How to Find a Job in Event Planning
Event planners are service professionals who specialize in the coordination of events like conventions, parties, festivals, or ceremonies. They handle all the scheduling, take care of acquiring any necessary permits, arrange for catering services, manage support staff, and negotiate with suppliers and the client. Event planners usually work for themselves but they may also have assistants.
- Get training or education in event planning. You'll need to know about marketing, advertising, networking, and labor laws. Interpersonal skills are a critical necessity in the event planning business. Learn about the particular industry you plan on specializing in. For instance, if you are organizing a convention, it might be worth looking into getting a Certification in Exhibition Management.
- Get to know vendors. Vendors are one of the key components in any event. They provide anything from furniture and sound equipment to food and drinks. They will also pay for advertising at the event. Getting to know the owners of a variety of local establishments like restaurants and bars will provide you with a selection of venues for future events. The key to maximizing the benefits of this is network marketing, which means taking their business cards and advertising for them. Putting their business on your website is a good way to build rapport and to encourage them to help you when you need them.
- Search for event planning jobs on the "help wanted" boards and paper sections. They may occasionally have job postings for assistants which you may apply for. The most common type of event planning is wedding planning; search for this keyword along with event planning, when you're looking for a "help wanted" notice.
- Post your own resume. Find a classified ads section in a newspaper or go to a classified ads website and post your name and resume with a notice that you are looking for a job as an event planner.
- Speak with your friends and family. Let them know you are looking to get involved in the event planning business and ask if they know anyone who is hiring or might be interested in hiring help.