Are you considering becoming an event planner? If so, now is a good time to do so. The event planning industry has an estimated growth rate in the coming years that exceeds most other industries.
Still, just because demand for event planners is high doesn’t mean that it will be easy to become an event planner.
Buckle up because if you’re asking, “How do I become an event planner?” we’ve got the answers.
Read on as we share our best tips for becoming an event planner.
What Experience Do I Need?
One of the great things about the event planning industry is that you don’t have to come from a specific background in order to get started. For example, some event planners don’t possess Bachelor’s degrees. Those who do often have degrees in:
- accounting
- hospitality
- marketing
- mixed media
Gaining relevant work experience is often the most important part of breaking into the event planning industry. Apply for jobs with catering companies, venues, and other related vendors or find work as an administrative assistant.
While you’re building up your work experience, you can also get certified in a few specific areas. Many event planners become a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) or a CGMP (Certified Government Meeting Professional) in order to add to their event planning credentials.
How Do I Become an Event Planner Who Works Solo?
What if you want to start your very own event planning business, rather than working for someone else? The first step is to determine what niche you’d like to work in, such as weddings, corporate events, nonprofit events, or conventions. Many event planners go on to cast a wider net, but specializing in one niche from the start will ensure that you’re developing the right skills and contacts to grow your business.
The next step is to give yourself a competitive edge by getting to know your local and regional vendors. View this site to find out about one of the biggest event planning expos in the country, where the best event planners go to do some serious networking.
How does knowing local and regional vendors give you a competitive edge? Clients want to work with event planners who are knowledgeable, experienced, and can sweeten the deal. By getting to know vendors, you can start to develop mutually beneficial relationships that often come with discounted rates for your clients.
The Time Is Ripe for New Event Planners
If you’re asking, “How do I become an event planner?” you’re already moving in the right direction. The event planning industry is a promising one–and it’s one that you can break into from tons of different angles. Start thinking more seriously about the type of event planner you want to be so that you can build up the right credentials for the job.
Looking for more helpful career tips? Take a look around as we talk about some of the biggest industries in the world–and some pretty niche ones, too. Looking for more helpful career tips? Take a look around as we talk about some of the biggest industries in the world–and some pretty niche ones, too.
