Freelance Event Planning; a Career Overview
Planning events is a complicated process. There are so many things to do like planning schedules, arranging logistics, managing caterers, proposing entertainment options and the list goes on and on. However, event planners are one-stop shop for solving all these problems and thus are in great demand.
Freelance event planning is finding a lot of takers as people are looking for flexibility with the time that they put into work. Also, event management jobs are quite different from normal desk jobs.
The role of a freelance event planner is to organize ceremonies, parties, fairs, conventions, festivals, concerts, etc. in a systematic and organized manner. They also play a critical role in developing the theme of the event and even managing budgets.
If you are looking for a career that is not a desk job, freelance event planning can be a great choice. You may have several questions such as;
- Is it hard to be an event planner?
- Can I be an event planner without a degree?
- How do I become a freelance event planner?
- Are event planners in demand?
- What is the difference between an event planner and an event designer?
- Do event planners get paid well?
- Is Event Planning a good career choice?
This article will answer all of the above questions so you can start your freelance event planning career with confidence.
Read on to find answers!
Are Event Planners in Demand?
As the events worldwide are gaining recognition there is strong demand for event planners. In order to save time and money, organizations and individuals rely on the expertise of the event planners to successful conduct events for them.
Let it be a theme wedding, a corporate dinner, a religious or a traditional event, a funfair, an expo, or any other kind of event, the need for an event planner is primary. So yes, event planners are in demand, especially in big and happening cities.
Is it Hard to be an Event Planner?
It’s not that becoming an event planner is hard but it does require certain soft skills and hard skills in order to excel in this field. Event planning is quite a challenging career as it requires a lot of travel, dealing with people of all kids, and expert knowledge of budgeting, financial planning, and marketing to organize different kinds of events.
Also, every new event will pose a different kind of challenge which needs to be dealt with. Innovation is also critical to the event management industry and requires planners and managers to constantly evolve with their methods. Long working hours and round-the-clock availability during the event days make this profession quite demanding.
Can I be an Event Planner Without a Degree?
You may not require a certain degree to get into event planning, but a bachelor’s or a master’s degree is a big plus that can not only help you excel in your trade but also grow faster.
Unlike the common perception, a degree is not a must to get into event planning and management, a degree in business, marketing, public relations, etc. can be a great help in getting started on your own. However, if you are someone who doesn’t have a university degree and still wants to get into event planning and management, there are tons of free online courses that can help you get started.
Also, keep in mind that preference is given to the work experience rather than the educational profile of an individual.
How Do I Become a Freelance Event Planner?
If you are working on how to become an event planner, you must know that it requires parallel time, effort, dedication, and consistency to become an event planner who makes a decent living.
Following are some quick steps you would need to follow to become an event planner.
- Become a volunteer at events and gain relevant experience.
- Establish cordial relations with the clients and event agencies during the events.
- Signup with specialized event recruitment agencies.
- Show initiative and demonstrate your critical thinking abilities during events.
- Create a portfolio highlighting your experience in working at various events.
Remember that even if you want your event planning skills for a self employment idea, you must work with someone before starting your own venture. Working for someone will allow you to learn the business and your freelance event planning can grow faster with solid experience in hand.
What is the Difference Between an Event Planner and an Event Designer?
Event planners are in charge of the entire event and they look after a variety of disciplines including budgeting, logistics, catering, production, etc. They are more concerned with the logistics as well as the overall operations of an event.
On the other hand, the event designers are responsible for finalizing the theme and décor of the event. Event designing is the most creative vertical of the event management industry as they create a vision for an event by providing visual details.
Do Event Planners Get Paid Well?
The pay-out in this field fluctuates widely as per the type of events that one does and the level of expertise that one has. For successful event managers, the sky is the limit but freshers also get decent pay.
If you are working as a full-time employee as an event planner or a manager in the United States, you can expect an average yearly salary of $42,449. The payout typically starts from $23,985 and goes up to $75,128. However, if you are a freelance event planner, the income may vary and it depends on your target audience, location, and services you offer.
Is Event Planning a Good Career Choice?
Event planning is a vibrant and exciting field that allows you to meet new people, travel to different places, and work under different conditions. This glamorous and thrilling profession provides ample opportunities to people who are getting into this field.
So, if you have a nick for outdoor jobs, good organizational skills, passion for creativity then event planning is definitely the right choice for you.
The Bottom Line
The event management industry is set to witness rapid growth over the coming decade. It already employs millions of people worldwide directly or indirectly and with grand events being held across the world throughout the year, the demand for event planners is expected to grow at a rapid pace.
So if you are looking to build an empire through freelance event planning, this is the best time to start!
