There are many avenues to explore if you're interested in getting into event planning. Start by meeting people in the event planning industry. You can also volunteer your time or take up an educational course. Once you have a network, you should start approaching companies and organizations to volunteer your services or to assist in their events.
Networking
To get into event planning, you need to make connections with others who have been in the field. Social media is a great way to meet potential clients and network with industry experts. Your friends and family can also be referred. It is easier to get a job in this field if you have more contacts.
Attend events and trade shows to make contacts and build a solid network. Networking is only one step. Next, you need to develop a system to track contacts, share ideas, as well as build long-term relationships. This is especially important when planning events for the first time.
Volunteering
Volunteering could be an option for those who are interested in event management. Volunteers can make an event a success. They are willing to give of their time because the event is important to them. Be sure to thank them for their time. Even the smallest thank-you can make a big difference.
Volunteering at local events can give you valuable experience and insight into the industry. From dealing with the public, hiring venues, and assessing risk, you can all learn. You will also have the opportunity to learn from other professionals and interact with them about legal issues.
Courses in education
There are many paths to success in event planning. These programs can give you a broad education on the subject, from risk management and marketing to finance. Many of these programs offer coursework in the latest technology and industry trends. They can teach you how run conventions, meetings, and tradeshows.
It is vital to have a career in the events industry. A degree in event planning will help you gain the skills and knowledge you need. Many degree programs offer internships to the event planning industry. This gives you the opportunity to use what you've learned in class and get real-world experience. Dual degree programs are offered by some programs.
Your job duties
The job duties of event planners are varied and can include a range of tasks. They may coordinate with vendors to coordinate music and catering and coordinate travel. These tasks can also be performed remotely from an office or at home.
Event coordinators typically manage vendors, venue staff and clients. They must be able and willing to delegate tasks, organize large events, and manage multiple vendors. Event coordinators must also have excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
Budgeting
Planning an event is a crucial step. Budgets should reflect the total cost of the event. You should know what each event costs so that you don't end up spending more. Look at the past event data to help determine your event cost. It is also possible to research current trends as well as the needs of your audience. It is important to build good vendor relationships.
After determining the overall event budget, allocate at most 20% to the contingency fund. This will enable you to deal with unexpected expenses and avoid the event going over budget. In addition, a contingency fund can help you to communicate with your clients about the projected expenses.