Event planning has grown to be one of the biggest businesses in the world. If you love details, have eyes for good color, can manage funds to produce quality. You should consider a career in event planning. If you are wondering how; relax, this article on how to become an event planner satisfies all your curiosity.
Interestingly, occasions like birthdays, weddings, and graduations have taken a new dimension in planning. That is to say, you may never run out of events to show your creativity and management skills.
In this article, we will expose how to become an event planner, schools you can attend to study event planning, ways to scale up your event planning business and so much more. Quickly see an overview of all the information you are about to garner in the table of content below.
Table of contents
What is Event Planning?
Event planning can simply be defined as the process behind the planning and execution of an event.
Some time ago, event planning was not prescribed as a business or occupation but over the years, the enormous work which has sprung up due to the client wants, have made it blossom.
This has, in turn, opened a space for talented individuals with an eye for making beautiful designs either through art or decoration.
In the past six years, researchers say that an estimate of 10,000 event planning businesses have opened up which has employed more than 25,000 individuals.
However, if you’re still contemplating how or you’re seeking to become an event planner, we would like you to let you know the possibility of growing very big exists.
What are the Benefits of Being an Event Planner?
As an event planner, you can make millions in a week. You can organize events all week at different venues when properly organized and you keep smiling to the bank.
The flexibility of the job allows you to set your own schedules to enable you to attend to important matters.
As you know, you get to meet more people and travel to a man place which means increased connections, adaptability, versatility and better people skills.
Formal education is not a prerequisite to becoming an event planner. You can quickly understudy, take lessons on how to become an event planner and start executing your own contracts.
How Do I Become an Event Planner?
If you choose to venture into the field of event planning, it’s best you let it know you’re in for a herculean task with its own rewards.
There is no easy process but you can either work under an already established event planner and master the art behind the trade or you can be educated in an institution.
To be sincere, the two options have their advantages and disadvantages but they’ll largely depend on your pursuit, mental and financial readiness.
The hard work and endurance to dutifully execute unwanted tasks or the patience to study hard for close to four years always tip the scale.
Whichever way you choose, the choice remains yours. Let’s, however, take a look at some of the amazing places where you can study event planning.
Schools to Study Event Planning
The internet has become so powerful that when you search “how to become an event planner”, a lot of search options come up with good information. This is good, however, it is not enough. Nothing is as vital as structured learning which you can get in an institution.
Therefore, when you choose to study event planning, there a lot of schools that offer up the program.
However, the schools we’re about to reveal to you which were gotten from here have been described as the best based on enrolment number.
These institutions include;
- University of Central Florida
- American Public University
- University of Massachusets
- Indiana University
- Sinclair Community College
- Northampton Community College
- Cincinnati State Technical and Community College
Location: Florida
Tuition: In-state -$212.28 per credit hour
Out of State- $748.89 per credit hour
This institution runs a bachelor program called event management with departments such as Tourism, Events, and Attraction under it.
There are no admission requirements in place for this program but the degree requirements entail the student must earn a minimum of 2.0 overall CGP in coursework and a 2.0 or better in each course listed in the program prerequisites.
You can visit the institution to learn more about the program using the button below.Visit School
Location: West Virginia
Tuition: $285|250 per credit hour
In this institution, the program is called Meeting and Event Planning.
The certificate is gotten online and is for undergraduate students without prior knowledge of event planning.
Interestingly, courses include Meeting and Convention Planning, Convention Sales and Service, Business and Conference Hospitality Management.
The objective of the program include;
- Apply the steps involved in planning meetings and special events.
- Evaluate the administration and logistics of a given event scenario.
- Explain the environmental concerns involved in managing an event.
- Analyze elements of a client culture affecting meeting and event planning.
Location: Amherst, Massachusetts
Tuition: In-state – $425 per credit hour
Out of state -$1275 per credit hour
In this online undergraduate certificate program, you’re exposed to examining details with the bigger picture in view.
It is targeted at helping the student pick deadlines which are appropriate, plan publicity before an event and also teach top-notch contract negotiation.
The certificate is earned only after the completion of five courses out of the many and you can learn more about the program by clicking the button below.
