How to Become a Successful Event Planner

The first step in becoming a successful event planner is to set tangible goals and objectives. Event planning requires budgeting, setting deadlines, selecting and booking event venues, acquiring permits, planning meals, coordinating transportation, developing a theme, organizing activities, selecting speakers and keynotes, organizing equipment and facilities, managing risk and developing contingency plans. It is important to assess your skills and decide how they can be used to create the events you want to plan. Entrepreneurs who work well in teams and can remain calm under pressure tend to excel in this field. Joyce Barnes-Wolff had 11 years of experience planning in-house events for one retail chain before working for another event planning company and eventually starting her own business. The right event software can make a huge difference when it comes to streamlining processes when planning an event. Even if you are not planning an extravagant event, it is still a great way to learn, make connections and develop your unique event style. You should use information about your audience to determine which channels you should focus on to advertise your event, such as event announcement websites, social media, partnerships or print. Creating an event master plan will help you stay on track and coordinate with volunteers and event committee members. Event planners are often expected to remain calm in chaotic situations and appear unshakable. Working hours can be long and irregular, so working more than 40 hours a week is quite common before and after an event. You can share tips, checklists and your favorite event planning software with other planners or create a video travel blog to highlight the best event venues in your area. Some may gain related experience working in a hotel or other hospitality business before becoming an event organizer. When setting the initial goals and objectives of the event, you should also consider how you will evaluate the event to determine your success. Event planners may travel around the world for work but they know that sometimes the only sights they'll see will be inside a hotel.