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Event Planning

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An event planner is, quite simply, someone who organizes an event. An event can be as big as the Super Bowl or the Presidential Inauguration or it could be a thousand of smaller events. Any time people gather together for a purpose, whether it is for a wedding, a conference, a festival, a formal dinner, or the grand opening of a new store, someone is needed to oversee all the details to ensure the event happens and that it is a success.

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Event Planning Event planners may also work for themselves out of their homes. Start up costs are very minimala phone, a website, and business cards. Most self- employed event planners just starting out spend the majority of their time marketing themselves and finding clients. Getting to know local venues, caterers, florists, and rental companies is also important. Some planners specialize in certain types of events, such as weddings.

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Skills of an Event Planning Detail-oriented Creative Organized Flexible Work well under pressure to meet deadlines Ability to multi-task Assertive Strong writing & communication skills Negotiation skills

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Who hires event planners? Banking/ Investment groups Car Dealerships Casinos Caterers Chambers of Commerce Cities Coalitions Convention Centers Convention & Visitors Bureaus Country Clubs Cruise Lines Department Stores Florists Hospitals Hotels/ Resorts Museums Nonprofit Organizations Pharmaceutical Companies Private Schools Professional Associations PR Firms Shopping Malls Theme Parks Tourism Organizations Trade Associations Universities

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Informational Interviews

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Be willing to work hard and start from the bottom. Be a creative and out-of-the-box thinker, hard-working, learn from your mistakes, and remember that good character is an irreplaceable trait! ~Katherine Kane, Midtown Events

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Start interning or volunteering somewhere, anywhere as soon as possible. This experience will help you build relationships and get hired. Working in hotels is also a great way to get your foot in the door. Look at all aspects of event planning and learn what your favorite parts are. There are great opportunities within the industry that still plug you into the events themselves. ~Jessica Sanders, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation

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Timeline for entering this field AugustSeptember thru December January thru March April thru June July Decide location and employer preference; prepare resume have reviewed by OPCD Network with event planners; conduct informational interviews Network with event planners; conduct informational interviews; have a mock interview (Jan); apply for positions (Feb- March) Network with event planners; continue applying for positions; interview Evaluate offers of employment; submit acceptance letter to position of choice and politely decline offers you do not wish to accept

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Industry Forecasts Projected growth (2012-2022): 22% [much faster than average] Projected job openings (2012-2022): 44,200 Median wages (2013): $22.24 hourly, $46,260 annually [According to Onet*] As businesses and organizations become increasingly international, meetings and conventions are expected to become even more important. [Bureau of Labor Statistics]

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Expectations for Entry Bachelors DegreePreferred Entry-level Education No pre-requisite training for event planning Related work experience is very important In my experience, there has been very little formal training. I have always just been thrown into the deep end. It's scary initially but a great way to learn! ~Jessica Sanders [Informational Interview]

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Job Titles Convention Services Manager (CSM) Conference Planning Manager Conference Services Manager Catering Manager Events Manager Conference Planner Director of Conference Services Conference Manager Director of Events

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Typical Responsibilities Meet with clients to understand the purpose of the meeting or event Plan the scope of the event, including time, location, and cost Solicit bids from venues and service providers (for example, florists or photographers) Inspect venues to ensure that they meet the client's requirements Coordinate event services such as rooms, transportation, and food service Monitor event activities to ensure the client and event attendees are satisfied Review event bills and approve payment

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Job Functions Association plannersorganize annual conferences and trade shows for professional associations. Because member attendance is often voluntary, marketing the meetings value is an important aspect of their work. Corporate plannersorganize internal business meetings and meetings between businesses. Government meeting plannersorganize meetings for government officials and agencies. Being familiar with government regulations, such as procedures for buying materials and booking hotels, is vital to their work. Convention service managershelp organize major events, as employees of hotels and convention centers. They act as liaisons between the meeting facility and the planners who work for associations, businesses, and governments. They present food service options to outside planners, coordinate special requests, and suggest hotel services depending on a planners budget. Event plannersarrange the details of a variety of events, including weddings and large parties. Non-profit event plannersplan large events with the goal of raising donations for a charity or advocacy organization. Events may include banquets, charity races, and food drives.

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Leading Event Planners Stefanie Cove, Yifat Oren & Associates, Los Angeles Linle Froeb, LJF Events, San Francisco Charlotte Wolseley Brinton, Event Fusion, London David Monn, New York Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, Chicago Bryan Rafanelli, Rafanelli Events, Boston Jennifer Bassett, Bassett Events, Toronto Steve Kemble, Dallas Karla Dascal, KARLA Conceptual Event, Florida [From DEPARTURES ]

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WFU Contacts Jessica Sanders, Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Elaina Forbes, Self Employed Kaley Fountain, Christie Rose Events And 39 more!