How do I Become an Event Planner?
Event planners, meeting planners, convention planners, no matter what you call them, they all arrange large gatherings of people as a profession. A bachelor’s degree is becoming increasingly relevant for this position and an education in hospitality management could be an essential part of a professional event planner’s background. While everyone has planned an event, from a casual get together with friends to possibly a wedding, event planners have the passion, contacts, and attention to detail that sets them apart from getting your family together for a Sunday cookout.
What Qualities Does an Event Planner Need?
If you’re interested in event planning, you need to have the traits that make a planner successful. Here are some of the major ones.
- Attention to detail: Large events such as weddings or conferences require planners to coordinate people, food, ceremonies, and events. If you know the special touches and live to make attendees feel welcomed and comfortable, you are on the right path.
- Organizational skills: Organization is the key to event planning. Whatever system you use, it has to work flawlessly for everything to come off without a hitch.
- Communication: You will undoubtedly be communicating with clients, vendors, and guests throughout the entire affair. Not only in person but through email, phone calls, and even text messages. Being able to communicate clearly and respond promptly is vital to everyone obtaining important information and performing their duties as required.
- Problem Solving: Sometimes the unavoidable happens and an event can spiral out of control if you’re not quick to find a solution.
- Stress Management: It’s obvious that coordinating such large events are going to become stressful. If you can maintain your composure, work on a deadline, and work under pressure, you could be a good event planner.
- Passion: Most importantly, you have to be passionate about providing this service. No one will last long in this demanding field if they're not very invested in the process.
What kind of Qualifications are there to be an Event Planner?
If you want to be the best of the best and make event planning your livelihood, it’s a good idea to earn a degree in a related field. A bachelor’s degree in business administration would provide not only the skills you will need to be a great event planner, but assure any client interested in hiring you that you have an educational background in this field.
The industry also recognizes certifications within the field. For example, if you want to be a wedding planner, after you obtain your bachelor’s degree, you can also take the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners certification. This can increase your visibility to potential clients.
How do I get started as an Event Planner?
Education can be the foundation on which to build your life as an event planner. A degree in hospitality management can provide you with a variety of skills and knowledge that will help you manage all of the various tasks and duties of a professional event planner. You can learn important parts of the job such as how to negotiate with vendors for a fair price. How to manage employees who will be working under you. Also, you could gain an understanding of marketing, planning, economics, and financial management. All valuable skills needed in professional planning.
If you’re ready to move from small parties with friends to large events for businesses or special occasions, consider ECPI University in order to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in hospitality management. With an accelerated schedule, year-round classes, and an externship, this degree could help you obtain the skills and knowledge needed to make a successful life as an event planner. Contact an admissions representative today to discuss if ECPI University would be a good fit for you.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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