{"id":8641,"date":"2022-09-28T08:00:22","date_gmt":"2022-09-28T08:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/?p=8641"},"modified":"2023-11-06T18:46:57","modified_gmt":"2023-11-06T18:46:57","slug":"how-to-become-event-planner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-become-event-planner\/","title":{"rendered":"Your 12-Step Guide to Becoming an Event Planner"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you have a knack for juggling? Deadlines, budgets, and personnel, that is. <\/span><b>Then you may want to become an event planner!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not sure how to get started on becoming an event planner? I&#8217;ve written <\/span><b>a basic guide to help you launch into this exciting field.<\/b><\/p>\n<p>See Related:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-event-staff\/\">So, You Want to Know What Event Staff Is?<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>#1: Earn a College Degree in a Related Field<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It&#8217;s true: there are not many schools that offer a bachelor&#8217;s degree in event planning.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>That being said, there are other degree programs that will equip you with relevant experience. Here are a few examples:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Hospitality Management<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A degree in hospitality management will familiarize you with the world of<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/travel.usnews.com\/hotels\/usa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hotels<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span><b>Many hotels have in-house event planners.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Business Management<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming an event planner often means becoming your own boss. A degree in business management will help you <\/span><b>learn to crunch numbers and make smart business decisions.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Public Relations<\/b>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many professionals in the event planning industry manage public-facing events. A degree in public relations will teach you to <\/span><b>maneuver the intricacies of working in the public eye.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember, <\/span><b>event planning job opportunities do not all have the same educational requirements.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If it is <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/notecards-and-prompters-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\">in the cards<\/a> for you, though, a degree usually doesn&#8217;t hurt!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8645\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-professional-looks-at-notes-on-a-wall.jpg\" alt=\"Event planning professional looks at notes on a wall\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-professional-looks-at-notes-on-a-wall.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-professional-looks-at-notes-on-a-wall-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-professional-looks-at-notes-on-a-wall-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-professional-looks-at-notes-on-a-wall-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-professional-looks-at-notes-on-a-wall-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>#2: Or, Many Event Planners Complete a Certification Program<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As I mentioned, <\/span><b>you do not necessarily need a degree to become an event planner.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You can also find a <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-be-a-great-emcee-agenda\/\">professional organization<\/a> that offers an event planning certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Certificates are great for people who:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Know the <\/span><b>specific part of the events industry<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they want to enter into;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prefer a <\/span><b>more flexible style of education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than the classic four-year degree;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek a <\/span><b>cost-effective<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> way to become a certified event planner.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>A variety of certificate programs exist. For example, you can become a certified government meeting professional.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means you are <\/span><b>certified to plan events under government contracts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These days, many <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/questions-to-ask-venue-when-planning-an-event\/\">hotels and venues<\/a> are required to have this certification.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Or, you can participate in the Certified Meeting Professional program of the Events Industry Council.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This certification not only <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/intros-and-outros-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\">introduces<\/a> you to a community of event planners<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It also serves as a <\/span><b>symbol of excellence within the field<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Some clients specifically look for event planners with credentials like this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatively, you may explore becoming a <\/span><b>Certified Special Events Professional<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This is offered through the<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/ileahub.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>International Live Events Association<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>#3: Learn Event Planning Through Online Courses<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yet another alternative to a bachelor&#8217;s degree is <\/span><b>online education<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This type of formal training is an excellent option for those embarking on this career path.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As long as the course is from an <\/span><b>accredited institution or organization<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, potential employers should honor it. You&#8217;ll start to plan parties, conferences, and more in no time! (Plus, you&#8217;ll get to work with <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-the-role-of-the-master-of-ceremonies\/\">some dazzling emcees<\/a> too which doesn&#8217;t hurt.)<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8650\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-meet-at-event-planned-by-event-planning-team.jpg\" alt=\"People meet at event planned by event planning team\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-meet-at-event-planned-by-event-planning-team.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-meet-at-event-planned-by-event-planning-team-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-meet-at-event-planned-by-event-planning-team-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-meet-at-event-planned-by-event-planning-team-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-meet-at-event-planned-by-event-planning-team-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>#4: Get Comfortable with Numbers<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I know &#8220;numbers&#8221; sound scary to some people. But don&#8217;t worry &#8211; <\/span><b>you don&#8217;t need to be a math whiz to understand an event budget.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>A huge part of planning events is sticking to the budget.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This means <\/span><b>only spending the amount of money allocated to you<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Event planners who go over budget are not likely <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-an-mc-for-corporate-events\/\">to be hired again<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Think about this in a very practical way.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><b>In your own life, you know not to spend more money than you have.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It&#8217;s the same way in the events industry. Sure, it takes planning and compromise. But <\/span><b>you can still put together a fabulous get-together on a budget.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><b>#5: Embrace Technology<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The events industry is so exciting because <\/span><b>it is always evolving<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, <\/span><b>think about how events transformed during the pandemic.