Do you love planning parties and events? If so, a career in event planning may be perfect for you. But, what does an event planner do? This is a common question that many people have. Generally speaking, an event planner is responsible for coordinating and executing events.
In this blog post, we will discuss the most common questions we encounter around event planning careers. We will also talk about the work environment, education and training required, and skills needed to succeed in this field.
Key Points
- What Does an Event Planner Do
- How Much Do Event Planners Make
- Training and Education
- Our Takeaway
What Does an Event Planner Do?
Event planning is the process of organizing and executing an event, such as a conference, wedding, or birthday party. Event planners are responsible for every event detail, from start to finish. The event-coordinator job description also includes:
- creating and executing an event plan
- coordinating with vendors
- handling logistics
- ensuring that the event runs smoothly
A professional event planner is responsible for organizing and coordinating a special event. This can include anything from a small meeting to a large conference or wedding. A planner is responsible for ensuring that everything goes smoothly and that guests have a great experience.
Event planning is a complex and challenging job, but it can also be gratifying. If you’re interested in becoming a successful event planner, here are some things you need to know.
Event Planner Job Description
No matter the event, big or small, there are specific duties that an event planner has. From logistics and organization to marketing and budgeting, it’s a planner’s job to make sure every detail is accounted for and that the event goes off without a hitch.
A professional event planner has many responsibilities and wears several hats. Let’s take a look at some of the key duties of an event planner and explore what goes into making an event successful.
Before an Event
Event planners are responsible for a wide variety of tasks before events take place. They must work to ensure that all the necessary arrangements are in place. Here are some of the responsibilities that come with an event organizer job before the event:
- Meet with clients to discuss the event’s purpose and desired outcome
- Book a venue
- Contact attendees
- Arrange catering and décor
- Make transportation schedule
- Book the necessary audio-visual equipment
- Develop a detailed program for the event, including start times, breaks, and activities
- Create a budget and track all incoming payments
- Create a marketing plan
- Promote the event through various channels
- Coordinate with speakers and performers
- Confirm bookings
- Conduct final walkthrough
During an Event
While the event is taking place, it is the job of the professional party organizer to make sure that everything is going according to plan. This includes being available to solve any problems that may arise. Here are some of the tasks that an event planner may do during an event:
- Greet guests as they arrive
- Coordinate with suppliers
- Troubleshoot any problems that arise
- Oversee set-up and take-down
- Manage the event schedule
- Act as a point of contact for guests
After an Event
Anyone interested in event planning should know that part of event planner job descriptions is to do the grunt work post-event and conduct an honest debriefing and evaluation. Here are some of the tasks that an event planner may do after an event:
- pack up equipment and materials
- clear away food and drinks
- collect feedback from attendees
- meet with the client to discuss the event
- prepare a post-event report
Types of Event Planners
There are several different types of event planners, each with their areas of expertise.
- Society event planners – they help plan and execute parties, galas, balls, and other events for members of high society
- Corporate event planners – they help companies plan internal events, like company picnics or holiday parties, as well as large-scale events intended to promote the companies’ products or services
- Wedding planners – help couples with everything, from finding the perfect venue to coordinating the catering, music, and decor
- Non-profit event planners – help organizations raise money and awareness for their causes by planning auctions and other special events
Regardless of the position and the type, all party planner jobs should focus on ensuring events run smoothly and are memorable for all the right reasons.
Work Environment
The party planner’s career can grow in different work environments, depending on the type of events they organize. For example, corporate event planners who work for large companies may spend most of their time in an office setting, while wedding planners may be based in a home office and spend a lot of time meeting with clients and visiting venues.
Event planners typically work long hours, including evenings and weekends, and often travel to attend meetings or oversee events.
How Much Do Event Planners Make
The salary of an event planner can vary depending on the type of industry they work in and the location. For instance, according to event marketing statistics, event planners in Hawaii earn 12.9% more than the national average.
While the party planner’s salary ranges depending on the industry, some may also receive commissions or bonuses. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for event planners in May 2021 was $49,470.
Assistant Event Planner Jobs Salary
According to statistics, the median annual income of assistant event planners in the US is $40,000 or $20.51 per hour. Some earn as much as $54,639 annually.
Entry-Level Event Planning Jobs Salary
Entry-level event organizers with less than one year of experience can earn an average annual total compensation of $40,202, including tips, bonuses, and overtime pay.
Event Manager Jobs Pay
The median annual event manager salary in the US in 2022 has reached $53,410, or approximately $27.39 per hour. Some of the most experienced managers make as much as $80,000 annually.
Qualities of a Good Event Planner
There are no fixed requirements for event planners, but some employers may prefer candidates with certain qualities. Here are the qualifications expected of applicants.
Event Planner Education
In the United States, there are no specific educational requirements to become an event planner. However, many employers may prefer someone with at least a bachelor’s degree in event management or a related field.
Training
Some event planners may need to complete their training to jumpstart their party planner career. These include courses on customer service, budgeting, marketing, and event management.
Some states may also require event planners to complete a certain number of hours of training for first aid and CPR offered by community colleges, universities, or organizations.
Event Planner Certification
While there are no strict requirements for event planners, obtaining specific certifications might give the planner a competitive advantage. Professional certification programs can provide event planners with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the field.
Standard certifications include the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) and the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).
Event Coordinator Skills
Event planners need to have a wide range of skills to be successful. They must be creative, organized, detail-oriented, and good at problem-solving and multitasking. Event planners also need excellent communication and customer service skills. In addition, event planners must be able to handle logistics, work well under pressure, and make last-minute changes.
What Does an Event Planner Do: Our Takeaway
Event planning can be an interesting, challenging, and rewarding career. To become an event planner, you will need good organization skills, communication abilities, and creativity. If you’re looking for a job that involves working with people, has many growth opportunities, and offers a variety of challenges, event planning may be the perfect choice for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the duties of an event planner?
The primary duty of event planners is to coordinate and manage all of the different aspects of a specific event. This may include tasks such as securing venues and vendors, managing budgets and timelines, organizing logistics and transportation, coordinating with speakers or performers, and ensuring that guests are well taken care of throughout the event.
In addition to these general responsibilities, there may be additional duties specific to the type of event in question, such as sponsorship and marketing.
What skills are needed for an event planning career?
Event planning is a demanding career that requires a diverse skill set. While the ability to stay organized and pay attention to detail is crucial, event planners need to be creative problem solvers. They must be able to think on their feet and come up with innovative solutions when faced with unexpected challenges.
Additionally, event planners need to be excellent communicators. They need to clearly articulate their vision to clients, vendors, and others in the planning team. Furthermore, event planners need to be able to handle stress well and stay calm under pressure.
How do people start event planning?
There are several different ways people may start a career in event planning. Some individuals may pursue a degree or certificate program in event management or related fields, such as hospitality or business administration.
These programs typically provide students with the tools and knowledge to create successful events, from the initial planning stages to marketing and budgeting.
Another option is to gain experience by volunteering for local events. This can help aspiring planners build their skills and raise their profile within the community.
How to become a successful event planner?
To become a successful event planner, you need to develop several essential skills and qualities.
First, you must have excellent organization and planning skills. Second, you must be able to create engaging and interactive event experiences for the guests. Lastly, it would be best to build relationships with clients and vendors, as it allows you to work together effectively throughout the planning process.
What does an event planner do daily?
On a typical day, event planners research new venues, contact vendors, create timelines and budgets, and coordinate with other event staff. While the question “what does an event planner do” can have different answers because no two days are similar for planners, their primary task revolves around ensuring everything runs smoothly.