What Exactly Does An Event Planner Do?
Behind every successful event is a dedicated event planner that knows how to plan an event and who works diligently to ensure a smooth event experience for those involved. For organizations looking to hold events, finding the perfect event planner is a key task or for people looking to become an event planner, understanding the proper skills required for this position is a must.
What is an event planner?
An event planner, also referred to as a convention planner or event coordinator, is the one in charge of coordinating all event details. These details can change vastly depending on the type of event but overall, the event planner is often the liaison for the clients and planning committees. The main reason an event planner is hired, rather than an internal employee maintaining events, is because event planning skills are very unique for this role that those outside of the industry lack as well as the sheer amount of time one must dedicate for running a successful event and the
What does an event planner do?
Event planning requires a wide-range of responsibilities and those applying for the first time to become an event planner may feel overwhelmed by the amount required. Beginning an event will require research into the market your event is in, gathering the relevant information and negotiating contracts for venues and other required bookings. Along with managing the staff and their activities, the major task of managing guests and their needs is also a major aspect covered by event planner. This is range from making the guest list to researching dietary restrictions for special guests.
List of an event planner's responsibilities in an ordinary event
- Building an attractive and SEO focused event website,
- Marketing event to target audience by using social media and email marketing tools,
- Deciding upon registration types, registration fees and deadlines for registration,
- Creating an online Registration Form and deciding upon the questions which will be asked during registration,
- Integrating a payment gateway to online registration process,
- Offering accommodation service, social activities, workshops, tours or transfer services to participants,
- Collecting abstract papers and offering an abstract review tool if the event is an academic conference,
- Creating an event program
- Creating and offer an event mobile app,
- Reporting and following event registrations, bookings and payments realtime,
- Designing and printing conference badges for participants,
- Onsite management of the event.
Event Planner job requirements
As seen, the role of event planner has many responsibilities which results in a list of requirements just as vast. With market research and negotiating being necessary, having strong time management and communication skills are where every event planner should start when applying for event management companies. While expanding event planning skills, multiple projects can be occurring together at different stages. Due to this, the ability to manage multiple projects independently must also be considered. For those looking to set themselves apart from the competition, many universities offer a BS in event management which will help develop more of the skills required while becoming a certified event planner. It is suggested, as well, to keep a well-organized portfolio of all previous work done to increase the professionalism of your application. An easy
How to start an event planning business?
The development of personal and professional skills is key to beginning any career, especially event planning. For those taking the first steps to become an event planner, shadowing a current event planner will help show the day-to-day tasks event management entails. The most important start to becoming an event planner is networking. By joining local and national event planning associations, you can meet new event planners, develop new relationships and learn new skills. Networking is not limited to only inside event planning associations though. Meeting new outside partners such as vendors, caterers and suppliers can help your development in the event planning field become better-rounded and noticed. Making yourself familiar with event planning software will be beneficial by taking stress away from menial details the event industry has. While there is free event management software, finding the best software to work for you is important. You should consider whether an event managing app is included as well as an event website as these features are becoming more necessary for running an event.
While the task of event planning is daunting, MeetingHand is available to ease the process for event planners. Our company is comprised of event professionals who understand the needs of those in the event industry and are ready to help corporate event planners, hotel event planners and everything in between.