Perhaps you have always dreamed of becoming an event planner and are
wondering where to begin. Or maybe you are your family’s unofficial
party planner and “host extraordinaire” and are considering starting your own event planning business. Either way, you may be asking yourself, “Now what?”
How to Be an Event Planner
Here are four easy-to-follow tips for getting started in event planning:
1. Event Planning Certification is Not a Job Requirement
First
let’s clear up the confusion around event planning certification.
There is a general misconception that, in order to begin working as an
event planner, you must gain certification. This is not true. Most
event planning certifications require at least three to five years of
experience before you can even take the test. Event planning
certification is a measure of your knowledge of the industry and your
experience. Once you become certified, you may use this designation
after your name and title to reflect your knowledge of the industry.
Once you have a few years of experience, you may want to consider
certification as either a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or a
Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP). CMP is the most widely
recognized certification in the meeting and event planning industry.
Candidates must have three years of event planning experience and a
current full-time job in the industry. CSEP focuses on special events
and is the only other openly recognized certification in the event
planning industry. Candidates require three years of experience in the
industry and must have had employment in the special events industry in
the last twelve months.
2. Knowledge is a Must
Event planning courses
– whether they be classroom style or online – can provide valuable,
much needed knowledge about how to be an event planner. You can find
these programs at many universities, local colleges, adult education
programs and online resources. If you are new to the event planning
industry, select something more general for an overview. If you have
some experience in event planning and want to focus on a particular type
of planning such as special events, corporate meetings or fundraisers,
then explore courses that are specialized and will provide knowledge in
that particular area of interest.
3. How to Gain Valuable Experience
Wondering how to gain experience as an event planner when no one will hire you without experience
as an event planner? It is a catch-22. But there is an answer.
Volunteer. Volunteering your services gives you invaluable experience.
Many nonprofits and charities host events to raise awareness and to
fundraise. These organizations do not have the funds to hire additional
event planning staff; their focus is on raising as much money as
possible. Volunteer to help them plan the event and put your skills to
work. Work the event and gain hands-on experience. Ask questions and
learn as much as you can.
Spread the word that you are thinking of
becoming an event planner or launching your own event planning business.
Get contact information from vendors and business cards from those
involved at the charitable organization. Volunteering is a great
networking opportunity in addition to the opportunity to do something
good.
4. Event Planning is Not about Going to Parties
If you think that event planning
is all about going to parties, think again. Planning events is hard
work and it isn’t very glamorous. You are not the guest; you are the
one responsible for creating a wonderful experience for those guests.
It can be quite stressful at times but it can also be a lot of fun and
incredibly rewarding. Many components come together to host a memorable
event. Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail,
creativity and flexibility are a few of the qualities that are necessary
to succeed in this business.
By Melanie Woodward
Event Planning Expert
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