So You Want to be an Event Planner? Take Event Planning Courses

There is more to pulling together a great event then simply booking a venue and sending out an invitation, especially today. Event planning is one of the many industries that has been revolutionized in the past 15 years. It has been particularly affected by the rise of the Internet and growing interest from corporate quarters in social and environmental responsibility. Now, there are awards for the most sustainable events. The best way for a newbie to learn about these industry trends? Enroll in event planning courses. That way, when your future clients or employers asks you about your preferred social media tactics or favourite sustainability strategies, you’ll know what you’re talking about.rnHow to Find Event Planning Courses Near YournIf you are a people person, and you think that you have the entrepreneurial spirit necessary to plan an event from beginning to end, then check your local business schools for classes in event planning. Many schools offer both full-time and part-time programs.rnSkills and Diplomas You’ll Need to Get Into the Program of Your ChoicernEvent planning programs are usually open to high school graduates. You may be required to take an interview to assess your qualifications. Some business colleges require applicants to have basic keyboarding skills.rnWhat You’ll Lea Most event planning schools teach aspiring event planners how to: • Write a CVrn • Find customers or employmentrn • Give a PowerPoint presentationrn • Manage worksheets on Excelrn • Prepare brochures, etc., using programs such as Publisherrn • Communicate with clients and employers: organize and write a business letter, Negotiate a contractrn • Use the Web for pre-event marketingrn • Do basic bookkeepingrn • Manage a teamrnYour Career Options After GraduationrnAfter finishing event planning college you will have to decide whether to start your own event planning service or find a job. Possible clients and employers include: • Trade associationsrn • Tourism boards for your state, province or cityrn • Professional associationrn • Conference facilitiesrn • Government agenciesrn • Event planning companiesrn • Business schools (teaching what you’ve learned)rnMost event planning courses have free placement services for recent graduates, including professional mentoring and online job boards. This is a great way to break into the business, but remember that only you can make yourself stand out. Whether you become the local expert in experiential marketing, staging unique events for big-name companies, or the go-to person for socially and environmentally responsible events in your city, this is one field that could see a lot of growth in the years to come.rnContact the Academy of Learning for more information on their Conference and Event Planner Diploma.