By DeVry University
November 2, 2022
7 min read
November 2, 2022
7 min read
If you’ve ever attended a wedding, charity fundraiser, business conference or other large event and came away asking, “How did this all come together?” you can likely thank the event planner. If you enjoy planning and hosting parties, are good at handling details and find personal satisfaction in helping others enjoy themselves, you might be interested in learning how to become an event planner and pursue a career in this field.
According to Indeed, while a formal education is not a strict requirement, increased competition in this field has encouraged more aspiring event planners to earn a degree, and many corporations require their event planners to hold bachelor’s degrees before being hired for this role. Earning your bachelor’s degree in meeting and event management or a related discipline such as hospitality, marketing or public relations might be a good first step toward pursuing a career in this field.
A degree program related to this field can teach you a variety of skills, including event sales and sponsorship, human resources management, relationship management, agreement negotiation, accounting and computer skills that are specific to this industry.
Through our online Bachelor’s Degree with a Specialization in Hospitality Management at DeVry, for example, you’ll have the opportunity to explore day-to-day operational responsibilities and gain insight into how to effectively manage hospitality service providers.
Among the certifications available in this industry are the CMP and the CSEP. The Certified Meeting Planner, or CMP, can be earned by completing certificate courses administered by Meeting Professionals International and the Events Industry Council. Professional experience and successful completion of an exam are required to earn this certification.
The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) certification, offered by the International Live Events Association, recognizes event professionals who’ve successfully demonstrated the ability, knowledge and skills to fulfill all elements of a special event. Requirements for obtaining this certification are similar to the CMP. Candidates must have event planning experience and pass the CSEP exam.
After it’s built, you’ll need to maintain it, adding new items to keep it fresh and current. You’ll also need to promote it through social media, email and other outreach methods.
Social media is a great tool for self-promotion and can be a great reputation-builder. Social media generates interest and exposure through photos, videos and other content posted by you or others who’ve attended events you’ve worked on. Be sure to promote your online portfolio by linking it to your social media accounts.
Creating a website or blog is another effective promotional tactic to help you to reinforce your value proposition and be found by search engines. This is where you’ll post your qualifications, photos, videos, client testimonials, the results you’ve achieved and other content that will help distinguish you from other event planners.
Finally, networking events are a great self-promotion tool. In-person networking is a great way to literally rub elbows with potential clients, employers or other contacts that may lead to event planning career opportunities.
Corporate and professional events or conferences require event planners to be particularly buttoned down and detail-oriented, as this type of event planning involves booking hotel rooms and coordinating and contracting with speakers, sponsors and exhibitors.
Event planners know that as the date for a large event approaches, they will likely be required to work longer hours, including evenings and weekends. Those specializing in weddings will have to be flexible as well, since many times, details can change during the planning process.
This job might be a great choice for people who are composed and calm under pressure. In this profession, soft skills, like many of the ones listed above, play an important role.
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