1. So you're basically a party planner, right?
NO. That is not true. Event planners do much more than your average party planner, and it's not the easiest job in the world either. Yes, event planners do have experience in the party-planning industry, but not every event is necessarily a "party." From corporate events to award shows and even funerals, event planners can do it all, hence why we deserve a title more suitable than "party planner."
2. What does an event planner actually do?
Don't underestimate the power of an event planner. We don't just snap our fingers and an event magically comes together. It is quite flattering for people to think that we can create such lavish events in the blink of an eye, but it takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to make an event come to life.
3. There's A Degree For That?
Believe it or not, yes! Depending on what university you attend, event planning may be a major, a minor, or is obsolete. I'm currently an event planning major at High Point University, which is one of two schools in the country who offer event planning as a major (I chose wisely). Event planning may not even exist at other universities and you may be roped into being a business major, or marketing, or something other than event planning.
4. Can You Give Me A Job?
While everyone might think they're cut-out to be a thriving event planner, the truth of the matter is that it's an acquired taste. If you're looking for some help, then broaden your horizons and start searching! But if you find yourself being hounded by people who think it's an easy side-job they can just pick up and neglect as they please, run far away.
Monday, March 21, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Seven Essential Things To Do After an Event
1. Send Thank-You's
- Make it personalized
- Include staff, volunteers, speakers, performers, vendors, etc.
- Either a paper survey or an online survey
- Allow attendees to give feedback on a social media site (hopefully as good publicity)
- Keeps the audience engaged for years to come
- Allows attendees to easily share their positive experience working with your company
- Make sure you break even or turn a profit
- Clients have paid their dues
- Allow you and your team time to reflect on the event
- Assess any mishaps or improvements that could be made for next time
- Allow viewers to see what you have just done
- Reassures clients that their event was worth it (and you haven't forgotten about them)
- DESTRESS!! You deserve it.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Allies of an Event Planner
Every event planner needs those people that they keep on a short leash, only because they're essential to thrive in their business. An event planner is only one person, or a small group of people. As much as they might think they can do it all themselves, they really can't. Here's a list of the allies an event planner should have:
1. A Copywriter
Event planning requires a lot of content creation. From emails, to blog posts, or even social media sites, it's a lot to withstand sometimes. And what makes it worse —it all has to be done correctly and with precise punctuation and grammar. Even if you don't want to hire a copywriter, knowing one as a back-up is always useful!
2. A Lawyer
Law doesn't just come up when negotiating contracts. It comes into play when discussing insurance, liability management and zoning requirements. It isn't fun being on the dark side of the law, so being familiar with a knowledgeable lawyer is a great asset!
3. A Graphic Designer
Having a graphic designer can improve your social media presence more than you could ever imagine. You will be able to curate pictures and graphics with the greatest of ease, especially if you find yourself to be technologically challenged. Graphic designers also have connections within their field, as well. You may find yourself networking with photographers and illustrators on top of graphic designers, what a treat!
4. An Event-Tech Savvy
You don't need a serious technology engineer to fill this position. Someone who is familiar with all software and systems associated with event planners can be very useful in this field, and make your job much easier. This person could be an avid event-tech blogger, a vendor at a trade show, or a connection from a conference or industry group. Having a friend with a true understanding of the technical side of events can open you up to innovations and connections you may never have considered on your own.
5. A Travel Agent
Whether you're an event planner or an astronaut, we all know that arranging travel plans is never the easiest. Having a travel agent as an ally can open up a number of doors for you. From fluctuating with prices to giving you insight into travel destinations, they can do it all.
1. A Copywriter
Event planning requires a lot of content creation. From emails, to blog posts, or even social media sites, it's a lot to withstand sometimes. And what makes it worse —it all has to be done correctly and with precise punctuation and grammar. Even if you don't want to hire a copywriter, knowing one as a back-up is always useful!
2. A Lawyer
Law doesn't just come up when negotiating contracts. It comes into play when discussing insurance, liability management and zoning requirements. It isn't fun being on the dark side of the law, so being familiar with a knowledgeable lawyer is a great asset!
3. A Graphic Designer
Having a graphic designer can improve your social media presence more than you could ever imagine. You will be able to curate pictures and graphics with the greatest of ease, especially if you find yourself to be technologically challenged. Graphic designers also have connections within their field, as well. You may find yourself networking with photographers and illustrators on top of graphic designers, what a treat!
4. An Event-Tech Savvy
You don't need a serious technology engineer to fill this position. Someone who is familiar with all software and systems associated with event planners can be very useful in this field, and make your job much easier. This person could be an avid event-tech blogger, a vendor at a trade show, or a connection from a conference or industry group. Having a friend with a true understanding of the technical side of events can open you up to innovations and connections you may never have considered on your own.
5. A Travel Agent
Whether you're an event planner or an astronaut, we all know that arranging travel plans is never the easiest. Having a travel agent as an ally can open up a number of doors for you. From fluctuating with prices to giving you insight into travel destinations, they can do it all.
Monday, February 29, 2016
Event Planners: Idealists or Realists?
People love to give themselves a title. It's like our name brand–it's what we're known for. Political parties, religious views, and even relationships all have titles because society craves a name. Idealists and realists are two distinct titles society has given to the two different ways of thinking and creating.
