies to provide your services, forward through your CV, reach out on LinkedIn and outline your willingness to learn.
It is a fast paced and role with long unsocial hours. Clients can be very demanding. It can also be very stressful. Get some work experience in the industry first and go from there! Good luck.
Jon Drago
Tournament Director
4
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jon’s Answer
The best advice I can give you if getting into events is to volunteer your time at other events and get to know as many people as you can. Before starting your own business it’s imperative that you build credibility and trust in the marketplace. Remember the events are the highest priority for those that are hosting them so an event planner must be trusted by the host, and to build trust you need to have a proven track record. There are no shortcuts. Real world experience comes with long hours and short pay, but it’s the only way to gain the experience necessary to be able to deliver for your customers.
Glenda Byrne
Sales Leader
11
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Glenda’s Answer
Summer job in party hire or event mgt company as practical experience is a must.