Essential Event Planning Skills You Need for Success

1. Essential Event Planning Skills You Need for Success https://www.thepromoapp.com/

2. Are you new to the world of event planning? If you are looking for event planning skills, there are a few key points to keep in mind. As technology evolves, so does the world of event planning. Virtual event planning companies have been working hard to make planning easier and more beneficial for both organizers and the various event planning platforms.  In addition, the digital age has made it possible for just about anyone to become an event planner, as the barriers for entry become less. If you are determined enough, you could make a living off online events alone. There is no limit to the kinds of events you could dream up if you apply the key event planning skills needed.  Read on for six essential skills that you need to become a successful event planner. 

3. 1.Organization Skills 

4. First and foremost as an event planner, you need to be organized. Planning an event requires attention to detail, and sticking to deadlines so it’s no surprise that being organized is one of the key skills for event management. If you are not naturally a very organized person, there are various tools you can use to help you. From paperback diaries to Google calendars – find whatever works for you.  Regardless of the scale or nature of your event, it’s important to work with a plan. How extensive this plan is depends on your event. You will also need to play the role of project manager to make sure all the different parties are doing what they need to within deadline. 

5. 2. Flexibility  You need to be able to think on your feet as an event planner. Also, you need to be willing to get your hands dirty in the event of a crisis. Very rarely do all events go off without a hitch. There will be occasions where you need to play the role of a waitress, or even a cleaner. When it comes down to it, you need to be able to adapt to various situations.  When talking to any seasoned event planner, they will tell you that staying cool and collected and being able to adapt your plan on the fly is part of successful event planning. 

6. 3. Communication Skills

7. For your event to be a success, your communication will have to be on point. From managing client expectations, to liaising with suppliers, you are responsible for it all. It is crucial that you keep all parties involved updated on the status of the event planning process.  Coupled with organizational skills, communication is the biggest skill you will need as an event planner. If a supplier lets you down or doesn’t deliver, you need to communicate to all relevant parties immediately. Alternate plans will need to be made, and your client will need to be kept in the loop. Oftentimes things change at the last minute, which is why it is so important to stay in touch with all stakeholders and relevant players.  Depending on how busy you are, you could use digital tools like WhatsApp, Slack or Monday.com to form groups where everyone stays updated. You could also do daily or weekly emails to keep everyone in check. 

8. 4. Budgeting   A big part of event planning is managing a budget. Beyond the soft skills of flexibility and communication, you need to know how to crunch numbers. This is not saying you need a degree in accounting, but the basics will be a great help.  This is one of the event planning skills that could really save an event if things go wrong. When managing a budget, it is important to make provision for any and every scenario you can imagine. This is why adding in contingencies is helpful. It will help cover any shortfall you occur during your planning. Another thing to bear in mind is putting together a template to work from for each event. Once you have different formulas done on one spreadsheet, it makes it easier for the next time you need to put together a costing.  You should also learn to negotiate with different suppliers to help manage your budget. Once you are a loyal customer, or have something beneficial to offer them, use this to your advantage. You would be surprised at the amazing events you could pull off on a budget. 

9. 5. Problem-Solving Skills 

10. Another soft skill that forms part of successful event planning is problem-solving. In order to make your event a success, you will need to be quick on your feet when something goes wrong. No matter how much planning goes in ahead of time, something is bound to be delayed, or will need fixing on the day.  This is where you start problem-solving. As you gain more experience in the field, it gets easier. You learn which areas are bound to be more problematic, and how you can save a tricky situation. You will start to learn which suppliers to contact for emergencies, or even learn how to fix things yourself. 

11. 6. Creativity  If you plan to be an event planner full time, you will need to have a creative mind. You will be called on to plan social and business events, and clients will expect unique concepts every time.  It is crucial that you stay up to date with the latest in event trends and tricks to stay creative. Whether this means you need to attend more events, or follow event planners on social media, you need to keep your finger on the pulse. Creativity will also be a lifesaver if you are dealing with budget constraints. Your event planning skills will be tested when you are dealing with a limited budget, but need to fulfill your client’s brief.  These six event planning skills will help those new to the industry understand a bit more about what it takes to be a successful planner. When applied in real time, it can help you further your experience and knowledge of the industry, because even if you studied to become an event planner, some of these skills can only be gained with experience in the field. 

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