Event planners typically work for corporations, venues, event planning companies, or hotels and resorts. They can also be self-employed. They use their design and management skills to oversee an event from the planning and preparation phase to its completion. Their job is to work with one or more clients at a time to help them set their event needs within a particular budget.
Event planners arrange locations, hire catering, entertainment and other providers, as well as accommodation and transportation for attendees. They can host a variety of events including business conventions, weddings and educational conferences, and more. They use this information to book places and hire entertainment, catering and designers. They can also perform the task of creating and sending invitations to the guest list desired by the customer.
An event planner must decide how many people will attend the event and how formal it will be. They must ensure that every detail of the event meets the customer's specifications. They can work with providers to arrange transportation, meeting places, catering, lodging, and other services such as photography and videography.
Event planners often juggle planning multiple events at once. They spend time in an office and out of the office viewing locations, visiting suppliers, and meeting with customers. The work also involves travel, as they must visit the event venue several times during the course of planning the event, including attendance on the day of the event.
For example, hospitals, universities, and entire industries such as the wedding industry will have plenty of event planners ready to help them create the different programs they need. Becoming an event planner involves a commitment to a varied education and often intensive on-the-job training. Education and training requirements vary for event planners by area of expertise.
Most planners work full time, with lots of extra hours right before and during events to keep things running smoothly. And while work can make event planners travel around the world, they know that sometimes the only places they'll see will be inside a hotel.
Computer Skills Fluency with project management software and spreadsheet and database software is essential for planners. Joining a professional organization helps new event planners make important connections and increase their job opportunities. Some may gain related experience working in a hotel or other hotel business before becoming event organizers.
Review sample resumes and cover letters for event planners to ensure you have an edge in the competition. Training may include accompanying a senior event planner and performing your tasks under supervision until you are comfortable doing tasks on your own.
