HOW TO BREAK INTO EVENT PLANNING AS AN EVENT COORDINATOR?
1. Get an education
Consider pursuing an education in event planning or a similar field. Professional event managers
have widely differing degrees that all teach necessary skills for a future in event planning. Some
relevant college degrees include:
Hotel and restaurant management: A degree in this field allows you to learn essential aspects of
running large-scale events, best practices for guest management, and an introduction to the
catering industry.
Marketing: Any large event is going to need a strong marketer in charge, one who can attract guests,
organize promotional events and maintain consistent messaging.
2. Earn professional certifications
Your local university might also offer classes and professional certifications in event planning. Apart from
your local university or college, you can pursue other professional certifications like these:
Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is developed by the Convention Industry Council (CIC)
Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is suggested by the International Live Events Association
(ILEA)
Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) is run by the International Association of Exhibitions and
Events (IAEE)
3. Find your niche
Finding your niche means determining the part of event planning you want to specialize in. Since event
planning is a diverse field, featuring everything from stockholders' retreats to fundraisers and children's
birthday parties, you can specialize in nearly any type of event. Be flexible enough to work with any client,
especially when you are starting, but focus on your own strengths and interests in the field so you can
develop expertise in particular areas. To find your niche, identity events you enjoy coordinating the most
and tailor your search for experience around those events.
4. Engage online through social media
Join online groups to find other aspiring event planning professionals and more experienced planners.
And, with many events being planned online, an active and successful online network can help you
appear more marketable to employers looking for digital expertise.
5. Attend local events
Local events, whether they are fundraisers or corporate events, offer an extraordinary opportunity to
observe and learn about event planning. Going to an event as a guest can give you a unique viewpoint
into logistics and guest experience. Attend some functions, and note how the events are structured, how
space is used and the vendors and resources the planner uses. You can also introduce yourself to the
event planners to ask them questions about their approach and gain relevant contacts in the industry.
6. Research industry leaders
Once you're more familiar with the event planning scene, research the most influential industry leaders in
the industry and discover some of their experience and qualifications. If you meet people at local events
with connections to larger companies, contact these people about opportunities to meet their contacts.
Researching industry leaders can give you names and businesses to reach out to and offer an opportunity
to volunteer or become involved with well-known event planners and learn their methods.
7. Find a mentor
A mentor is a more experienced individual who can help guide you in your career and aspirations. As you
network, research and attend local functions, be on the lookout for event planning professionals with
qualifications and abilities you admire. Consider asking them to mentor you in your growing event
planning career.
WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC DUTIES THAT ACCOMPANY EVENT COORDINATOR POSITIONS ACROSS VARIOUS
INDUSTRIES?
Event coordinators, also known as event specialists or event planners, are responsible for every aspect of
event planning. Their main duties include selecting venues, determining the cost, arranging event
services, and monitoring client approval. They may work for an events company or as a contractor.