Here's how you can excel in a specific type of event planning, like weddings or conferences.

To excel in planning conferences and ensure seamless and successful events, focus on: 1. Detailed planning 2. Effective communication 3. Utilisation of technology 4. Anticipation of needs of attendees 5. Definition of contingency plans.

There are various kinds of niche. As we all know don't be a Jack of all trade but you can definitely be a master of not one. As the core of event planning skills is innate, do dabble in all and your niche will naturally appear.

Knowing what you and your team are good at is just as critical as knowing what you’re not good at. If you want to grow, you will have to work outside of your comfort zone. The key is knowing when to reach out and collaborate with those who can fill in the gaps.

This is the single most important thing you must do to get recurring jobs. Be absolutely sincere in forging a genuine friendship, and the rest will naturally appear.

I started my training with a few workshops, aimed at bringing in local entertainment professionals who want to sharpen their skills or build new skills. That grew to become the CM-ET Rigger Boot Camp, which is a monthly, 4-day Entertainment rigging training. This course sells out every month and always has a wait-list. Despite working for a rather large company, there was no actual marketing support for this training. Instead, this training grew organically, through word of mouth. People shared their experiences and inspired others to come. All of that success was built on developing relationships with the people who came for training.

A reliable network ensures you can meet the diverse demands of your clients while negotiating the best deals and ensuring smooth coordination on the event day.

Event planning gis a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary skill which many people thought they have mastered. Be open to being corrected and always learn and listen from anybody. This is the true way of having a longevity career in this industry

My background is more attuned to job planning, than event planning. However, I believe this concept holds true to both perspectives. Talk to people. Not just the “important people”, but the ones who so often go unnoticed. Talk to the receptionist, the security guards, the housemen, the engineering staff. These are the people with literal keys to literal doors. They are the people who get stuff done. When your event plan runs into a snag, these are the people who will be key to getting trucks in the right places, more tables, keeping the lights on or the doors open. Make sure you acknowledge them and show them kindness.

My background is more attuned to job planning, than event planning. However, I believe this concept holds true to both perspectives. Talk to people. Not just the “important people”, but the ones who so often go unnoticed. Talk to the receptionist, the security guards, the housemen, the engineering staff. These are the people with literal keys to literal doors. They are the people who get stuff done. When your event plan runs into a snag, these are the people who will be key to getting trucks in the right places, more tables, keeping the lights on or the doors open. Make sure you acknowledge them and show them kindness.

From meticulously planning timelines to ensuring every decorative element aligns with the client's vision, the small details make a significant difference. Personalization is key—understanding your clients' preferences, styles, and expectations allows you to tailor every aspect of the event to reflect their personality and brand, ensuring a bespoke experience that stands out.

Client communication is likely my weakest skill set. I either want to give them the world or scream into a pillow after a meeting. The most important thing here is to never say “NO”. Instead, you want to say “Yes, we can do that”….and then clearly communicate what it would take. After that, it is their decision.

Clients are our bosses, that's what a boss will say but it is true in every sense. We need to listen to our client and listen to their feedback and implement improvement. As they are our defacto paymaster.

Absolutely important to be ready for last minute crisis. It could be weather problems, forgetting an important equipment or vendors who cannot supply walkie talkies and delay in the timings of the main Event. You need to be prepared with solutions and make sure nobody notices these last minute glitches. An Event planner has to be prepared to keep smiling and make these errors turn their Event into a successful day.

Developing strong organizational skills allows you to manage multiple tasks efficiently, ensuring nothing is overlooked. Equally important is the ability to adapt and resolve issues promptly, maintaining composure and professionalism to deliver seamless events despite unexpected challenges.

By combining in-depth industry knowledge, a strong network, technological savvy, meticulous attention to detail, organizational prowess, and a commitment to continuous learning, you can excel as an event planner. Your ability to provide exceptional, tailored experiences will not only meet but exceed your clients' expectations, establishing your reputation as a trusted and innovative professional in the field.

Always consider venue ownership/leadership! If they suffer from one of the -isms be upfront with the type of wedding your hosting to prevent last minute cancellations.