Written by

Tamatha Hazen

July 28, 2025

Edited by

Jennifer Carlson

Fact-checked by

Kristen Cramer

Event planning is a fun and creative career where you help people celebrate special moments and bring their ideas to life. Whether it's weddings, birthday parties, corporate meetings, or community festivals, event planners make sure events run smoothly. This guide will show you exactly how to become an event planner, step by step.

How to become an event planner: Traditional path

The traditional pathway to becoming an event planner combines education, practical experience, and professional development. Each step builds upon the previous one, creating a solid foundation for career advancement.

Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree

While not always mandatory, obtaining a bachelor's degree significantly enhances your employment prospects and earning potential. The most valuable degree programs include:

• Event management

• Hospitality management

• Business administration

• Marketing and communications

• Public relations

Step 2: Gain practical experience

Any classroom learning must be combined with real-world experience to understand how events actually work. Effective ways to gain experience include:

• Campus involvement: Participate in organizing college events, festivals, or fundraisers to develop foundational experience in a familiar environment.

• Internships: Pursue opportunities with established event planning companies, hotels, or venues for structured learning and potential employment pathways.

• Volunteer work: Assist with non-profit organizations, community festivals, or charity events to work on diverse event types while building your professional network.

• Entry-level positions: Seek roles as event assistants or coordinators to gain direct exposure to logistics coordination and client management.

Step 3: Learn industry technology

Modern event planning relies heavily on specialized software and technology to stay organized and work more efficiently. Learning industry technology equips you for this demanding career.

• Event management software handles registrations, ticket sales, and attendee tracking while creating reports on event performance.

• Task management apps like Asana or Trello help you create to-do lists, set deadlines, and work with your team members.

• Customer tracking systems help you remember important details about your clients, like their preferences and past conversations.

• Budget tracking tools let you create detailed spending plans, monitor expenses in real time, and show clients exactly where their money is going.

• Communication tools including video calling apps, team messaging platforms, and social media management help you stay connected with clients and vendors while promoting your events online.

Step 4: Choose your specialization

While some event planners plan events of all kinds, specializing in particular event types can accelerate your career growth and increase your earning potential. Rather than trying to serve every type of client, focus on one or two areas where you can become known as an expert.

To choose your specialization, research which types of events are most common locally, investigate average earnings for each specialty, and choose what excites you the most.

Popular specializations include:

• Corporate events: Conferences, product launches, company retreats, and business meetings

• Wedding planning: Ceremonies, receptions, and related celebrations

• Special events: Festivals, galas, fundraisers, and community celebrations

• Exhibition management: Trade shows, conventions, and industry exhibitions

• Government events: Meetings and events requiring knowledge of federal regulations and protocols

Step 5: Develop a professional portfolio

One way to distinguish yourself from other event planners is with a professional portfolio that highlights your best work. A strong portfolio serves as visual proof of your capabilities and becomes your most powerful tool for landing clients and jobs.

Start building your portfolio from day one, even with volunteer work. Take high-quality before and after photos at every event, document your specific role, and collect testimonials immediately after successful events.

Step 6: Build your professional network

Networking is fundamental to success in event planning, as relationships often determine which opportunities come your way.

In-person networking

Start by joining organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI) and the International Live Events Association (ILEA), which offer local meetings and networking events. Attend industry conferences, trade shows, and professional association events regularly.

Online networking

Online networking and social media platforms expand your reach beyond local events. Use LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter to showcase your event work and connect with industry professionals. Post behind-the-scenes content, share client testimonials, and use relevant hashtags like #eventplanners to increase your visibility.

Step 7: Pursue professional certifications

Earning a respected certification can help you stand out, boost your credibility, and open new career opportunities. Certification costs can range from a few hundred dollars for a weekend course, or several thousand dollars for courses that take months to complete.

The table below details the most widely recognized certifications for event planners:

Step 8: Apply for event planning positions

To start your career in event planning, apply for entry-level positions that welcome newcomers to the field. Target beginner positions, focusing on roles that provide training and growth opportunities, such as:

• Event assistant or coordinator

• Venue coordinator at hotels or conference centers

• Corporate event assistant

• Wedding planning assistant

• Non-profit event coordinator

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for each position. Prepare thoroughly for interviews by researching companies and anticipating questions about problem-solving abilities, organizational skills, and specific event challenges.

Alternative pathways to event planning

If you're wondering how to become an event planner with no experience, there are a few ways to launch your career without having to go through the traditional steps:

Non-degree route

Breaking into event management without a degree is possible through practical experience and skill development. Build expertise using free online courses, industry books, and volunteer opportunities coordinating community events. Focus on developing leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Career transition route

Professionals from other industries can transition into event planning using existing skills. Common transition paths include hospitality workers who bring customer service experience, marketing professionals offering promotion skills, project managers providing organizational expertise, and sales professionals contributing client relationship abilities.

Entrepreneurial route

Some individuals start their own event planning businesses immediately. This path requires creating a business plan with market analysis, obtaining licenses and insurance, building brand awareness through social media and networking, and establishing clear pricing and payment systems. For detailed guidance, visit our guide on How to Start an Event Planning Business.

What does an event planner do?

Event planners handle all parts of planning and running events. They meet with clients to learn what they want, create budgets, and find the right venues.

Additionally, they work with vendors like caterers and photographers, manage guest registration, and take care of equipment and staffing needs. On the day of the event, they set everything up, watch over the event as it happens, and fix any problems that come up to make sure everything goes well.

Skills required to be an event planner

Event planners need strong organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and budgets simultaneously. Excellent communication abilities are essential for working with clients, vendors, and staff. Successful planners must also handle unexpected issues quickly and stay calm under pressure. Other important skills include attention to detail, time management, and creativity.

Employment and earning potential

The average event planner salary ranges from $64,000 to $74,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting around $50,000 and experienced planners earning $80,000 or more. Premium markets like New York, California, and Washington DC have higher event planning prices, leading to higher salaries of $80,000 to $100,000 for experienced professionals.

Event planners often focus on specific types of events, like weddings or corporate events. They can work for planning companies, hotels, corporations, or even start their own business. The job market is strong in this growing industry, with projected growth rates of 18% over the next decade.

FAQs about a career in event planning

How do I get into event planning?

The traditional pathway into event planning is to earn a relevant degree or certification, gain experience through internships or entry-level jobs, and build a strong portfolio while networking in the industry. Focus on developing your skills and connecting with professionals to find opportunities.

Is event planning a good career?

The profession offers strong career prospects, with planners earning $45,000 to $100,000+, depending on experience, location, and the type of events they manage. Event planners work across diverse industries including corporate, hospitality, non-profit, and entertainment sectors, with opportunities ranging from intimate gatherings to large-scale conferences and festivals.

What degree is needed for event planning?

A degree is not absolutely necessary for event planning, but it is helpful in finding a job. The most useful degrees are in event management, business administration, hospitality management, communications, and marketing.