How to become an Event Planner

An event planner is a professional tasked with entire planning events, coordinating every detail from beginning to end. They take charge of all event-related aspects from the ideation phase to implementation and day-of logistics. They start by meeting with the clients to understand their requirements, preferences, budgets, and the purpose of the event and prospective attendees. After that, event planners start contracting vendors, suppliers, and caterers to arrange all the event's materials and equipment. Their goal is to ensure that the event takes place smoothly and that the purpose for the same is achieved without any hassle.

Event planners are responsible for crafting the experience of the event such as it is consistent with the client's vision. They plan and organise a range of events with different purposes, such as business meetings, launch parties, birthday celebrations, fundraisers, festivals, parties, weddings, tradeshows and other corporate or government events, to name a few. As event planners, they can choose to focus their expertise on certain types of events.

• Discuss with the clients/ event stakeholders to gain a clear understanding of the event’s purpose
• Scout for and inspect prospective venues for the event
• Solicit bids from caterers and the venues as well as manage and negotiate contracts with vendors, suppliers, and service providers
• Manage all food and beverage lineups as per the client’s requirements and the purpose of the event
• Manage the inventory of all event-related materials in coordination with the suppliers and vendors
• Liaise with the on-site staff
• Determine entertainment activities for the event and make arrangements for the same
• Prepare budget proposals for the events and assist in any cost reduction issues
• Maintain accurate documentation regarding all aspects of the event’s expenses, process invoices and coordinate payments in the due time frame
• Supervise the set-up of the event and the use of equipment
• Supervise and manage event activities to the satisfaction of the employers and the event attendees

Event Managers need to have exceptional leadership skills and people management abilities to carry out their tasks effectively. They need to be very good at time management and organisation in order to meet deadlines and budgets. They should have exceptional communication skills to understand the needs of the client and effectively liaise with their team and manage vendor relationships to ensure that the final output is as per the client's satisfaction. Problem-solving skills are another essential element. They should be able to mitigate any issues or disruptions that arise during the planning phase or at the time of the event.

Interpersonal skills are paramount for these professionals to negotiate service contracts, build strong working relationships with clients and vendors, and establish a strong network in the field. They should be detail-oriented, energetic, and adaptable individuals who are able to remain calm under pressure. They should be creative and intuitive in order to design the experience of the event's attendants meticulously. Marketing and relevant IT skills and a customer-service orientation are important for event planners to excel in their field.

The salary of an Event Planner can vary based on several factors, including experience, location, level of education, type of employer, and the scale and complexity of events managed.

• Minimum Monthly Salary: The minimum monthly salary for an entry-level Event Planner can range from INR 25,000 to INR 40,000, particularly in smaller event management companies or when starting their careers.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: Experienced and successful Event Planners can earn a maximum monthly salary of INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more. High-profile events, corporate conferences, and large-scale productions contribute to higher earnings.
• Annual Salary: The annual salary of an Event Planner can be from INR 3,00,000 to INR 30,00,000 or more, depending on their expertise, the volume and scope of events managed, and the clientele they serve.
• Highest Paying Job and Scope: The highest paying job for an Event Planner often lies in working with well-established event management companies or founding their event planning agency. Successful Event Planners handling high-budget corporate events, destination weddings, or large-scale conferences can achieve substantial financial success. The scope for Event Planners is promising, given the growing demand for professionally organized events across various industries. They work in corporate settings, wedding planning, concerts, trade shows, and more. 

Event Planners have diverse opportunities to work in various industries, as their expertise in organizing and executing events is in demand across sectors. Here are some industries open for Event Planners:

• Corporate Events: Event Planners can work with companies to organize corporate events such as conferences, seminars, product launches, team-building activities, and award ceremonies.
• Wedding Planning: Wedding planners specialize in organizing weddings and related events, collaborating with couples to create memorable and personalized experiences.
• Hospitality and Hotels: Event Planners can be employed by hotels and resorts to manage events their guests host, including weddings, conferences, and social gatherings.
• Non-profit and Charity Organizations: Non-profit organizations often require Event Planners to organize fundraising events, galas, charity auctions, and awareness campaigns.
• Entertainment Industry: Event Planners work in the entertainment sector, organizing concerts, music festivals, film premieres, and theatrical performances.
• Trade Shows and Exhibitions: Event Planners manage trade shows, expos, and industry exhibitions, coordinating exhibitors, booths, and attendee experiences.
• Sports Events: Event Planners can work in sports event management, organizing sporting events, tournaments, and competitions.
• Government and Public Sector: Government agencies may require Event Planners to manage public events, official ceremonies, and community gatherings.
• Education and Academia: Educational institutions hire Event Planners to organize graduation ceremonies, conferences, workshops, and alumni reunions.
• Social and Private Events: Event Planners can cater to private clients, organizing birthday parties, anniversaries, and other social gatherings.
• Cultural and Arts Organizations: Event Planners work with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions to organize art exhibitions, cultural festivals, and arts-related events.
• Healthcare and Medical Industry: Event Planners can manage medical conferences, seminars, and healthcare-related events.
• Technology and Tech Conferences: Tech companies often require Event Planners to organize tech conferences, product launches, and tech expos.
• Fashion Industry: Fashion events, including runway shows, fashion weeks, and brand launches, offer opportunities for Event Planners in the fashion industry.
• Destination Management: Event Planners specializing in destination management work on planning events for visitors in specific locations or tourist destinations.