A Step-By-Step Guide to Becoming an Event Organizer
When you attend an event, are you inspired by the beauty and creativity that went into the space around you? Do you notice the production of the event and wonder what it takes to get there? Do you see venue spaces for rent and wish you could host an event there? Then event management services may be the industry for you. Not to mention, in the United States, the event industry is worth a pretty penny so it’s not a bad gig to get into.
When you’re just starting off, it can be intimidating, so we created a guide to give you a jumping off point.
What do event organizers do?
Event organizers are the ring leader for the whole production. From forming the creative concept to actually executing the event, they are fully immersed in every step from start to finish. They oversee the entire project and are often working on things like managing client expectations and requirements, developing creative ideas into a project brief, negotiating with vendors, setting a budget, arranging contracts, legal requirements and licenses, working with contractors and managing the event itself by being present.
How much do event organizers make?
Event organizers’ salaries can vary depending on a few different factors like the market you are in, if you are self-employed or work for a company and how many years of experience you have or what your position is. We recommend doing some research based on your market specifically and for an entry level position if you are just getting started. For example, according to Glassdoor, an Event Coordinator in Los Angeles in 2021 averages $47K where an Event Consultant in the same market averages closer to $67K. Doing your research can make sure you are set up for success as you enter a new industry.
Step-By-Step How to Become an Event Organizer
Now that we have discussed what event organizers do and roughly what they can make depending on various factors, let’s jump in on how to get you started.
1. Learn the Industry and Do Your Research
Without any initial experience to go on, you need to make sure you’re doing your research to understand the industry’s ins and outs. A good way to do this is to keep up with the press, follow event planners and companies on social media and dig into successful companies within this space. This will help give you a starting point in a very complex industry.
2. Building Your Skills and Experience
One of the easiest ways to get your foot in the door is to find any kind of event experience. Maybe you work part-time or sign up for an event that needs extra hands and help to execute. This kind of opportunity will give you hands-on experience and let you dip your feet into the industry. Another great way to apply your past experiences is through applicable skills. Do you have past jobs where organization was key? Or where you did a lot of number crunching and budgeting? Powerful negotiation skills? All of these are applicable skills to the event industry and will help you go far.
3. Build a Business Plan
A very crucial document in terms of your success is your business plan. This is a document that lays out different milestones and benchmarks, with how you plan to achieve them. You will want to add details surrounding finances and how you plan to measure your success. You will also want to make sure you figure out registering and insuring your business if you decide to start your own company. All the best event planning companies have a strong foundation when it comes to a business plan and legalities surrounding the industry. This will help you set up as you get started.
4. Build Supplier Relationships and Find Clients
Finally, you will want to start establishing relationships with suppliers. Starting off, this can be tough but you will want to find a range of people from caterers and venues to printers and decorators. You need suppliers for a successful event. From here, you will start to build your client base. Your clients will depend on your niche. Are you a corporate event organizer? A wedding event organizer? The type of events you focus on will help you hone in on the right audience. From there, setting up key marketing channels to reach your audience will ensure your success.
We hope this step-by-step guide is helpful for getting you started. As experts in the event space ourselves, we always love to see people interested in joining the industry and we wish you the best of luck!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I have no experience at all in this space, what would you recommend?
A: We recommend really honing in on your applicable skills and trying to get your foot through the door with either a contact or a part-time job to help build your experience.
Q: If I want to start my own company, how would I set that up?
A: That completely depends on the type of company you want to establish. You can do research online to figure out the best option for you or consult a tax expert to help you decide.
Q: Is the event industry fast-paced?
A: Yes! We recommend coming into this space if you are quick on your feet, an expert with client relations and are great at problem solving. You’ll always have something to manage in this industry.