The event planning industry is fast-paced, exciting, and full of opportunities for creative, organized, and ambitious individuals. Whether you’re passionate about corporate events, luxury weddings, brand activations, or large-scale conferences, breaking into this competitive field requires strategy, networking, and hands-on experience.
If you’re eager to land a job in event planning, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you stand out, build experience, and secure the perfect role.How to Get a Job in the Corporate Event Planning Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Understand the Event Planning Industry
Before diving in, it’s essential to understand what event planning really entails. While it may seem glamorous, the reality involves tight deadlines, long hours, and a need for impeccable organization.
💡 Key Areas in Event Planning:
✔️ Corporate Events – Conferences, meetings, team-building activities, and product launches.
✔️ Social Events – Weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and private parties.
✔️ Experiential Marketing & Brand Activations – Large-scale brand experiences, trade shows, and influencer events.
✔️ Nonprofit & Charity Events – Fundraisers, galas, and community outreach events.
✔️ Venue & Hospitality Management – Overseeing event spaces, catering, and logistics.
👉 Pro Tip: Take time to explore which niche excites you the most, so you can tailor your job search accordingly. How to Get a Job in the Corporate Event Planning Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide
2. Gain Hands-On Experience (Even Before Getting Hired)
Experience is everything in event planning. Even if you don’t have a formal job yet, there are several ways to build your skills and boost your resume.
🎯 Ways to Gain Event Planning Experience:
✔️ Volunteer at events – Nonprofits, festivals, and community events always need extra hands.
✔️ Intern with an event planning company – Learn the behind-the-scenes logistics.
✔️ Help plan events for friends or local businesses – Even small gatherings count as experience.
✔️ Work at an event venue, catering company, or hotel – Exposure to event logistics is invaluable.
✔️ Take online courses or certifications – Platforms like Coursera, The Event Leadership Institute, or MPI offer great courses.
👉 Pro Tip: Keep a portfolio of events you’ve worked on, even if they were unpaid. Include photos, vendor coordination details, and client feedback to showcase your skills.
3. Build a Strong Network in the Industry
The event planning industry thrives on relationships. Many job opportunities come from referrals, recommendations, and insider connections, so networking is crucial.
🤝 How to Network Effectively:
✔️ Join industry associations – Organizations like Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Live Events Association (ILEA), and the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE) offer networking events.
✔️ Attend industry conferences and expos – Trade shows like IMEX America, The Special Event, and BizBash Live are great for meeting event professionals.
✔️ Connect on LinkedIn – Follow event planners, venues, and agencies. Engage with their content and start conversations.
✔️ Ask for informational interviews – Reach out to event planners and ask for 15 minutes of their time to learn about their career path.
👉 Pro Tip: Don’t just network when you need a job—start building relationships early and consistently. How to Get a Job in the Corporate Event Planning Industry: A Step-by-Step Guide
4. Develop Essential Skills for Event Planning
Successful event planners need a unique combination of creativity, organization, and problem-solving skills. Employers look for candidates who can handle high-pressure situations, think on their feet, and manage multiple tasks at once.
📌 Key Skills to Develop:
✔️ Organization & Time Management – Juggling multiple vendors, contracts, and timelines.
✔️ Communication & Negotiation – Working with clients, vendors, and teams effectively.
✔️ Creativity & Problem-Solving – Designing unforgettable event experiences and handling last-minute challenges.
✔️ Budgeting & Logistics – