How to Get Started in Meeting and Event Planning

The ability to effectively plan meeting and events requires great attention to detail and a love of organization. Without these skills, it can be difficult to complete meeting and event planning well. This is why so many people turn to professional planners to help them with their important meetings and events. Because of the way this type of job works, it is a great opportunity to work from home as long as you know what you are doing. Knowing how to get started can help you determine if this is the right career move for you.

While not required, going to school for meeting and event planning can help you get your start in the field. There, you will learn a lot of the information you will need to plan these meetings and events so they are a success. When someone goes to a meeting and event planner, they want someone who is knowledgeable and can make a fantastic event that all attendees will enjoy. This is why an education in the field can be a great asset.

Whether you get training or not, experience can be one of your greatest allies when getting started with event and meeting planning. If you are looking to start out, let your friends and family members know what you intend to do. If they have any events or meetings for work coming up, they may want to consider using you for a reduced fee or even for free. If you can create a success from these meetings and events, you can work toward building your portfolio so you can get better paying jobs.

Once you have become involved in meeting and event planning, whether on an amateur basis or for pay, you may want to look into becoming a certified meeting and event planner. There are several organizations that will offer certification programs. While certification is also not a requirement to work as a meeting and event planner, it can increase the business you receive. Companies and individuals prefer to hire people who know what they are doing. Certification can serve as proof of that.

As you get started in meeting and event planning, you may find that you prefer working in specific areas of the field. Some people already know going in which areas they want to focus on. Some of the most common areas include weddings, other important parties, business meetings and conferences. When you decide you want to focus on a particular area, you will be able to offer better services because you will focus your future learning and skills on that area.

If you are considering becoming involved in meeting and event planning, either through a business or on your own, you need to know how to get started. Completing a training course on this type of planning can be an asset but isn’t a requirement. You can also become certified through some organizations. Once you are ready to get started, you will need to concentrate on getting clients. Offering your services to family and friends can help you get your start and build an impressive portfolio you can use to get even better jobs down the road.