{"id":221753,"date":"2022-04-10T16:54:54","date_gmt":"2022-04-10T14:54:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=114712"},"modified":"2022-04-10T16:54:54","modified_gmt":"2022-04-10T14:54:54","slug":"how-do-you-become-an-event-planner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do You Become An Event Planner?"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"scaip scaip-1 \">\n<aside id=\"republication_tracker_tool-2\" class=\"republication_tracker_tool clearfix\">\n<h5 class=\"adtitle\">Republish for Free<\/h5>\n<div class=\"license\">\n<p><button name=\"Republish This Story\" id=\"cc-btn\" class=\"republication-tracker-tool-button\">Republish This Story<\/button><\/p>\n<p><a class=\"license\" rel=\"noreferrer license noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"http:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/4.0\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Creative Commons License\" class=\"lazyload\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner.png\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Creative Commons License\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner.png\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"message\">\n<p>Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/aside>\n<p><em>By&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">Bibi Burness<\/a>&nbsp;on November 4th, 2021<\/em><\/p>\n<h2>Event Company<\/h2>\n<p>How Do You Become an Event Planner? When the party starts or the champagne cork pops, there\u2019s no greater feeling of satisfaction. It makes the many months of deadlines, long days, and longer nights seem worthwhile. That is until the next event starts.<\/p>\n<p>But that doesn\u2019t mean you have to be an event planner to plan an event. It\u2019s something we all do at least once in our lives. Whether we\u2019re planning a surprise birthday party or trying to manage a wedding.<\/p>\n<p>So, what\u2019s the secret to an amazing event? How do you become an event planner? And what are the ins and outs of the industry?<\/p>\n<p>That\u2019s what we wanted to explore. Let\u2019s get the party started!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What does an event planner do?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Weddings. Conferences. Business conventions. Meetings. You name it, an event planner plans it. That\u2019s the job in a nutshell.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s the humble art of spinning a dozen plates \u2013 florists, photographers, location selection, invitations. Event planners do it all. They\u2019re a one-man \u2013 or rather woman \u2013 machine, capable of handling any and every hiccup that may occur.<\/p>\n<p>That makes it one of the most flexible and intensive professions.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n<p>A client comes to an event planner with a conference they want to host. The event planner will discuss their vision, noting down what will need to be done. Here, they\u2019re trying to capture the essence of the client\u2019s vision.<\/p>\n<p>Then, the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/event-company\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">event planner (or event company<\/a>) springs into action.<\/p>\n<p>Potential conference locations are scouted and booked. Caters and decorations are bought and hired. Speakers are organized, entertainment is provided.<\/p>\n<p>Finally, on the big day, they work tirelessly to ensure the conference runs smoothly. If anything goes off-the-rails, it\u2019s on the event planner to get the show back on track.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What do you need to become an event planner?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Most people who start in event planning begin with a Bachelor\u2019s Degree. Hospitality management, tourism management, public relations, and marketing are popular and useful starting points.<\/p>\n<p>However, a degree isn\u2019t essential.<\/p>\n<p>What is critical is the experience! That\u2019s where internships and entry-level positions come in. You want to find a way to shadow professionals and develop a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/event-portfolio\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">portfolio of past events<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Think of the skills you\u2019re going to need: multi-tasking, organizing, long-term planning, calm under pressure, excellent written and verbal communication, an eye for design, contract negotiation, fantastic interpersonal skills, and more.<\/p>\n<p>You can\u2019t learn all that in an afternoon. It takes years of dedication and experience. That\u2019s what an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-event-management-companies\/\">events company<\/a>&nbsp;is looking for: talent, yes, but most importantly, a passion for learning and engaging.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Is an event planner a good career?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s a demanding career! But it\u2019s definitely worth it.<\/p>\n<p>If you like being out of the office, meeting new people, and rising to a challenge: event planning is for you. But don\u2019t expect an easy ride. For many clients, the events you plan are one of the biggest days in their lives. Or a landmark&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/why-you-need-to-hire-an-event-company\/\">event in the company<\/a>&nbsp;calendar.<\/p>\n<p>That means a lot is riding on your success. There\u2019s no room for error.<\/p>\n<p>Planners can also work long days, starting early and finishing late. The hours are irregular, particularly in the run-up to a big event. There are always numerous tasks to complete and deadlines to meet.<\/p>\n<p>So, if you\u2019re not precise in your organization it\u2019s easy to become overwhelmed.<\/p>\n<p>Thankfully, you\u2019re not alone. Although some event planners prefer to fly solo; many work as part of a company like&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/\">BW Productions.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong>Your team is therefore always on hand to offer some much-needed support in a crisis.<\/p>\n<p>After all, the course of event planning never did run smoothly.<\/p>\n<p>Cakes get delivered late. Entertainers cancel. But in the end, it\u2019s all in a day\u2019s work for an event planner.<\/p>\n<p>Still interested?#<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Do event planners get paid well?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>According to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/za.indeed.com\/career\/event-planner\/salaries\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Indeed.com<\/a>, the average salary for an event planner in South Africa is R 132,780 per annum. However,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/ZA\/Job=Event_Planner\/Salary\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">payscale.com<\/a>&nbsp;puts the average slightly lower at R 107,000 per annum, ranging from R 8K to R 329K.<\/p>\n<p>That gives you an idea of how the pay can range. And just how much you can earn as an event planner \u2013 especially if you\u2019ve got a reputation for greatness.<\/p>\n<p>Overall, that\u2019s an incredibly generous salary. And deservedly so.<\/p>\n<p>This means that after all the hard days and long nights, you\u2019re rightfully rewarded for your time. And that\u2019s without talking about the immense satisfaction the job provides.<\/p>\n<p>Few jobs get to see months of work come together in one momentous occasion. But event planners do! We see the smiles on everyone\u2019s faces and smile too. Wouldn\u2019t you?<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How much do event planners charge?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>That depends. I mean, how long is a piece of string? Are you planning a wedding, conference, company picnic? The size and scope of the event will largely determine the final cost of the event \u2013 and the price of the event planner.