Who Is an Event Planner? Roles, Scope & Salary

Event planners are like the wizards of parties and gatherings, making sure everything runs smoothly. They’re the creative minds behind well-organized events, from planning schedules to sorting out food and entertainment. If you enjoy putting plans together and working with different people, thinking about a career as an event planner could be a good idea. This article digs into what event planners do, their roles and responsibilities, potential earnings, and job prospects. Whether you love organizing family get-togethers or dream of handling big conferences, understanding the basics of being an event planner can help you aim for success in this field.

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Who is an event planner?

An event planner is someone whose job is to organize and plan social events, like parties and fundraisers. They’re the experts in making sure everything runs smoothly for an event to be successful. This includes tasks such as selecting venues, arranging catering services, and collaborating with other vendors, such as entertainment providers. Essentially, an event planner takes care of all the logistics and details to ensure that an event is not just good but truly memorable.

How to become an event planner?

A bachelor’s degree in the field or appropriate work experience in the service sector can prepare you for a career as an event planner. A growing number of event planners are pursuing degrees, despite the fact that many of their predecessors did not. This is likely due to the intense rivalry in the industry. Get the most out of your career as an event planner by following these tips.

1. Obtain a bachelor’s degree

You can find a wide range of employment opportunities as an event planner after earning a bachelor’s degree in meeting and event management or a closely connected field like public relations, marketing, or hospitality management. Some companies do not have a set educational requirement for event planners, while others insist that they have a degree. The many transferable skills you’ll learn in your degree program will prepare you well for a career in event planning. Among them are:

• Event sales and sponsorship
• Human resource management
• Relationship management
• Agreement negotiation
• Accounting
• Business and event computer skills

2. Gain practical experience

If you can get some work experience while you’re in school, it will be a huge plus when applying for jobs when you graduate. Aspiring event planners can gain real experience in the field through internship programs offered by relevant degrees. Your internship will provide you with invaluable experience in event planning while also teaching you the ropes.

If you are interested in event planning but have never worked in the field before, volunteering is a great way to obtain some hands-on experience. Think about giving your time to a local party and event planning business or a nonprofit that helps organize charitable events. Volunteers are often needed for sporting events, comedy galas, and music festivals.

3. Prepare your resume and portfolio

Get your practical experience (internship, voluntary work, etc.) and degree in hand before you put together your résumé. This is where you can brag about your degrees, work experience, and other relevant talents that make you an ideal candidate for the position of event planner. To make sure your qualifications are a good fit for the event planning position, use the keywords that are commonly used in job listings.

Building a portfolio could be a good first step if you have a lot of expertise in the event planning industry. Event planners often utilize this tool while applying for jobs. Media coverage of events in which you played a significant role, images, testimonials, and promotional materials should all be part of your portfolio.

4. Apply for event planning positions

Apply for open event planning roles with your résumé and portfolio (if you have one). Make sure you meet all of the requirements for each position by reviewing the list of preferences and qualifications. With each job application, include a tailored cover letter that highlights your qualifications for the position.

You might want to launch your own event planning company after gaining experience in the field. To further demonstrate your commitment to event planning to clients, you can earn accreditation from the Events Industry Council after obtaining full-time experience in the area.    

Roles & Responsibilities of an event planner

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Role of an Event Planner:

Event planners, also called event coordinators or specialists, are the go-to folks for putting together all kinds of events, like parties, weddings, and business gatherings. They handle things like budgeting, picking dates, finding venues, and making sure guests have a place to stay and a way to get around. These pros are key players in making events successful – they meet with clients, plan out what the event will involve, check out venues, coordinate with the on-site team, and make sure everything runs smoothly from the initial idea to the actual event day.

Responsibilities of an Event Planner:

Event planners, also known as event coordinators, have a vital role in putting together different events, from small parties to big corporate gatherings. They start by talking a lot with clients to understand what they want and then plan out important details like where things will happen, how much money can be spent, and what the overall schedule will be. After that, they go check out potential places for the event and get all the necessary equipment ready, especially if it’s an online event. They also handle practical things like where guests will stay and what they’ll eat. On the actual event day, event planners make sure everything goes according to the plan, watching over everything to make sure clients and guests are happy. In their day-to-day work, they keep meeting with clients, visiting possible event spots, sticking to the budget, handling payments, and working with local places to take care of things like accommodation and food. It’s a job that needs good organization, creativity, and the ability to solve problems. From coming up with ideas for events to making sure everything runs smoothly, event planners are a big part of making events successful and memorable.

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What is the importance of event planners?

Event planners are like the masterminds behind successful events, making sure everything runs smoothly and everyone has a great time. Firstly, they sit down with clients to understand their wishes and then create detailed plans for the event. This includes picking the perfect venue, sorting out logistics, and managing the budget. Their super-organized skills make sure every little detail, from where guests stay to what they eat, matches the client’s vision.

Moreover, event planners take away all the stress of planning from clients. They handle the tough parts, letting clients relax and enjoy their events without any hassle. This not only makes the event unforgettable but also boosts the client’s image, showing they know how to throw amazing parties. So, think of event planners as the secret sauce behind turning ideas into incredible experiences, using their creativity and organizational talents to make events a big hit.

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Scope of event management as a career in India

Event management is a hot career in India, offering an exciting path for creative and organized individuals. The country hosts various events like weddings, corporate meetings, and festivals, creating a high demand for skilled event managers. What’s cool is that these pros can work in different industries, creating unforgettable experiences in various sectors. As businesses worldwide realize the importance of well-organized events for their brand, skilled event managers are becoming more valuable. Choosing a career in event management lets you unleash your creative side and dive into dynamic work environments, adding to the lively world of India’s events.

You can explore diverse roles like planning, coordination, marketing, and production. This variety allows you to specialize in what matches your interests, creating a dynamic and fulfilling career journey. The rise of experiential marketing and digital events further expands the opportunities, making event management a promising and rewarding career choice in India. As the industry grows, professionals in this field can expect various prospects, making event management an attractive and dynamic career, especially for those who thrive in fast-paced and creative settings.

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Salary of an event planner in India

The average salary for an event planner in India is ₹450,000 per year or ₹180 per hour. Entry-level positions typically start at ₹202,500 per year, with the possibility for experienced professionals to earn up to ₹500,000 per year.

Conclusion

If you’re interested in a career in event management in India, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you. The diverse events scene and the increasing recognition of well-organized events create exciting possibilities for skilled event managers. Whether you’re into planning, coordination, marketing, or production, there’s a satisfying career path for you. AAFT School of Advertising, PR & Events is the place to learn the ins and outs of event management, providing the necessary skills for success in this lively industry.