How To Become A Successful Event Planner

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High-profile weddings, product launches, and other events are the staple of event planners. But this career is more than just attending expensive events. Event organizing is one of the most demanding occupations in the world and requires specific expertise. It is a lucrative job for a select group of hyper-organized, hard-working individuals. The event industry has a projected growth rate of 10.3% from 2021 to 2028, attesting to its profitability. If you wish to become an event planner, read on to know which qualities can help you achieve success in your career. 

1. Sharpen your organizational skills 

Event planners are very organized. Some individuals can function in a chaotic environment, but as an event planner, you must rely on procedure and technique if you are part of a team. This includes keeping your colleagues informed, following and adhering to timelines, budgets, and appointments. You also need to organize key files and information. After all, a well-executed event does not happen by chance. From preparation to post-event analysis, it necessitates acute planning skills and attention to detail. A skilled event planner remembers the smallest details and is always on top of things - always with a smile. 

2. Develop communication skills 

Another essential talent for an event planner is the ability to engage and create rapport quickly. They have excellent communication skills and are not hesitant to speak with C-suite executives, event attendees, funders, brand sponsors, and, of course, vendors and suppliers. Strong interpersonal abilities are required to guarantee that everyone engaged in the event knows their role and that the event runs well. You must also have great writing abilities in order to present information properly with confidence, respect, and clarity. Event planners are exceptional listeners, which helps them grasp their clients’ requirements and desires. 

3. Need to have a basic understanding of events

It may seem obvious, but having an in-depth understanding of events is essential for being a successful event designer, and understanding how events function is an essential event-planning ability. You should be able to design a floor plan or compose an RFP as a planner, as well as assess a contract and analyze event data. You should also be familiar with the basics of bands and DJs, A/V, florists, and decor, among other things. These abilities take time to develop and involve training and practice.  

4. Be tech-savvy 

Until recently, technology was an add-on in the events industry, not a necessity. However, that is no longer the case. Nowadays, technology solutions act as an integral part of an event planner's extended team. While event planners are not required to have an in-depth understanding of these solutions, it is crucial to be willing to update their knowledge about how to use them and stay updated on the industry's latest technological trends. For instance, a drone can provide an aerial perspective of your event, allowing you to spot and fix discrepancies. You can learn more about the various types of drones available, and which one your business needs. 

5. Create a client-centered approach

Making clients pleased is one of the most difficult aspects of event planning. Whether it is clients or senior management, your stakeholders want something, and it is your duty to make it happen. Event planners must be committed to serving customers gracefully. Even if the work is very difficult, you must be courteous in your responses because when you are nice and friendly, it alleviates any concerns your customer may have. 

6. Problem-solving abilities 

With a clear mind, successful event planners can tackle any difficulty. Their inventiveness extends beyond notes and safety pins. They can make fast decisions in the face of unexpected situations while remaining calm and collected. They can keep an audience entertained while the keynote speaker is not present yet, or prevent long lunch lines. This talent keeps event managers adaptable, inventive, and flexible. The ability to solve problems develops with time; the idea is to constantly check for gaps in your plans and make backup arrangements in case things go wrong. 

7. Develop negotiating and bargaining skills

If you think you are skilled at bargaining, you have a vital event-planning talent. Event planners must be able to negotiate and obtain the best feasible bargain when reserving a venue. Negotiating is an art that involves planning, subtlety, and confidence. Budgeting necessitates anticipating and tracking spending while managing bills, bids, and costs. 

8. Be creative 

Making a to-do list is only one aspect of event planning. As an event planner, you must be creative in order to bring a concept to reality. Contrary to popular belief, creativity is a skill that can be developed over time. There is always room to do things differently, especially if you are constrained by your organization’s or client's needs. You can, for instance, be creative with the event theme, select a unique venue, or invite a motivational speaker. 

9. Leadership is essential 

Being a leader is a necessary ability for every event organizer. To execute excellent events, you must be able to collaborate with the team, and while this is essential, it all comes down to trust, delegating, and getting the job done. If you are not a natural leader, you can learn to be one over time. A successful leader does not have to be an extrovert. Your inherent personality, as well as your interest in event organizing, can assist you in developing leadership qualities.

10. Multitasking 

Multitasking is not a choice for event organizers; it is a must-have event-planning skill to produce amazing events. You must balance several responsibilities, such as event advertising, ticket sales, sponsorship acquisition and deals, and so on. Furthermore, you must prepare for numerous events at the same time. You can delegate some tasks if you have a team, but it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure that nothing goes through the gaps. 

If you possess most of these event planning skills, you will excel as an event planner. If not, you can still become a great event professional since most of these skills can be acquired via hard work and willingness to learn. It all comes down to ongoing learning and improvements with each event.