How to become a professional event planner | Mark Bernardini

Event planners are the miracle workers of events. They bring the possibility to that which ordinarily, seems impossible.

Too numerous are they that like to claim for themselves the title- ‘Event planner.’ These are the ones whom in reality, knows very little about planning an event. Their lack of awareness lends invitation to disarray; making an event totally different from what it should have been if it was coordinated by a professional event planner.  

For example, think of a flopped function you have attended before. I mean an event characterized by disorganization and complaints. Now upon enquiry, try seek out the group or person who was behind the stage, and you shall find an acclaimed event planner; one of those proud agents of disarrangement.  

Who is a professional event planner?

A professional event planner is a person that brings life and sway to an event; a developer of grace and beauty. And this is made possible because a professional events planner knows first, what planning an event entails.

So you want to become an event planner? Not just an event planner but a professional event planner? Then you I think it is ideal for you to  know first- what every professional event planner first knew.

What is event planning?

Event planning can be defined as the process of managing a function such as a meeting, convention, trade show, ceremony, party, e.t.c.

Event planning also includes budgeting, establishing timeliness, selecting and reserving the event sites, acquiring permits, planning food, coordinating transportation, developing a theme, arranging for activities, selecting speakers and keynotes, arranging for equipment and facilities, managing risk, and developing contingency plans.

With this in mind, it becomes easier to understand that becoming a professional event planner has more to do with just desire alone. Education, experience and passion must not be found wanting in a professional event planner..

What do I need to become a professional event planner?

1. Education: Although having a degree in event planning is not a criteria for becoming a professional event planner, still, it is a good idea because it makes it possible for you to have a good knowledge to begin with.
2. Experience: Experience is golden, and everyone knows this. Whether an event planner has a college degree or not, many clients expect to see event planning experience on a resume. Even an amateur event planner can boast of one or two years of experience. Professionalism evolves with time, it grows with experience.
3. Passion: Passion is like a fire, it burns. A professional event planner must possess this fire; the fire to succeed.

What are the duties of a professional event planner?

1. Before Event: Professional event planners work closely with their clients to determine the purpose and scope of an event. The client establishes the time and location, and sets for the planner a budget to work with. Working under these parameters, the event planner seeks bids from local meeting places and providers. An example of such service provider, is a catering service.
2. During Event:The event planner supervises setup for the event, including the use of equipments while the event progresses. The planner strives to meet the needs of his host and guest in other to make every aspect of the event successful.
3. After Event: Inspection, accountability and cleanup.

4. What skills should a professional event Planner have?

   • Tolerance
   • Multitasking
   • Negotiation skill
   • Visionary
   • Creativity

   How to become a successful professional event planner:

1. Develop event Goal and Objective
2. Organize a planning team
3. Set a Date (Give yourself enough time)
4. Create an event  master Plan
5. Determine Administrative Process
6. Create a Publicity Plan
7. Establish a Budget
8. Determine Evaluation Process                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    In conclusion, it should be emphasized that professional event planner makes sure the event stays on schedule and that featured speakers or performers are prepared and cued. At the end, the event planner is responsible for supervising cleanup. The planner meets with the client to review the event, discuss bills and receive payment. Read More...