What is Event Planning ?

You've heard about it. You've seen it in movies. You think you want to be one. But, if you really think about it, you have no clue what being an event and meeting planner is really all about.

What, exactly, IS event planning, and what does it entail?

It's a great question. In an industry that is so dynamic, so enormous, and varies so greatly with its endless opportunities, there are many answers.

Basically, an event planner is a person who organizes, pre-plans, and coordinates all the countless elements that are required for an event, and then manages all of the elements on-site at the actual event.

Before we go any further, it's important to understand the difference between being a "party planner" and an "event planner."

Click here to read about Party Planning vs. Event Planning.

Before you can go racing off to find your dream events job,
you need to understand the events industry.

First, let's look at the types of events that need planners to plan them (click on the links to learn more about each type of event):

• Corporate Events and Meetings: Any meeting for any number of people (20 to 20,000) for any company in any industry....they ALL have meetings and events!
  
  
• Conference Planning: Conventions and conferences are a huge piece of the event industry pie; with everything from huge computer and software conventions to hobby-themed conventions (think Star Trek), the job opportunities are endless!
  
  
• Incentive Programs: Incentive programs are truly one of the most exciting parts of corporate event planning. Travel the world to five star resorts, go along on fun excursions, and host some of the grandest events in the business!
  
  
• Special Events and Festivals: Food festivals, wine festivals, beer festivals, Oktoberfests, music fests, concerts, shows, theater-in-the-park, product promotion parties, etc.
  
  
• Sporting Events: Any "Bowl" event (Super Bowl, Orange Bowl, Rose Bowl), bike races, golf tournaments, triathlons, marathons, ski events, the Olympics, Special Olympics, horse races, car races, etc.
  
  
• Fundraisers Fundraising galas, silent auctions, marathons (think "Race for the Cure"), political events, church events, or any event associated with non-profits and fundraising.
  
  
• Trade Shows Trade shows are where customer interaction and "big business" often takes place. With over 2500 trade shows bringing in billions of dollars each year, maybe this is where you can find your niche!
  
  
• Weddings: Wedding planning is a multi-billion dollar industry. Learn how you can be a part of making a bride's dream day come true.
  
  
• Your Own Events: Once you gain a little experience, it is easy to start your own event planning business! Then, there are plenty of "smaller gigs" to keep you busy: birthdays, anniversaries, bar mitzvahs, holiday parties, and grand openings.

Subscribe to my online newsletter, EVENTful Ventures, and receive weekly tips and hints on how to start your event planning career. I’ll even throw in an occasional story from the life of an event planner!

As a bonus to your free subscription, I will send you my report, “25 Job Sites for Event Planning.” This is a simple grid that includes links to some of the top websites that feature openings for jobs in the event and meeting planning industry! And, of course, it is absolutely free.

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So, don’t delay another day – fill in the information below and start your dream career today!