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
Tuition: In-state- $286.01 per credit hour
Out of state – $986.31 per credit hour
This online undergraduate certificate program gives you the opportunity to select courses that pertain to a wide array of event management careers.
Importantly, you must take courses in convention and meeting management, meeting planning logistics, international meeting planning, etc.
To gain the Undergraduate certificate, you must complete 19 hours of credit load which is broken done in nine electives, nine event management courses, and one event management internship.
You can check out more about this program and kickstart your application process here. Visit School
Location: 444 W Third St, Dayton, OH 45402, United States
Tuition: In-state – $116.03 per credit hour
Out of state – $299.40 per credit hour
This program prepares its candidates for entry-level positions in resorts, conventions, visitor centers.
The programme is aimed at aiding participants;
- Demonstrate the ability to practice concepts of customer service in meeting and events operations.
- Use technology to achieve operational efficiency and productivity in meetings and event operations.
- Demonstrate appropriate professional written and oral communication skills along with a professional dress and grooming standards.
- Demonstrate an ability to work effectively as a member of a team, and perform meeting and event responsibilities in an ethical manner.
- Make decisions based on integrating knowledge of functional areas for managing meetings and events.
You can get to know all the requirements and courses that form part of this program by using the button below.Visit School
Location: 3835 Green Pond Rd, Bethlehem, PA 18020, United States
Tuition: In-state – $8,970
Out of State – $13,250 per credit hour
Northampton University runs three associate degrees in hospitality management, restaurant management, and meeting and event planning.
These programs are offered at the two campuses of the University In Bethlehem and Monroe.
There is a program map available for you and you can learn more about their courses by using the button below.
Location: 3520 Central Pkwy, Cincinnati, OH 45223, United States
Tuition: In-state -$163.64 per credit hour
Out of state – $322.28 per credit hour
This institution through its Hospitality management Program trains its students on the basics of lodging operations, event management skills and hospitality management training.
All graduates of the program earn an Associate of Applied Business degree and are given positions in diverse hospitality venues.
The management courses are done online to provide flexibility for students who want to complete their degree.
You can get access to more details about the courses in the program and kickstart your application by clicking the button below.
Also Recommended:
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Enhancing Your Career as An Event Planner
As you know, this is a growing industry, the competition for the few places is high and you might want to be distinctive and exceptional.
Therefore, to be known, popular and respected requires that you know a few hacks on how you can become a better event planner.
Some of the ways you can scale up would be;
Exceptional clear and simple Communication
The art of communication is very important. Humans literally sit for hours listening to speeches.
You must learn to speak in a polished and precise manner and especially in the interest of your client. In addition, your words must be able to communicate your competence and reliability. You’re best advised to take up public speaking and communication classes.Proper Organization
In all cases, a lack of organization is the destroyer of a great plan. Make sure you thread meticulously and you provide for mishaps.
Possess necessary organizational tools to help you plan fruitfully while making periodic checkups.
In addition, present in a kingly manner.Online Presence
A lot of event planner have let this part slide in their businesses.
Researchers have found that more than 80% of individuals who want to host events make online research about certain event packages.
If you want to become an exceptional event planner, you must possess an online presence where you can easily be sought out and not depend on the referrals.Adaptability
Nowadays, due to the varieties that exist in style, clients find it hard in making up their mind to what to do and may most times bring up complications.
You need to create a system that is easily adaptable to different tastes. This will, in turn, reduce the effect of last-minute changes on you and your team.Creativeness and Reliability
Your creativity has to be top-notch. You need to be able to complement different styles and patterns.
Get in touch with more experienced event planners and learn the thought pattern behind their excellence and fruitfulness.
In addition, ensure you always deliver on your promises and you show up when expected. To be a great event planner, integrity is key.
All the attributes listed above can help you scale your business, however, you need to also leverage relationships.
As an event planner, you need to build relationships with the right people that will help scale your market.
Conclusion
Planning an event is never easy and ones with stress and headaches but a successful event always gives fulfillment to the event planner.
This industry holds a lot of promise and we believe at this your point you should move from looking for how to become an event planner to planning events.
We wish you continued success in your event planning career.
References
- Nairaland – Ho to become an event planner Nigeria
- Mnm – Best strategies to elevate your event planning career
- Schools – Event planning
- Eventplanningblueprint – How to plan an event
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