Is it Worth it to Become an Event Planner?

Is it worth it to become an event planner? Events can be stressful and challenging, and yet for the right person, an events career offers dynamic opportunities for those with a passion and the ability to handle the unique challenges of events and festivals.

Key factors in deciding if a career in event planning is worth it for you.

Whether it's worth becoming an event planner depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. Event planning is a dynamic and multifaceted career that involves organising and coordinating various types of events, from small gatherings to large-scale festivals.

Speaking from personal experience and having been in the industry for a long time, I can tell you that being an event planner is truly the most exciting and thrilling career you can find. While many are under the impression that planning an event is limited to weddings and corporate events, event management and planning is so much more than just this. My own career speciality has been large-scale, public and outdoor events that’s seen me produce events for 350,000 people at a time!

Here are some factors to consider when deciding if pursuing a career as an event planner is the right choice for you.

Passion for Event Planning:

If you enjoy organising events and thrive in fast-paced environments, event planning can be a rewarding career choice. Major events like the Olympics, Cannes Film Festival, and the Super Bowl offer incredible opportunities to immerse yourself in the excitement and challenges of large-scale event planning. Is it worth the stress of the fast-pace to become an event planner? Working on such high-profile events can provide immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement, making the career even more rewarding for those passionate about event planning.

Skill Set:

Event planners need a diverse set of skills including organisation, time management, communication, negotiation, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Successful planners often lead major events like corporate conferences, weddings, and music festivals, requiring organised coordination and precise execution. Mastering these skills can help you navigate the complexities of large events, ensuring smooth operations and memorable experiences for attendees.

Event Planning Tools:

We know event planning process can feel overwhelming and complex for new event planners. That’s why we created our library of 150+ event planning tools—to make your event planning easy. Get started with our two favourite collections, the Event Planning Essentials Kit and the Event Risk Management Kit.

Flexibility:

Event planning often involves working irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate events. Events such as New Year's Eve celebrations, major trade shows, and international conventions often require planners to adapt to different time zones and late-night schedules. Is it worth it to become an event planner? This aspect might not be for everyone. A career in events is well-suited for individuals who can handle a dynamic work environment and enjoy the excitement of non-traditional work hours.

Networking Opportunities:

Event planning offers excellent networking opportunities as you interact with clients, vendors, and other professionals in the industry. Major festivals like the Sundance Film Festival, Art Basel, and South by Southwest (SXSW) are prime networking grounds, connecting you with influential industry players and potential clients. Is it worth it to become an event planner? Building a strong network at these events can significantly enhance your career prospects and open doors to new opportunities.

Creativity:

Event planners have the opportunity to showcase their creativity in designing unique and memorable experiences for clients. Festivals like Burning Man, Coachella, and Rio Carnival allow planners to push creative boundaries and produce visually stunning and innovative event designs. If you enjoy coming up with innovative ideas and executing them, these types of events can be especially fulfilling and highlight your creative talents.

Job Outlook:

The demand for event planners fluctuates based on economic conditions and industry trends. While the pandemic was a disaster for the events industry, we’ve seen an incredible bounce-back following it. Is it worth it to become an event planner? Following global trends and researching the job market in your area can help you gauge potential career opportunities and stability in the field.

Challenges:

Event planning can be a high-pressure job with tight deadlines and unexpected challenges. Large-scale events like music festivals, marathons, and cultural celebrations often present unique logistical issues and require quick problem-solving skills. Is it worth it to become an event planner? Being able to handle stress and solve problems efficiently is crucial for success in this field, ensuring that events run smoothly despite any obstacles. It’s a career that spits out the weak and rewards the strong.

Education and Experience:

While formal education in event planning or a related field can be beneficial, hands-on experience and a strong portfolio are equally important. Volunteering or interning at major events like the Olympics, national political conventions, and renowned film festivals can provide invaluable experience and boost your credibility. Gaining practical knowledge through such experiences can help you build a strong foundation for a successful career in event planning.

Ultimately, whether becoming an event planner is worth it for you depends on how well the career aligns with your interests, strengths, and professional goals. Is it worth it to become an event planner? Conduct thorough research, talk to professionals in the field, and consider your own aspirations before making a decision. Major events and festivals can offer unique opportunities and challenges that are worth considering as part of your decision-making process. A career in event planning can be incredibly fulfilling for those who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy creating memorable experiences.

Do you want to learn more from me? You can work directly with me. Check out my 1:1 Consulting Call to get personalised advice and guidance for your events.

MEET YOUR MENTOR

Hi, I’m Rachella—event expert behind Event Kit!

Built on 24 years' creating world-class events, Rachella Thomas founded Event Kit to share her event expertise and improve event management worldwide by offering affordable on-demand event planning templates.

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