Idealists are people who are guided more by fantasies than actual practical considerations. They see the glass half full, are very optimistic, and are perfectionists. They don't dwell on the past but rather look deep into the future. They're cheerful, kind-spirited, and see the world as it should be. Two famous idealists are Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Realists, on the other hand, accept the world as it currently is and deals with it accordingly. Realists see the big picture, they're clear-headed, and non-judgemental. They see both sides to every situation, and can sort out the lies from the truth. They pay attention to their surroundings, and are very up-to-date with the latest trends, but never look beyond the present. Two famous realists are Jennifer Aniston and Abraham Lincoln.
So, what title do event planners receive in this tug-of-war between idealists and realists? I think event planners fall somewhere in the middle. While event planners do portray idealist-type traits, such as optimism and perfection, they are slightly realists as well. Realists are much better at negotiating and are level-headed, two key characteristics of event planners. I guess event planners are the best of both worlds! Finding balance between idealist and realist-type qualities create a thriving event planner.
Are you more of an idealist or a realist? Maybe you've never thought about it, or maybe you think you need to change to be more like one over the other. Either way, both are essential for being an event planner!
Idealists are people who are guided more by fantasies than actual practical considerations. They see the glass half full, are very optimistic, and are perfectionists. They don't dwell on the past but rather look deep into the future. They're cheerful, kind-spirited, and see the world as it should be. Two famous idealists are Bill Clinton and Barack Obama.
Realists, on the other hand, accept the world as it currently is and deals with it accordingly. Realists see the big picture, they're clear-headed, and non-judgemental. They see both sides to every situation, and can sort out the lies from the truth. They pay attention to their surroundings, and are very up-to-date with the latest trends, but never look beyond the present. Two famous realists are Jennifer Aniston and Abraham Lincoln.
So, what title do event planners receive in this tug-of-war between idealists and realists? I think event planners fall somewhere in the middle. While event planners do portray idealist-type traits, such as optimism and perfection, they are slightly realists as well. Realists are much better at negotiating and are level-headed, two key characteristics of event planners. I guess event planners are the best of both worlds! Finding balance between idealist and realist-type qualities create a thriving event planner.
Are you more of an idealist or a realist? Maybe you've never thought about it, or maybe you think you need to change to be more like one over the other. Either way, both are essential for being an event planner!
Monday, February 15, 2016
Video: Improving Your Communication Skills
I have found Event Planning Blueprint to be a fundamental asset when researching event planning. Melanie, the host of Event Planning Blueprint TV, receives questions from viewers and shares her response through helpful and encouraging "vlog" posts. Here is one I found to be useful. It focuses on improving your communication skills between client and planner.
Monday, February 8, 2016
Some Inspiring Words
We all need a little "pick-me-up" here and there, especially when you're living the life of an event planner. A few encouraging words can completely transform our mood and our outlook on life. Below are some of my favorite quotes that will help guide and teach you. Let them lift your spirits and inspire you!
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." -Benjamin Franklin
It's all in the prep work. Make a plan, follow it, and everything will go smoothly!
"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time." -Leonard Bernstein
Again, follow that plan! But also, don't give yourself enough time to second guess anything. Your first instinct is always best.
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream. Not only plan but also believe." -Anatole France
Event planners are dreamers as much as they are doers. Find balance between both worlds, and you will have pure success!
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." -Beverly Sills
Never look for the easy way out. Always find the path that fits best and never cut corners. You were hired for your excellent, thorough work not your sneaky, cheating habits.
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." -Benjamin Franklin
It's all in the prep work. Make a plan, follow it, and everything will go smoothly!
"To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time." -Leonard Bernstein
Again, follow that plan! But also, don't give yourself enough time to second guess anything. Your first instinct is always best.
"To accomplish great things, we must not only act but also dream. Not only plan but also believe." -Anatole France
Event planners are dreamers as much as they are doers. Find balance between both worlds, and you will have pure success!
"There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." -Beverly Sills
Never look for the easy way out. Always find the path that fits best and never cut corners. You were hired for your excellent, thorough work not your sneaky, cheating habits.
Monday, February 1, 2016
What's in Your Survival Kit?
What does a mountain climber, an astronaut, and an event planner have in common? They all have survival kits. Yes, event planners do in fact have survival kits that they bring on-site to ensure that their clients have everything they could ever need. So, what's in said survival kit? Some things are obvious, and others are just downright bizarre. Here's a list of the inventory of a typical event planner's survival kit.
- Batteries (in assorted sizes)
- Bags (ranging from a barf bag to a garbage bag)
- Bottle opener and corkscrew
- Cable ties
- Camera
- Candles
- Calculator
- Clipboard
- Disposable razors
- Dustpan and broom
- Extension cord
- First aid kit
- Hand soap (also body wash)
- Hammer
- Insect repellent
- iPhone charger (because who doesn't have an iPhone?!)
- Knife (to the cut the cake or the mother of the bride)
- Pens and pencils
- Polish and duster (for shoes, nails, etc.)
- Matches and lighters
- Markers
- Measuring tape
- Mints and gum
- Multi-purpose cleaner
- Nails and screws (assorted)
- Painkillers
- Paper clips
- Paper towels
- Pins
- Pliers
- Safety pins
- Screwdriver
- Sewing kit
- Stapler and staples
- Stopwatch
- Sunscreen
- Super glue
- Tape (every single type of tape ever created)
- Tissue paper
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Torch
- Water bottles
- Whistle
- Wipes (hand and face)
- Wire cutters
- Umbrella
- USB port
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