Home »
Resources»
Careers » How to Become An Event Planner
Meeting or event planners take charge of all the activities that are needed to arrange an event. They are the ones who have to choose the location, transportation, and coordinate all the other details related to make an event successful.
Event Planner Job Description
Event planners generally perform the following duties:
-
Meet with their clients and discuss requirements and details of the event
-
Plan various aspects of the event including time, location, cost, and schedule
-
Negotiate with service providers to get the best rates
-
Visit and select places for the event according to the client's specifications
-
Coordinate to arrange services needed in the event such as rooms, transportation, and food service
-
Interact with the staff at the event site to coordinate details
-
Supervise event activities to make sure the clients and other attendees are satisfied
-
Manage event bills and payments
How To Become An Event Planner?
Education
Event planners require a bachelor's degree in order to start their career. Many employers prefer employees with at least a bachelor's degree because the event management field is quite demanding and needs a lot more expertise now. Students aspiring to be event managers should attain a bachelor's degree in hospitality management, marketing, public relations, or business administration. If the bachelor's degree is not in a relevant field, employers usually ask for one or two years of experience in event planning and management.
Online Education
Online education is a flexible and convenient way to acquire the event management education. You do not have to attend classes on campus because the course is delivered over the internet, so you may attend classes and complete coursework online. Many online programs are being offered in the fields relevant to event management such as hospitality, marketing, public relations, and business management. Online programs enable you to study at your own pace and at the time that suits you best. These programs are also a great opportunity for professionals who require further education, but cannot afford to give up their full-time job. Online education is also cost effective as students save on additional costs associated with on-campus education.
Skills And Personal Qualities
The following skills and personal qualities are essential for a successful career in event management:
-
Outstanding communication skills for interaction with many diverse people
-
Attention to detail and an excellent memory to retain facts
-
Composure and stress tolerance to manage various tasks and handle stressful situations
-
Computer skills and understanding of software, budgets, and social media
-
Customer service skills to fully understand the client's requirements and work accordingly
-
Interpersonal skills to work well in a team and coordinate various activities
-
Organizational skills to plan each and every detail systematically and carry out the plan effectively
Salary And Career Outlook
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), event planners have a positive career outlook. The employment opportunities are likely to grow by forty four percent between the years 2010 and 2020, which is a lot faster than the average growth in all occupations. The average annual salary for meeting and event planners was around $45,000 in May 2010.