Step 1

Choose a location:

Select a country to search within. Country United States Canada Select a region to search within. Region Select a city to search within. City

Enter your zip code or postal code.

Step 2

Select an area of study:

Select a career to search within. Category Adult Education Animal Care Beauty & Cosmetology Business Computers & Technology Counseling & Psychology Culinary Design & Arts Diving Education General Studies Health Care Legal & Criminal Justice Media Arts Skilled Trades Specialized Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Select a sub category to search within. Sub Category

You’re social and outgoing. You want to spend many of your days outside the office helping clients pull off the perfect event. You love organizing details—itinerary, location, décor, food and entertainment are all crucial. You may even have a particular niche you’re thinking of specializing in. And the chance to work for yourself is too good to pass up.

But, first, you need a simple plan of action.

Find a Training Program and Get Going

Many colleges offer programs in event planning, and the curriculum is often varied. Expect to take courses in finance, marketing, promotion and legal issues. You’ll need to learn how to submit proposals, prepare invoices and bill clients.

Attending a school for event planning gives you the added ability to meet like-minded people. This can lead to new friendships and promising networking opportunities in the future.

However, if your current lifestyle or commitments make it difficult to attend school, you can train to become an event planner from the comfort of your home. Online courses in event planning offer you the flexibility to set your own schedule and learn at your own pace.

Pick Your Focus

Once you graduate, you’ll have to consider the many directions that a career in event management can take you in. The opportunities are as broad as your imagination, but specializing in just one or a few of them can sometimes give you the edge over more scatterbrained competitors.

People depend on wedding planners to take the stress out of their special day and ensure that celebrations run smoothly. Businesses rely on corporate event planners to set up special events and conferences that help bring in new customers, strengthen business relationships and promote new products or services.

The types of events and clients you can be involved with are practically endless. Family-oriented events like high-end anniversary and birthday celebrations occur all the time. As do fundraisers, tradeshows and sports and entertainment award banquets. 

Event management is a dynamic career that provides new experiences each day. Happy planning!