What does an Event Planner do?
Event Planners typically work for corporations, venues, event planning companies or hotels and resorts. They can also be self-employed individuals. They use their eye for design and management skills to oversee an event from the planning and preparation phase through to completion. Their job is to work with one or more clients at a time to help them establish their event needs within a particular budget. They use this information to book venues and hire entertainment, Caterers and Designers. They may also undertake the job of creating and sending out invitations to the client’s desired guest list.
Event Planner skills and qualifications
An event planner may obtain the Certified Meeting Professional credential from the Events Industry Council. Event planners working for the government can get the Certified Government Meeting Professional designation from The Society of Government Meeting Professionals. Certificates are available for wedding planners from recognized associations too. Event planners abilities include:
- Being a motivated self-starter
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Negotiating contracts with clients and service providers
- The ability to multitask efficiently
- Creative thinking and problem solving
- Identifying and solving problems for clients
- Selecting the best price for products and services
- Advanced written and oral communications skills
Event Planner salary expectations
An Event Planner makes an average of $15.56 per hour. Pay rate may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.
Event Planner education and training requirements
An Event Planner position requires the applicant to have a Bachelor’s degree. Some employers accept candidates who have studied event and business management at a college level. People interested in being an Event Planner can also consider business communications for exceptional interpersonal interaction via phone, email and text. Keeping up to date with the latest technological advances in communication is essential. It may be required for some students in the hospitality services to upgrade their education by taking extra courses continually. Degree fields that help toward being an Event Planner include hospitality, communications, public relations or another related field of study.
Event Planner experience requirements
Many employers seek an Event Planner with experience in the hospitality industry. Having had multiple positions in an establishment can ensure the candidate knows how a hotel or service venue operates. Shadowing other professional Event Planners will count as an experience qualification for a job. A person with experience coordinating school events in a volunteer role will also be qualified as having expertise. Employers may look for a set number of experiences planning events for clients. Other employers seek from 2-5 years of experience in event management to qualify for a position in their company.
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