Do you dream about orchestrating weddings, anniversaries or corporate events for others? Well, you can easily turn that dream into reality! All you have to do is make a plan and follow through with it. To help you get there, here are the steps of becoming an event planner.
Education
Most professional event planners either have a degree in event management or something related, such as hospitality, business management, public relations or communications. These programs will cover a range of beneficial topics, such as financial accounting, event sales and sponsorships, human resource management and relationship management. Though it is not necessarily required to have a degree, it is very beneficial and can help you excel in this field.
Internship to Gain Experience
Getting hands-on experience is one of the most important aspects of really learning what it takes and what’s involved in event planning. Look for an internship so you can gain insightful tips from an experienced event planner. Volunteering at festivals, concerts and non-profit events can also be excellent ways to learn the tricks of the trade.
Get Familiar with the Necessary Software
Event planners rely on certain programs to keep everything organized for a smooth and well-orchestrated event. If you want to succeed in this industry, you’ll need to understand how to use the right software too. This includes programs for marketing, project management, customer management, and sales.
Determine Where You Want to Specialize
Many event planners choose to specialize in a particular niche of event planning – weddings, corporate events, fundraisers, business retreats, and otherwise. If you don’t have a preference and enjoy a variety, then you can also choose to remain as a generalist planner.
Assemble Your Portfolio
Your portfolio should highlight your education, skills and any accomplishments in the industry. When you’re creating your portfolio, you can incorporate a variety of things, such as testimonials, brochures, photos, publications, as well as budgeting requirements and any challenges that you worked on and were able to overcome. This portfolio should be polished, professional and well put together.
Looking for a venue in Ottawa to host your upcoming event? St. Elias Centre offers a modern, versatile space with delectable in-house catering, audio and visual equipment, support from our professional team and much more. Reach out to us today to learn about our services and how we can assist you.