EVENT PLANNING BUSINESS
When thinking about an event planning business, there are two questions
that often come to mind. The first is: what kinds of events are you talking
about? The second is: what is event planning? First thing is first, generally
speaking, special events occur for the following purposes:
- Celebrations (fairs, parades, weddings, reunions, birthdays, anniversaries)
- Education (conferences, meetings, graduations)
- Promotions (product launches, political rallies, fashion shows)
- Commemorations (memorials, civic events)
- This list isn't an exhaustive one, but as the examples illustrate,
special events may be business related, purely social or somewhere in between
Now you move to the second question: What is event planning? Planners
of an event may handle any or all of the following tasks related to that
event:
- Conducting research
- Creating an event design
- Finding a site
- Arranging for food, decor and entertainment
- Planning transportation to and from the event
- Sending invitations to attendees
- Arranging any necessary accommodations for attendees
- Coordinating the activities of event personnel
- Supervising at the site
- Conducting evaluations of the event
How many of these activities your business engages in will depend on the
size and type of a particular event, which will, in turn, depend on the
specialization you choose.
Start Own Event Planning Business
Planners are often people who got their start in one particular aspect
of special events. Business owner Martin V.K. had a successful catering
company before he decided to plan entire events. Many other planners have
similar stories. This explains why planners often not only coordinate
entire events but also may, in addition, provide one or more services
for those events. Event planners may also have started out planning events
for other companies before deciding to go into business for them. Joyce
B.W. planned in-house events for a retail chain for 11 years and then
worked for another event planning company before striking out on her own.
Event Planning Business Plan
Consider getting a degree or certificate from a local university in event
planning or management. A list of colleges and universities offering educational
opportunities in this field is available from Meeting Professionals International
(MPI). Also consider working to become a CSEP (Certified Special Events
Professional) or CMP (Certified Meeting Planner). These designations are
given out by ISES and MPI, respectively. Many corporations, and some members
of the general public, look for these designations when hiring planners.
Because of the research and study it takes to become a CSEP or CMP, clients
know that these planners are professionals. |
