What is Event Planning?

Are you an event planner or an event manager?

When you first decide how to be an event planner, there are many things to consider.

There’s also an overwhelming amount of information online.

So, how do you move forward and take action when you’re just getting started?

How do you know what to focus on first?

First, decide if event planning is right for you. Many new planners love the idea of planning events but they don’t ask themselves, “What is event planning?”

With so many job titles and job descriptions, many people confuse event planning and event management.

What is Event Planning?

Event planning is the process of budgeting, scheduling, choosing a venue or event site, coordinating permits and licenses, arranging entertainment including bands and speakers, and meeting with caterers to choose a menu.

The term event planning is used when planning weddings, meetings or parties.

What is Event Management?

Event Management is the process of overseeing and managing the entire event from start to finish, including the event team and/or volunteers.

Typically, event managers have more experience than a planner and manage the entire project. The term event management is usually used when referring to large-scale events like festivals, conferences, or concerts.

3 Must Have Qualities

Regardless of which title you choose, there are 3 key qualities that an event planner must have to succeed.

#1 – Time Management – you must be able to coordinate multiple schedules at once, in order to be a successful event planner.

#2 – Resourcefulness – thinking quickly on your feet is critical to planning events – no matter what size – because even the best laid plans don’t always go as planned and you’ll need to know how to seamlessly fix issues without your client or the event guests knowing.

#3 – Budgeting – one of the most important skills to have as an event planner, yet often ignored because many of us like the creative side of event planning more than dealing with the bottom line.

However, in order to be a successful event planner and make a profit, you must know your numbers. If budgeting scares you, sign up for a class at a local college to learn the basics.