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> What were once in-person galas became <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/fundraisers-how-to-be-a-great-emcee\/\">virtual fundraisers<\/a>. Coffee shop open mics became weekly Zoom calls. You get the idea!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>A successful event planner is not scared of technology. In fact, they embrace it!<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">New technologies give event planners <\/span><b>capabilities they&#8217;ve never had before<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to bring in a keynote speaker who lives halfway across the world? It&#8217;s possible!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to invite guests to text donations during the event? Easy!<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to distribute a QR code that takes folks directly to the online auction? No problem!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Potential clients want to see an event planner be <\/span><b>creative and solution-oriented<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Familiarity with technology helps you be both of these things.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8646\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-team-celebrates-successful-event.jpg\" alt=\"Event planning team celebrates successful event\" width=\"1350\" height=\"823\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-team-celebrates-successful-event.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-team-celebrates-successful-event-300x183.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-team-celebrates-successful-event-1024x624.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/event-planning-team-celebrates-successful-event-768x468.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>#6: Sharpen Your Logistical Skills<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Great event planners are logistical pros. <\/span><b>Logistics are all practical details that must be attended to.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Dates, times, addresses, that sort of thing.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>To become an event planner, you must not only solidify those logistics. You must communicate them to everyone who needs to know!<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is where juggling starts to come into play.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only do guests need to know &#8211; in advance &#8211; where the event will take place. <\/span><b>So does the staff!<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>What time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-does-event-staff-do\/\"> should staff arrive<\/a>, assuming they should be there early?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.mihlfeld.com\/the-6-modes-of-transportation\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>transportation<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> be provided?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Will the staff <\/span><b>eat<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> dinner on-site? If so, at what time?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You get the idea.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Think about the ways you manage logistics in your everyday life.<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you <\/span><b>work a full-time job<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and also bring your child to their <\/span><b>doctor appointments<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you <\/span><b>cook<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your family every night and also make sure your <\/span><b>garden<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is thriving?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you the friend who gets the <\/span><b>girls&#8217; trip<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> out of the group chat and into reality?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>I&#8217;ll bet you manage more logistics every day than you realize!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8649\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/masked-individuals-mingle-at-an-event.jpg\" alt=\"Masked individuals mingle at an event\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/masked-individuals-mingle-at-an-event.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/masked-individuals-mingle-at-an-event-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/masked-individuals-mingle-at-an-event-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/masked-individuals-mingle-at-an-event-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/masked-individuals-mingle-at-an-event-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span>Bonus:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-organize-an-agenda\/\">8 Ways to Organize an Agenda That Works for You<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><b>#7: Find Marketing Inspiration for Your Own Event Planning Business<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may start by working for a large company, or assisting another planner. But <\/span><b>lots of event planners aspire to go out on their own.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even while you work for someone else, <\/span><b>watch for great ideas in marketing<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What do you admire about other planners&#8217; <\/span><b>branding<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you like the <\/span><b>tagline<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for their business?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is it clear which <\/span><b>niche<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> they specialize in?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make the most of your early career by <\/span><b>figuring out what you do and don&#8217;t like<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>#8: Practice Communicating<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To become an event planner, you must have excellent communication skills.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>There are so many groups of people you&#8217;ll be talking to!<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your clients;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Venue representatives;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caterers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Photographers;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Musicians;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guests;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Security;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lighting and sound teams;<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And more!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>With each group, you will need to learn how best to communicate.<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some may communicate best via <\/span><b>casual texting<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others require <\/span><b>emails<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so there is a formal paper trail.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Others will be most productive with a <\/span><b>10-minute phone call<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Be patient and take time to figure out how to get what you need from everyone.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8644\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/eleven-people-sit-in-a-circle-of-chairs-in-a-bright-room.jpg\" alt=\"Eleven people sit in a circle of chairs in a bright room\" width=\"1350\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/eleven-people-sit-in-a-circle-of-chairs-in-a-bright-room.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/eleven-people-sit-in-a-circle-of-chairs-in-a-bright-room-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/eleven-people-sit-in-a-circle-of-chairs-in-a-bright-room-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/eleven-people-sit-in-a-circle-of-chairs-in-a-bright-room-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/eleven-people-sit-in-a-circle-of-chairs-in-a-bright-room-900x600.jpg 900w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>#9: Strengthen Relationships Through Networking<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you go through your education, apprenticeships, assisting, and more, <\/span><b>keep those business cards.<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You never know when someone you met in passing will hold the key to your next job!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Treat site visits, classes, and shows like networking events.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may still be learning the ropes, but <\/span><b>it&#8217;s never a bad time to cultivate a relationship<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In school? Ask your professors to set you up for <\/span><b>informational interviews<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with industry professionals.