8 Event Planning Careers for the Aspiring Events Professional

A successful event career requires a wealth of skills, from a knack for detailed planning to high-level multitasking during event execution. Not everyone has the capacity to sniff out the details or problem-solve during chaos.

But if you think you have what it takes to be an event professional, check out the following choices for event planning careers ” there might just be something for you.

8 In-Demand Event Planning Careers

1. Event Planner

From conferences to high-end galas, event planners do it all. That’s why the role is a perfect fit for strong multitaskers. Before the big day, planners choose and arrange all the logistics for food, décor, personnel, presenters, and technology to pull off a flawless event.

They might even handle large-scale events like trade shows or coordinate complex conference schedules for thousands of people.

Like to be the one people come to? During the event execution, planners are the go-to person for problem-solving every unforeseen change or obstacle. It’s a fast-paced and intense job at times, but the feeling of accomplishment after a great event is priceless.

2. Wedding Planner

Weddings are a huge industry. When couples want to make sure their big day goes off without a hitch, they turn to wedding planners. These industry professionals know the ins and outs of every wedding topic from dresses and cakes to sound systems and marriage certificates.

During the planning phase, they help their clients make decisions that fit their expectations and budgets. Once the wedding day arrives, they help take the pressure of the couple. They run interference on issues and decisions so newlyweds can just enjoy their special day.

3. Event Space or Venue Managers

Event space or venue managers are experts on their own spaces. They know exactly how to execute a great event in their room. Whether it’s an arena, a concert hall, or a ballroom, they know how the layout, logistics, and ambiance will work for a variety of different events.

Venue managers often are also the sales and marketing managers for the space, helping to bring in new events and promote upcoming shows. They can sometimes function as event planners or help the event planner in charge execute the perfect event.

4. Donor or Sponsorship Coordinator

Many non-profits organizations rely on generous donors to keep their operations going. Donor coordinators help solicit these funds by throwing lunches, dinners, and other fundraising events. This is a fun way to encourage donations and thank past donors.

These professionals are often in charge of catering to the needs of important and well-off business people and community leaders. These guests are used to perfection.

That’s why a donor or sponsorship coordinator needs exceptional people skills, tenacity, and the ability to create meaningful relationships with sponsors.

5. Catering Services Manager

Do you have a love for food? Then catering manager might be the right position for you. Whether you need to feed hundreds of people or design the perfect five-course meal for an intimate dinner, your job is important. You’re essential to keeping guests and clients happy.

Most catering managers need a background in food preparation along with formal or innate skills in planning and problem-solving.

6. Event Social Media Coordinator

Social Media has influenced every industry, but perhaps the events industry as much as any. Social Media Coordinators work to promote events on social media to gain attendees and exposure for the event and the venue. They may create unique hashtags, do live feeds, design digital ad campaigns, and more.

Social media coordinators are integral to making the event a success. They’re also just as important during event execution to showcase the event in real-time. And as far as event planning careers go, it’ll give you more of a chance to interact with technology.

Think event marketing is the career path for you? Check out these ten jobs you might find yourself in.

7. Staff or Volunteer Coordinator

A lot of events rely on temporary or volunteer help to succeed. A staff coordinator is in charge of all the logistics related to the personnel on site for the event.

Be warned: It’s a tough job to train large sets of workers quickly and encourage productivity. Especially when your staff doesn’t have as much of a stake in the event going well.

Many times, volunteers or temporary staff lack the knowledge of the event’s inner workings. They’re unable to take initiative when problems arise. This means the volunteer coordinator needs to be able to think quickly and problem solve for unexpected issues as well.

But if you like to work with lots of new and different people, it could be a great role for you.

8. Marketing or Communications Manager

If you work for a mid-size company as a marketing or communications manager, you might be in charge of occasional promotional events and other experiential marketing. At the very least, your team will likely tas you with the event marketing.

It can be the best of both worlds to mostly work in marketing, but have the occasional event. This spices up the workload and see your promotions in action.

Now you’re ready to take your event planning career to the next level!

There are more event planning careers out there, but these are just a few of the places where you might find yourself. No matter what your role ends up being, the events world is fast-paced, exciting, and always full of surprises. So you’ll never be bored.

Want more advice about event careers right in your feed? Follow us on Twitter or Facebook and let the tips come to you.

Looking for more answers about event management careers?