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Over the last couple of decades the event, conference,meeting planning industry has exploded. In every major city (and smaller ones) there are hundreds, if not thousands, of companies that specialize in event planning. And though Event (or Party) Planner is the job most well known to the general public, there are so many different roles to consider.
Event Planning Jobs – What Can I Expect?
As anyone in the business knows, when you tell people that you’re an event planner, the response is generally “Wow, that must be a lot of fun!” And frankly, it is. Most of the time. But like any other career path, it’s not all fun and games. And it’s certainly not always a party.
Those who are new to the industry are always struck by how much HARD work goes into planning an event. The details, the long hours, and the stress (oh the stress!) are part and parcel with what we do. But so is the fun, the excitement and the satisfaction of seeing an event go off without a hitch.
Event Planning Jobs – What’s Out There?
For many looking at entering the industry, Event Planner is the goal. To be the person who organizes and creates the event is what seems like the most challenging and the most fun. But it takes a lot more people than just a planner to execute any event.
Here are a few ways to get your foot in the door of an exciting industry.
Event Coordinator – An Event Coordinator is the on site eyes and ears for the Event Planner. Planners usually have multiple groups, at different stages, at any given time. It would take someone who requires no sleep, no life and the ability to clone themselves and be in several places at once to do without an Event Coordinator.
An EC usually runs things on site. Ensures that all of the suppliers show up, that entertainment is there, the caterers are serving the correct food and on site staff are doing what they should be. A solid Event Coordinator is essential to any successful event team.
On Site Staff – A more general position, on site staff are quite literally that, the front line staff. Some Planners can be a little short sighted, thinking that their on site staff positions can be filled with just about anyone. NOT TRUE!! Your on site staff are the ones that interact with your attendees more than anyone else. There is a certain comfort for both clients and attendees to see the same staff throughout a program. It allows them to build a relationship with the clients and attendees alike.
On site staff can cover a plethora of duties for you. They do airport meet and greets, oversee the transportation, cover registration desks and so much more.
Tour Guides – There are several different categories for Tour Guides. Some guides do long haul tours that involve being with the group for several days. They’re responsible for everything and any little problem that happens is their job to fix. In addition to having to be knowledgeable and aware of the areas that the tour group will be visiting, if there are luggage, health or hotel issues, it is the tour guide’s responsibility.
Many tour guides work out of their own city and it is their responsibility to create the tour (or tours) they will be leading. It requires a working knowledge of the city as well having done at the very least a dry run or two before taking the group out. Many tour guides work on a contract basis and therefore have the option of who they are working for and when.
As with any industry, there are tons of different jobs out there in the business. You just need to decide what interests you and go for it!
