How to Become an Event Planner

Behind every successful, memory-making event is a professional, or a team of them, who sweat all the details as they endeavor to create an unforgettable guest experience. Part creative genius, part logistics manager and fluid multitasker, an effective event planner stays cool under pressure while using their passion, training and skills to pull it off without a hitch. 

All the essential components of a well-organized event - the venue, the invitations, the vendors, the menu, and the décor—must be orchestrated for the desired outcome: Satisfied clients and guests who’ve had a thoroughly enjoyable or professionally fulfilling experience.

The world of event planning is as broad and varied as the different types of events that exist. Some events involve a small number of guests, are held at a single venue and have relatively few moving parts to manage. Others, however, may involve hundreds of attendees at multiple venues, with speakers, sponsors, audio-visual requirements, exhibitors and entertainers to be scheduled and coordinated.

The specific responsibilities and duties of an event planner will vary according to the size and type of event, whether the event planner is self-employed or working for a specific venue or company and several other variables.

Some event planners specialize in a particular type of event, such as weddings or corporate events. Some of a planner’s responsibilities may include:

How do these talented and creative professionals bring it all together to create such enjoyable, memorable experiences? They may begin learning how to plan an event with on-the-job experience in the hospitality or retail industries—perhaps with a catering company or at a large resort, hotel, banquet hall or other venue. They may also receive specialized education and training in hospitality, event management or event design.

While you’re learning how to plan an event, gaining practical experience can help you gain a competitive advantage over other job candidates once your education is complete. There are many things you can do to broaden your horizons and sharpen your “people skills” to help you prepare for a career as an event planner. These might include working as a host, server or bartender in a restaurant or catering business. 

Some degree programs in the field may even offer internships that allow you to gain hands-on experience and make industry contacts while you’re learning. 

Another way to gain practical event planning experience prior to completing your education is by volunteering. Music festivals, charity fundraisers and sporting events are all examples of events that rely heavily on volunteers. Volunteering at one of these events could lead to gaining experience in many different areas of event management.

Event planners often choose to tailor their skills to a certain type of event, such as weddings, charity fundraisers or corporate retreats, especially if they aspire to start their own business. This kind of specialization typically comes after several years of industry experience, whereby the event planner gains practical, on-the-job knowledge and cultivates important contacts in their chosen industry.

Once you’ve completed your education and gained some practical experience in how to plan an event through an internship, part-time work or volunteering, it’s time to build your resume and portfolio. 

Your resume should highlight your education and industry experience and list the skills and qualities you possess that make you a good candidate for employment in the industry. Your goal here is to align your qualifications with the needs of a potential employer. 

Your portfolio is a unique expression of your skills that can help show employers how you measure up against other job candidates. In this way, it’s similar to the portfolio an artist or photographer would use to showcase their work. 

Your online portfolio should include:

Marketing yourself as an event planner, or marketing your new event planning business, involves a variety of tactics to get you, your accomplishments and skills noticed by potential employers or clients. This is where the basics of marketing, many of which are included in an industry-related degree program, can be put to practical use.

According to Indeed, event planning firms and other businesses hiring event planners look for candidates who are:

When pursuing a career as an event planner, it is important to remember that a combination of hands-on experience and formal education can be useful and can help you learn to distinguish yourself from other job candidates. Experience earned through employment, internships or volunteering, combined with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, may help provide the tools necessary to pursue a career in this industry.