How to become an event planner: Event planning is more than putting together a party or conference; it’s about crafting experiences people remember for years. Whether it’s a corporate retreat, charity gala, or music festival, skilled event planners bring visions to life. For those who are organized and creative, this career offers both variety and rewards.

Why Event Planning Is a Career Worth Considering

People now like celebrating their moments. Events are bigger, more creative, and more important than ever before. Businesses, nonprofits, and individuals rely on professional planners to pull off seamless experiences. That’s why careers in event planning are growing steadily.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that jobs for event planners are expected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033, resulting in over 16,000 new opportunities each year. On a global scale, the events industry was valued at around $1.2 trillion in 2024 and is forecast to grow to $2.1 trillion by 2030. There’s no shortage of demand for talented planners.

Your Roadmap to Becoming an Event Planner

Breaking into the field of event planning takes more than a love of parties. It requires a balanced combination of education, practical experience, and soft skills.

Start with Education in Hospitality or Business

While it’s possible to start small without formal training, most successful planners have a background in hospitality management, tourism, or business administration. These programs teach essential topics like:

How to coordinate logistics and timelines
Marketing and promotion strategies for events
Customer service and guest experience
Managing finances and operations

A bachelor’s degree is ideal for those aiming for higher-level roles in large organizations. In contrast, an associate degree can prepare you for entry-level positions in hotels, resorts, and local event companies.

Get Real-World Experience Early

In event planning, experience is just as necessary as education. Internships, volunteering at community events, or working for an events company can give you invaluable insight into the day-to-day realities of the job.

During this time, you’ll learn how to:

Work with vendors and suppliers effectively
Stay calm under pressure when things don’t go as planned
Create and stick to budgets
Manage timelines for events of all sizes

This hands-on experience also helps you build a portfolio of projects to show potential employers or clients.

Hone the Skills That Set You Apart

Beyond knowledge and experience, there are specific skills every event planner needs:

Time management and organization to keep projects on track
Creative thinking for designing unique and engaging events
Strong communication to coordinate teams and clients
Problem-solving abilities for handling unexpected challenges
Financial savvy to plan events within budget

Boost Your Credentials with Certifications

Once you’ve built a foundation, you can stand out even more with industry certifications. The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) and Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) are two credentials that demonstrate to employers and clients your commitment to excellence.

Where Event Planning Can Take You

A career in event planning offers many possibilities. You could work in:

Corporate event planning
Wedding and social event coordination
Trade show and conference management
Tourism marketing and destination events
Resort and hotel event services

You can even launch your own event planning business and build a brand around your unique style.

Why Experience Is the Key to Success

What sets great event planners apart is their ability to adapt and learn from each event they manage. By getting involved in real-world projects, you’ll sharpen your decision-making skills and gain the confidence to lead teams and delight clients.

Start Building Your Career in Event Planning

Event planning is a career that blends creativity, organization, and leadership. By pursuing the proper education, gaining hands-on experience, and earning respected certifications, you can lay the groundwork for success in this vibrant and growing industry.