Event Planning Job Description; what does an event planner do?
Well, there are entire books dedicated to answering this question (go to the
Event Planning Books
page for a list of recommended reading).
But, if you are considering a career in event planning, it's important for you to understand a basic event planning job description.
As I always say, event planning is much more than just pretty decor, fun entertainment, and good food. Then, you might ask, what is it really about?
The short answer?
An event planner creates, organizes, and supervises every element of an event, meeting, or incentive.
Sounds simple enough, right?
But that's just the event planning job description. The reality is so much more.
First of all, before we discuss what the job is all about, let's discuss the personality traits that makes a good event planner. Take a quick look at the
Event Planner Personality Checklist
page to see if this describes you.
Ummm.....I'm not sure this is for me... Well? If you are starting to think that being an event planner isn't quite for you, don't despair! There are plenty of other opportunities that still allow you to work in the exciting world of events, without having to be the one in charge of the chaos!
For a more thorough explanation of the many opportunities to find jobs and careers related to event planning,
read all about Event Related Jobs.
If, on the other hand, you read all about the traits that make a successful event planner and you are excited because it sounds just like you, then keep reading!
Tell me more! Let's look more in depth at an event planning job description; the items of responsibility in an event planning job.
Just to give you an idea of what an event planner actually does, a bit of a "day in the life of an event planner," here's a basic outline for a typical, average event or meeting:
Six months to one year before the event is to take place, the event planner receives her assignment. A meeting concept and a general set of dates will usually be decided upon.
Then she will need to find a location that can accommodate the event. She will need to pick a host city, and then a host hotel (or numerous hotels).
Registration must be set up, and the attendees need to be invited to register. Travel must be arranged, and hotel rooms booked.
The content, if it's a meeting, must be finalized. Keynote speakers need to be selected and booked, and all material needs to be written, proofed, and printed.
For either a meeting or an event, the technical requirements need to be figured out and solidified. Is there staging? Lighting? Sound? Screens? Multi-media presentations?
Also for either a meeting or an event, food and beverage needs to be selected and arranged. What kind of food? Did you provide for vegetarians?
Does transportation need to be provided for? If it's an event, where will people park?
Who will staff your event?
Great! The people are here. Now what? Time to relax, right? I mean, you ARE an event planner, don't you just party for a living?
WRONG!!! Who cues the keynote speakers to begin, or the entertainment to start? What about the food? Is it on time?
Ok, now the night is almost over. Are the doors ready? Parking attendants or buses in place? Where are the buses? Who do you call to find out?
Ok, the people are gone, and now it's time to "strike," or take everything down. Are your suppliers aware of the schedule?
PHEW! Finally, it's over. It's about 3:00am, and you can finally think about going to bed and resting your feet. That is, until breakfast starts tomorrow at 6:00am....
and after everything is done, there is still the final billing!
Well, there are entire books dedicated to answering this question (go to the
