In 2017, the average salary for an event coordinator was more than $60,000 a year. Besides the financial gains, working as a special event planner can be rewarding because of the exciting nature of the job. Each event is an opportunity to try something new and do something different.
Special event planning can also be intimidating though, especially if you're doing it for the first time. If you're planning an event for your business, you have a lot of people that you'll be trying to impress with your work.
Before you try to tackle private event planning for the first time, you need to have a solid strategy in place. Below, we've put together a guide to planning an event that will be a success for you and your whole business.
Read on to learn more.
1. Determine The Type Of Event
Not all special events are the same, and you shouldn't try to plan them as if they are. The first thing you should do is determine the style and tone of the event you're planning. That will impact all your decisions going forward.
Consider all the different types of events you could plan. Do you want something more formal, or more casual? Is it meant to be strictly professional, or is the event an opportunity for people to be more social and relaxed?
If you need to run your ideas past anyone else in your company, make sure you approach them with a clear vision in mind. It will make it easier to get their buy-in, and you can go forward with planning the type of event you want.
2. Get Organised
When you're planning a special event, there are a lot of moving parts, and as a special event planner, you are responsible for them all. From the food to the decor to the guest list, everything falls in your lap. You need to be organised to make sure that nothing falls through the cracks.
In the very beginning of the event planning process, you should make a checklist of all the different tasks you'll need to complete. Share it with friends and colleagues and solicit their feedback on anything you may have left off.
In the weeks and months leading up the event, you'll have a reference point. You can track your progress and make sure that everything is taken care of by the day of the event.
3. Make It Memorable
One important thing to keep in mind when you work in the special events industry is that each event has a purpose. Maybe your business is trying to woo new clients or promote a new product.
Whatever the goal is, your event is a key part of seeing that vision realised. Putting together a swag bag of items will endear you to guests even as they're leaving. You want people to remember the event--and your company's name--long after the event is over.
Even if the event is just for internal employees, a small gift or keepsake that guests can take with them is essential. It generates good will and can help ensure high attendance and your next event.
Ready to Begin Special Event Planning?
First impressions count for a lot when it comes to special event planning. Even if it's your first time, you can still pull off the event like a seasoned pro as long as you stay organised and execute a smart strategy.
For more ideas on putting together a great special event and promotional products that can make it even more special, please contact us at any time.
