3 Common Misconceptions About Event Planners


I am often asked how to become an event planner. It seems, to the outside world, that event planners have a glamorous job. I’m not saying that event planning jobs are not rewarding. What I usually tell those interested is that there is a lot more to the job than what you see.

Most of my online, and off line, life involves interacting and communicating with existing event planners. However when I’m not working I’m always surprised at the impression that many people have regarding event planning jobs. The most common feedback that I receive is that an event planner leads a glamorous life. If only.

In the last couple of weeks I have made it a point to ask people their perception of event planners. While I wasn’t surprised (much of the feedback was very similar to my own family members) the exercise did make me realize that there are a lot of people out there that do not have a clue what an event planner really does in their day-to-day work life.

3 Misconceptions That the Public Has Towards Event Planners

  1. Event planning is a glamorous job. I guess if people hear that you attend a lot of evening events at popular venues, they assume that you’re having a great time socializing with superb food and beverage. Again, if only. What many people fail to recognize is that a good event planner is doing anything but socializing during an event. While they may appear calm, cool and collective, behind the scenes they are constantly double checking the program and ensuring all aspects of the event are being executed properly. And we’re not even talking about the pre-planning component of the job here.
  2. “I’m great at planning social events for my family, so I would make a great event planner”. People generally think that the role of an event planner is to have fun. Take it from me, it is very hard work. Your client is depending on your contacts and expertise in order for their event to proceed seamlessly. There’s a big difference between volunteering to organize a friend or family event and event planning for your career. For one, there’s no putting things aside and saying you’ll get to it later on. When the going gets tough, the event planner is expected to work through to a solution. When people tell me they love to plan events outside of work, I usually make a point of informing them of all aspects of an event planners workload.
  3. Event planners are only for high-end events. I’ve even had potential clients tell me that they could not afford an event planner. I’m sure I had a perplexed look on my face when I was told that. You see, many times an event planner can actually execute an event and save you money at the same time. A seasoned event planner knows how to negotiate with suppliers and venues in order to get you the best possible venue and event. And because they often book spaces multiple times, they can be in a position to receive discounts that they can pass along to their clients.

Event planning is a rewarding career. Like all industries, it’s best if the individual is passionate about their job. There are, however, many misconceptions about what event planners do. Many people that are not in the industry assume that an event planner socializes and attends popular venues. What they don’t realize is the behind-the-scene work that’s involved in planning and executing events.

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