Think back to the last time you went to a convention, a wedding, or an off-site business meeting. Everything you saw, from the sign-up posts, to the table decorations, to the folders you've been handed had to be created by someone. That someone would be an event planner. This is someone who plans events; large or small, corporate or social. Any event you have ever attended had someone at the helm who shouldered the responsibility of looking after every minute detail, from the key-note speaker all the way down to how many knives, forks, and spoons were needed for the meal you ate.
This course will take you into the world of event planning, giving you a very accurate behind-the-scenes look at a career that is almost invisible, but so very important. Whether you are looking to plan a family reunion, a wedding, an off-site meeting, or a giant product launch, this course will give you the necessary information and insight into what you need to know to pull off a successful event.
Perhaps you are looking for a change of career. If so, this course will illustrate in great detail the qualities you must possess to be a successful event planner and exactly what the job entails. This is one of the most versatile jobs in the hospitality field, and people with drastically different backgrounds will find that they have the perfect experience to step into their new role as a Special Event Planner. This course is designed to assist both the seasoned and novice Event Planner to be better organized, save both time and money, and enjoy the entire process.
I. Today’s Special Event Planner
A. The job in general - What is Event Planning?
B. Important Characteristics
C. Good Experiences to Prepare you
D. Specializing
E. Is it for you?
II. Why Clients use Event Planners
A. Needs – It’s all about what the client wants/needs.
B. How to help them get it.
C. Interpret and Deliver
D. The Formula
E. The Planning Process
F. Types of Events
G. Putting your personal touch on an event
H. How to convince clients to hire you
III. Your Job as an Event Planner
A. Representing your client
B. Vendor relationship
C. Organizational skills
D. Networking
E. Training
F. Versatility
IV. Going into Business
A. Preparation - Volunteering
B. Training – Degree programs, internships, mentoring programs
C. Details – Where to find positions
D. Legal questions
E. Employees vs. independent contractors
V. Vendors
A. Your job as Director
B. Floral Designers
C. Interior Decorators
D. Bakers
E. Caterers
F. Confirming Details
G. Timeline
H. Troubleshooting
VI. Money, Contracts, and Insurance
A. How to get paid
B. Creating a good contract
C. Built-in protection
D. Legal advice
E. Insurance needs
VII: Preliminary Work for the Event
A. Research
B. Design
C. Developing Ideas
D. Selecting a Site
E. Décor
F. Food
G. Entertainment
VIII. The Event - Showtime
A. Responsibilities
B. Staging
C. Organization – Checklists and Logistics
D. Fire-fighting
E. Timelines
F. Post-event Duties
G. You’re only as good as your last event.
IX. Types of Events – Corporate
A. Business meetings
B. Product Launch
C. Annual meetings
D. Non-profit Events – Galas, etc.
E. Fundraisers
F. Venues
G. Speakers
X. Social Events
A. Weddings
B. Family Events – Reunions, Birthdays, Anniversaries
C. Rites of Passage – Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Quincenera, etc.
D. Cocktail Parties, Wine-tasting/pairing meals
E. Pre-event Parties
XI. Relationships
A. Being a “People Person”
B. Client Relationships
C. Vendor Relationships
D. Staff Relationships
E. When the Chips are Down, would YOU want to work for you?
XII. Networking
A. It’s who you know
B. How to become known
C. Volunteering
D. Mingle with other Event Planners
E. Attend/participate in Trade Shows
XIII. Keeping Your Business in the Public Eye
A. Keeping your business healthy
B. What to do when things go wrong
C. Shoot for Success
D. Planning/Looking ahead
