Find out how to Have a Profitable Profession in Occasion Planning and Administration

With the media hype around major events like VOIP parties, award shows, Hollywood celebrity birthday parties, and new movie premieres, a career in event planning seems tempting.

It’s not all glamor and glitter forks, however!

It’s not just about meeting famous people and touring breathtaking locations. It takes passion, hard work, and specific skills.

If working with people, taking control of chaotic situations, keeping an eye for details, and multitasking is your passion, a career in event management and planning is a great option for you.

You need to work on your social skills, including listening techniques. By understanding customer needs and limiting yourself to the following tips, you will easily find success in your event management and planning career:

1. Pick a niche

Finding a niche means choosing a part of the event planning that you want to focus on. Event planning is basically a versatile field, from children’s birthdays to fundraisers to shareholder meetings – so you can specialize in any type of event.

Be flexible with clients, especially if you are just starting out, but focus on your interests and strengths in the area to make sure you move forward in different areas.

To determine your niche, make sure you identify all the events that you enjoy coordinating and personalize your search for experiences on those occasions.

2. Use technology

Getting started in event management and event planning means dealing with different tasks at the same time. Fortunately, there are some mobile apps and event management software programs that can help you sort things out and prioritize your responsibilities.

Whether it’s the most sophisticated event management apps / software or the standard Microsoft Office suite, great event managers know how to make the most of these resources.

Even if you don’t use event management apps or software programs, one of the keys to being successful in the industry is using the data you collect to guide you through the decision-making process.

3. Work on your communication skills

A must for any event planner and manager is the ability to develop a relationship and interact in a short amount of time. Most planners have effective communication skills and are brave enough to speak to C-suite executives, vendors, event attendees, brand sponsors, and donors.

Strong interpersonal skills are also a must to ensure that everyone involved is perfectly aware of their role. You can also have an added benefit if you have strong writing skills to convey information clearly, confidently, and respectfully.

4. Enhance the work experience

Work experience is important in the competitive events industry. Internships, university internships and training in event management can give you an introduction to the industry and make your résumé look good.

According to experts, knowledge and relevant experience, whether voluntary or paid, are essential to get into this field. Some degree programs have an optional year in the sector. This can be a perfect opportunity to make industry contacts and gain relevant experience.

With many individuals struggling for paid work experience, you may want to consider hosting your own social event or volunteering. Practical experience can make you a very attractive candidate for potential employers.

5. Use social media

In this time and era, you can fail to neglect the importance of social media for entry-level careers in terms of event management and planning. For example, LinkedIn is a successful forum for many corporate event managers and event planners.

To use the platform, you should have an engaging and professional side. Leave contact details on your page so people can reach you.

Make sure you also add your volunteering projects and update your resume on the website. The platform is also growing daily, becoming a viable network for event planners, business professionals, and companies looking for alternative hiring options. In addition to LinkedIn, you can use the following social media platforms:

6. Sign up for an educational program

There are many event management courses available to help you get started in the industry, from level 3 foundation programs to postgraduate courses. Even if you already have your master’s degree, there are various educational pathways that open the door to the industry for you.

Regardless of which level you choose, a degree in the areas of event planning, leisure, business administration and the hotel industry will make a major contribution to starting your career.

7. Be flexible

The event planner job doesn’t end with business hours. There are times when customers need you to perform tasks that are not in your comfort zone. Your ability to think on your feet is priceless and will take your event planning career a long way.

When organizing an event, it is your duty to shape it into something more concrete. When a few things change – like the florist delivering you the wrong flowers or the caterer dropping out at the last minute – you should be able to adjust in a snap. Make sure you are keeping up with these changes and have a backup plan.

8. Dealing with a qualified team

Team planning or management is no less important than planning events. Choosing an event planner can either make or break your career. Make sure you have skilled staff that you can rely on if things go south during an event.

9. Build a strong base of industry knowledge

Enlightening yourself with industry-specific insights is a great way to learn about event planning and the hospitality industry as a whole. Investing in these industry-specific specialized training programs can give you a competitive advantage over other professionals in the field.

This pedagogical foundation is important for starting your business. It presents all professional opportunities that are available in the area of ​​event planning and management.

Final touches!

Whether it’s a large music event or a pop-up foodie experience, planning and management are critical to running events regardless of their size.

Now, more than ever, it would be a good idea to have a good event management plan that can accommodate even unforeseen challenges, including those from Covid-19.

To develop a solid plan and handle everything from setting schedules to choosing vendors, you need good management skills, including communication, interpersonal and critical thinking.

This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors or management of EconoTimes.