Overview of Event Planning Career

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An event planning career is one that is known for being an exciting, challenging and quite rewarding. Event planners are responsible for organizing events right from the point of conception all through to the execution stage. Event planners can organize events such as:

•Social and fundraising events
•Festivals
•Fairs and exhibitions
•Product launches and promotions
•Conferences etc.

Event planners work in private, Not for Profit and public sectors, and they can also work for event management establishments, or choose to offer their service as freelancers. The role of a typical event planner is hands-on and most times involves working with a team. Event planners must able be to effectively complete an array of activities that requires clear communication, paying great attention to detail and organizational skills. If one finds it difficult to work well under immense pressure in order to ensure the efficient and smooth running of an event; then an event planning career is certainly not the career that one should consider.

Event Planning: Pay and Job Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), the median earnings of event planners per annum as of May 2012 were $45,810 (at $22.02 per hour). The employment of event planners is actually projected to increase by 33% from 2012 – 2020, this estimated growth rate is faster than the standard for every occupation. As globalization spreads and businesses realize the importance of well planned meetings, there will be a huge demand for the services of experienced event planners. Job opportunities will be available to candidates who have earned a degree in tourism or hospitality management.

Typical Work Activities of an Event Planner

The role of event planners actually vary depending on the company and the kind of event involved. The typical activities of an event planner include:

•Agreeing to and effectively managing clients’ proposed budget
•Researching markets in order to identify valuable opportunities for an event
•Writing detailed proposals for events (e.g. venues, legal obligations, timelines, budgets and staffing)
•Liaising with the client to determine the client’s exact event needs
•Booking and securing an ideal location or venue
•Ensuring legal, insurance, safety, insurance and health obligations are strictly adhered to
•Organizing venue caterers, managements, stand designers, equipment hire and contractors
•Coordinating facilities for traffic control, first aid, car parking, media, hospitality and security
•Identifying and securing special guests or speakers
•Post event evaluation (this includes analysis and data entry and creating reports for stakeholders)
•Planning the room layout and entertainment program, scheduling demonstrations (demos) and workshops
•Supervising the efficient removal and dismantling of props and other items used for setting up or decorating the venue.
•Organizing staff briefings and staffing requirements
•Preparing delegate papers and packs
•Selling stand/sponsorship/exhibition space to prospective partners or exhibitors
•Liaising with PR and marketing colleagues in order to effectively promote the event
•Organizing suppliers, handling clients’ enquiries and ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the day of the day.