Planning events as a career sounds like the ultimate job: you travel the world, select (and eat) gourmet foods, and enjoy beautiful venues that cater to you and your client’s every need, versus commuting to a desk job every day.

But being an event planner takes more than enjoying people and being the life of the party; the event planning business is hard.  Long days, nights, and weekends are the life of an event planner.

Planning a successful event is much more than bringing people together.  It takes excellent organizational and communication skills, and a first-rate, experienced event planner.

Experience is the Key

Gaining experience wherever and whenever possible can accelerate your career.  Build your resume and start a portfolio.  Don’t be picky about the types of events you plan.  Associations, universities and corporate America all hold meetings and events and they all take a quality planner to be successful.  Gaining experience from different verticals will broaden your experiences and knowledge.

Get Connected

Lean on everyone in the industry.  Joining your local MPI, ISES and other trade associations will propel your exposure to the industry and help you gain a clear understanding of what’s trending, what works, and more importantly, what doesn’t.

VOLUNTEER!!

Choose a non-profit whose message rings true with you.  Call them or their event planner and ask to help with their fundraiser. Volunteer at a local running group’s race, college football, basketball or baseball games, galas or award ceremonies.   Ask lots of questions. (Note: the person with the clip board, holding two phones or wearing a Com headset is usually the person who can answer most of your questions.) Keep an open mind and be willing to try anything.

Article written by Mark Steinmetz, National Account Manager

Share This Article