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apprenticing at an event planning company? <\/span><b>Tag along to planned events whenever possible<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You will meet DJs,<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/leadingcaterers.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">caterers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and more event professionals with whom you may work later.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>#10: Assist a Professional Event Planner<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to start your own event planning business? <\/span><b>Gain experience by becoming an assistant or event coordinator for a bona fide event planner.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hands-on learning is extremely effective. You will <\/span><b>see the ins and outs of event management<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from behind the scenes.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Be sure to ask questions in addition to observing!<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why did they choose to go with <\/span><b>one venue over another<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Which past clients presented the <\/span><b>biggest challenges<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and how were they resolved?<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are there any circumstances in which it&#8217;s okay to <\/span><b>go over budget<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8651\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-mingle-at-an-event-in-front-of-a-white-wall-with-posters.jpg\" alt=\"People mingle at an event in front of a white wall with posters\" width=\"1350\" height=\"759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-mingle-at-an-event-in-front-of-a-white-wall-with-posters.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-mingle-at-an-event-in-front-of-a-white-wall-with-posters-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-mingle-at-an-event-in-front-of-a-white-wall-with-posters-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/people-mingle-at-an-event-in-front-of-a-white-wall-with-posters-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>#11: Visit Trade Shows<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are a very exciting part of event planning! These are events where all sorts of event professionals can <\/span><b>mingle, make connections, and advertise their services.<\/b><\/p>\n<h3><b>As you embark on your event planning career, it would behoove you to learn about local businesses.<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maybe there are <\/span><b>local event venues<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you never knew about. Or you stumble across a lighting designer who can create the <\/span><b>perfect event design<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for your client.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even a highly experienced event planner will attend trade shows. They are great places to identify new talent. Plus, you&#8217;ll learn about up-and-coming trends you can use in your own business.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>#12: Find Your Niche<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/b2b-event-planning\/\">event planning business<\/a> is absolutely sprawling. Why? Because <\/span><b>there is no limit to the types of events to plan!<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-an-mc-for-corporate-events\/\">corporate planners<\/a> might manage <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-host-a-virtual-holiday-party\/\"><b>office holiday parties<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. An event planner in the hospitality industry might plan <\/span><b>overnight conferences<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Still, others might plan <\/span><b>huge parties after<\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/bleacherreport.com\/articles\/1247928-ranking-the-biggest-events-in-sports\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>major sporting events<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to know the best part? You can personalize your event planning career based on your interests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-8647\" src=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/group-celebrates-birthday-with-pink-balloons.jpg\" alt=\"Group celebrates birthday with pink balloons\" width=\"1350\" height=\"759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/group-celebrates-birthday-with-pink-balloons.jpg 1350w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/group-celebrates-birthday-with-pink-balloons-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/group-celebrates-birthday-with-pink-balloons-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/group-celebrates-birthday-with-pink-balloons-768x432.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1350px) 100vw, 1350px\" \/><\/span><b>Now You Know How to Become an Event Planner!<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After reading this, I hope you have an idea of how to become an event planner. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to approach this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My goal is to give you tools and ideas to inspire your personal journey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>There are many approaches you can take, but here are my top ideas:<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#1: Earn a college degree in a related field.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#2: Or, many event planners complete a certification program.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#3: Learn event planning through online courses.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#4: Get comfortable with numbers.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#5: Embrace technology.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#6: Sharpen your logistical skills.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#7: Find marketing inspiration.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#8: Practice communicating.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#9: Strengthen relationships through networking.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#10: Assist a professional event planner.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#11: Visit trade shows.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><b><i>#12: Find your niche.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">I can&#8217;t wait to see what you accomplish! I know that you will bring your own unique personality and skills to this exciting career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Keep Reading:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-are-good-people-skills\/\">11 People Skills That Will Set You Apart from the Crowd<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014<\/p>\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/\">Adam Christing<\/a>\u00a0has been called \u201cThe Tom Brady of emcees.\u201d He has hosted more than 1,000\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-an-mc-for-corporate-events\/\">company meetings<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/hire-funny-keynote-motivational-speakers\/\">special events<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/corporate-comedian-entertainer\/\">gala celebrations<\/a>, and more. He is the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/author\/\">author of several books<\/a>\u00a0and founder of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/cleancomedians.com\/hire-a-master-of-ceremonies\/\">CleanComedians.com<\/a>.<\/em>\u00a0<em>For more event tips, follow Adam Christing on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/adamchristing\/?hl=en\">Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AdamChristing\/\">Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/adamchristing\/\">Pinterest<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/adam-christing\">LinkedIn<\/a>, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Ide5OJTq4VE\">YouTube<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you have a knack for juggling? Deadlines, budgets, and personnel, that is. Then you may want to become an event planner! Not sure how to get started on becoming an event planner? I&#8217;ve written&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8648,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39,44],"tags":[75,132,133,63],"class_list":{"0":"post-8641","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-entertainment","8":"category-post","9":"tag-event-host","10":"tag-event-planner","11":"tag-event-planning","12":"tag-how-to"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Your 12-Step Guide to Becoming an Event Planner | Adam Christing<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/how-to-become-event-planner\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Your 12-Step Guide to Becoming an Event Planner | Adam Christing\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you have a knack for juggling? 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