How To Become An Event Coordinator

For this position, most employers are interested in hiring applicants who have a bachelor's degree. A degree in hospitality management is strongly preferred. Many universities are now offering programs such as events management that are designed to offer training and expertise in the following areas:

• Event Management, Services, and Sales
• Event Risk Management
• Guest Services Management
• Event Marketing and Promotion
• Lodging Operations
• Event Design, Production, and Technology

Other acceptable majors include marketing, communications, business, and public relations; however, you will have to supplement these with work experience of 1-2 years in a field related to planning. You may pursue this degree by enrolling either in an online program or a traditional one. Online setting will offer you much more convenience and flexibility, and are great options for students who have busy schedules. Once an applicant is hired for this position, on-the-job training is given. This involves working directly under the supervision of senior event coordinators.

Work Environment
Event coordinators enjoy a fast-paced and challenging work environment. Most of their time is spent in an office, but they do travel to sites where events are organized. As these professionals are required to supervise several aspects of the event at the same time, their work may become quite demanding, especially when they have to meet deadlines. Their work schedules may be long and irregular. They often have to start early in the morning and work beyond the regular office hours while ensuring that everything at the event they are planning runs smoothly.

Essential Characteristics
Successful event coordinators have displayed the following qualities:

• A natural flair for creativity
• Ability to remain calm under stressful situations
• Good negotiation and interpersonal skills
• Organizational and communication skills

In addition to the above, they should be equipped with the latest tools and technologies, and must have working knowledge of project management software.

Job Responsibilities
The exact job responsibilities of these professional will depend upon the organization in which they are hired. Generally, they have to perform the following duties:

• Hold meeting with clients to understand the purpose of the event
• Determine the location, cost, duration, and scope of the event
• Find appropriate venues by keeping in consideration the cost, size, and accessibility of various locations
• Work in collaboration with sponsors, organizers, and other employees to resolve problems or conflicts
• Manage event services including transportation, food, security, and room services
• Schedule event activities and manage admissions by creating guest lists
• Make arrangements for travel and accommodation the guests
  
  Employment Opportunities
  The event management industry has grown significantly in the last decade. Event coordinators are required in most social and business occasions. These include anniversaries, weddings, birthdays, fashion shows, product launches, team building sessions, memorials, and many others. They are hired by private and public companies and businesses, local sports teams, private schools, colleges and universities, daycare centers, churches, nonprofit organizations, and hospitals. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has predicted that the employment of these professionals is expected to grow by 44% from 2010 to 2020.