New Yorkers love events. They might not particularly like organizing them. But they do love attending them. That’s why corporations are paying heed and organizing events for their employees on an annual or quarterly basis. And that’s where you come in. As a corporate event planner, you can use skills like creativity, organizational skills, and strategic thinking to create striking events.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the key steps to take on the path to becoming a successful corporate event planner and finding corporate clients easily.
Acquire Relevant Education and Skills
Begin by acquiring a solid educational foundation. While a specific degree may not be mandatory for event planning, pursuing studies in hospitality management, marketing, or business administration can provide valuable insights into the industry and enhance your skill set.
You can choose the education or degree that you think will give you a solid foundation. Then you can always add to it by taking more courses or building up real-world experience through an internship.
Corporate event planners require a diverse set of skills. Develop strong organizational skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and creative problem-solving abilities. These skills are foundational for navigating the complexities of event planning and ensuring successful outcomes.
Gain Practical Experience
Practical experience is invaluable in the world of event planning. Seek internships or volunteer opportunities with event planning companies, organizations, or within your community.
You can do this by going on LinkedIn and directly messaging the HR departments of event companies you would like to work for. It’s an internship, so for them it’s a win-win-they get an enthusiastic worker for cheap and they don’t even have to go searching for them.
This hands-on experience will provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of event planners and allow you to build a network within the industry.
Consider starting in entry-level positions within the events industry. Roles such as event coordinator or assistant provide opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, understand industry dynamics, and contribute to the planning and execution of events.
Build a Strong Portfolio
As you gain practical experience, document your work to build a strong portfolio. Include details about:
- Events you’ve been involved in
- Your specific responsibilities
- Challenges faced
- Outcomes achieved
Photographs, testimonials, and any metrics showcasing the success of your events should be part of your portfolio. You can even use video to enhance your portfolio and make it come across as more complete.
Highlight your creative vision and innovative ideas. Include examples of how you transformed concepts into engaging and memorable experiences. A portfolio that showcases your creativity and attention to detail is essential for attracting potential clients or employers.
Develop a Network
Building a network within the events industry is crucial for career growth.
Attend industry conferences, workshops, and networking events to connect with professionals, potential clients, and industry leaders. Networking provides opportunities for collaboration, mentorship, and staying informed about industry trends.
If you aren’t a social bumblebee and the thought of networking gives you the heebie-jeebies, you can try online networking as an alternate option.
Establish an online presence through professional platforms like LinkedIn. Connect with professionals in the events industry, join relevant groups, and participate in online discussions. You can also write articles on LinkedIn to establish yourself as an expert in the field if you are good at writing or find it enjoyable.
An active online presence enhances your visibility and credibility within the industry.
Stay Current with Industry Trends
The events industry is dynamic, with trends and technologies evolving rapidly. Stay current by attending industry conferences, reading industry publications, and participating in webinars.
Continuous learning ensures that you remain informed about the latest trends and innovations in event planning. You can also use podcasts, workshops, and seminars to keep yourself up-to-date.
Yes, you are quite busy already. But you need to carve out time every week in your schedule to make continuous learning a part of your life.
Consider specializing in niche areas within corporate event planning. This could include focusing on specific events (conferences, product launches, team-building retreats) or industries (technology, healthcare, finance). Specializing allows you to distinguish yourself and cater to specific client needs.
Pursue Professional Development
Invest in professional development by pursuing relevant certifications and workshops. Certifications from recognized organizations can enhance your credibility and demonstrate your commitment to excellence.
A couple of organizations to focus on are:
- International Live Events Association (ILEA)
- Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Explore advanced training programs that offer in-depth knowledge and insights into specific aspects of event planning. These programs may cover topics such as event budgeting, contract negotiation, and advanced event design.
Continued education enhances your expertise and positions you for more complex projects. You can add it to your resume and portfolio and use it as a selling point for your services.
Building Relationships
Cultivating strong client relationships is essential for success as a corporate event planner. Take the time to understand your client’s objectives, expectations, and corporate culture.
Tailor your event planning approach to align with their goals and create a personalized experience. Don’t barrel in with your ideas and force-feed them to the client.
Ensure that the client feels heard and understood. The event should be the client’s baby first.
Communicate effectively with clients throughout the planning process. Keep them informed about progress, discuss any challenges transparently, and seek their input on key decisions. Building trust through open communication is foundational for long-term client relationships.
Always keep the client in the loop about anything that changes or goes wrong. Keeping them in the dark isn’t going to build a strong relationship between you and your clients.
Remember that these clients will be the ones to refer you to clients in the future through word-of-mouth referrals. You want to ensure you do the very best job serving them right now so you always have an influx of new clients in the future.
Establish Your Brand
Establishing your brand as a corporate event planner involves creating a professional image that reflects your style, values, and expertise. Develop a logo, business cards, and a professional website that showcases your portfolio, services, and contact information.
Don’t build your website yourself, no matter how much experience you might have. Always hire someone professionally to make your website because they are going to be on top of the latest trends in the market.
They will also be able to set up your website SEO in a way that attracts new clients organically without you lifting a finger.
Leverage social media platforms to promote your brand and engage with your audience. But don’t overwhelm yourself with this.
Choose one or two social media sites to post on, and then stick to that. Don’t flit from one to another as the flavor of the day changes.
Share updates about your work, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of your event planning process. A strong social media presence enhances your visibility and attracts potential clients.
Seek Mentorship
Seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the events industry. A mentor can provide valuable guidance, share insights from their own experiences, and offer advice on navigating challenges. Mentorship accelerates your learning curve and provides a supportive network.
Join industry associations such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where you can connect with seasoned professionals.
Attend association events, conferences, and networking opportunities to build relationships with mentors and peers. Try to do this at least once every quarter, so you don’t ever fall behind.
Explore Entrepreneurial Opportunities
If you aspire to be an independent event planner, consider starting your own business. This entrepreneurial step allows you to have greater control over your projects, clients, and business strategy. Launching your event planning business requires careful planning, financial considerations, and effective marketing.
Explore collaboration opportunities with other professionals in related fields, such as catering, venue management, or entertainment. Building a network of trusted collaborators allows you to offer comprehensive event planning services and enhances your ability to deliver exceptional experiences.
Stay Resilient and Adapt
Event planning comes with its share of challenges, from tight timelines to unforeseen obstacles. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. Develop resilience to navigate setbacks and find creative solutions to overcome obstacles.
The events industry is subject to change, and flexibility is a key asset for success. Adapt to changing circumstances, whether they involve shifts in client preferences, emerging trends, or unforeseen external factors. Being adaptable positions you as a resourceful and forward-thinking event planner.
Success as a Corporate Event Planner Can Be Yours
Finding corporate clients as an event planner isn’t hard. But it does take a bit of time to establish yourself as the corporate event planner to go to in the business.
Still looking to network and build your relationships in the industry?
Attend our next Event Planner Expo taking place on October 15-17, 2024. This is a great event to meet corporate event planners from all over North America and the world and to find the mentor that you are seeking.
Get your tickets on Eventbrite here.