<\/p>\n<p>You\u2019ll also want to be aware of the quality of the event planner. A junior event planner is likely to cost much less than someone with twenty years of experience in the industry. But then, you get what you pay for. Experience matters!<\/p>\n<p>As a rough guide,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.payscale.com\/research\/ZA\/Skill=Event_Planning\/Hourly_Rate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">payscale.com<\/a>&nbsp;puts the average hourly rate of an event planner at R 103.81. But, as discussed, that can change radically depending on what\u2019s required.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for an estimate, please&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/contact-us\/\">get in touch with us for a quote<\/a>. We\u2019re more than happy to talk through the possibilities.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How many years does it take to become an event planner?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>No one event became an event planner overnight.<\/p>\n<p>Starting from square one, you\u2019re going to need a degree or 1-2 years of experience. If you did a degree, you\u2019d want to complete an internship or find entry-level work. That may take a further couple of years.<\/p>\n<p>At this point, you can call yourself an event planner. So, in all, it took around 2-4 years.<\/p>\n<p>But in truth, that\u2019s just the start of the journey.<\/p>\n<p>Event planners spend a lifetime mastering their craft. There are always new qualifications to complete and skills to acquire. Nor are all event planners, masters of every event. Some specialize in weddings, others in corporate conferences.<\/p>\n<p>Like heart surgeons and psychiatrists are both doctors, but neither could do the other\u2019s job. The same is true for event planners. You find what you love, and you stick with it.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What are the different types of event planning?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Here\u2019s a snapshot into the different avenues you can take in the world of event planning:<\/p>\n<h3>1. Freelance consulting<\/h3>\n<p>The lone wolves of the event planning world. Solo event planners enjoy flexible hours and doing their own things. Often, they work with a small team of loyal vendors they rely upon to make their events happen.<\/p>\n<p>This is the hardest path to walk, however. You don\u2019t get any of the backup&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/corporate-events-companies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">event companies<\/a>&nbsp;to provide. Instead, you\u2019re on your own.<\/p>\n<p>That does give you the freedom to pick your niche: kid\u2019s parties, weddings, funerals, small functions, and more.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Corporate event planning<\/h3>\n<p>This is where you\u2019ll find big money. Think of the massive corporate events that occur. And then try not to faint from the unimaginably tight schedules to which they must adhere. Corporate events often involve promoting a brand. It\u2019s fun but also difficult.<\/p>\n<p>If you prefer working in an office environment with a big team, this is for you!<\/p>\n<h3>3. Non-profit organizations<\/h3>\n<p>Sometimes you just want to give back. That\u2019s where fundraising campaigns for NGOs excel. It\u2019s an opportunity for event planners to work alongside charities and organizations devoted to making the world a better place.<\/p>\n<p>Here, the goal is to raise money and awareness for a cause. That requires passion, drive, and commitment.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What do you think?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There\u2019s never been a more in-demand time for event planners. Events are bigger and bolder than ever before.<\/p>\n<p>So, what do you think? Is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/bwproductions.co.za\/event-planning-how-to-plan-an-event-in-10-easy-steps\/\">event planning<\/a>&nbsp;for you? Do you already spend your time thinking up parties for your friends or organizing their social lives? Do you have what it takes to cut it in event planning and make your mark?<\/p>\n<p>If you think so, then go for it! The industry is always in need of fresh talent with something to say.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_114713\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-114713\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?attachment_id=114713\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt width=\"750\" height=\"500\" class=\"wp-image-114713 size-full lazyload\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner-1.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-114713 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner-1.png\" alt width=\"750\" height=\"500\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-114713\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BW Productions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_114714\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-114714\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?attachment_id=114714\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt width=\"749\" height=\"496\" class=\"wp-image-114714 size-full lazyload\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner-2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-114714 size-full\" src=\"http:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner-2.png\" alt width=\"749\" height=\"496\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-114714\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">BW Productions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Video:<\/strong> How Do You Become An Event Planner?<\/p>\n<p>[embedded content]<\/p>\n<p><strong>More Info on How Do You Become An Event Planner? here:<\/strong><br \/><strong>Twitter<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BWproductions4\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/BWproductions4<\/a><br \/><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BWProductionsZA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BWProductionsZA<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/mypr.co.za\/save-with-myprs-monthly-flat-fee\/\">CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-pagination pagination\">Pages: <span class=\"post-page-numbers current\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner\/2\/\" class=\"post-page-numbers\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>2<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\">Source: MyPR.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Republish for Free Republish This Story Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license. By&nbsp;Bibi Burness&nbsp;on November 4th, 2021 Event Company How Do You Become an Event Planner? When the party starts or the champagne cork pops, there\u2019s no greater feeling of satisfaction. It makes the many months of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":221754,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[3331,18,3332,9021,3336,1],"tags":[3257],"class_list":{"0":"post-221753","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cape-town","8":"category-durban","9":"category-johannesburg-south-africa","10":"category-mypr","11":"category-pretoria-south-africa","12":"category-south-africa","13":"tag-mypr","14":"entry"},"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-do-you-become-an-event-planner.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221753","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221753"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221753\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/221754"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221753"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221753"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.myza.co.za\/press\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221753"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}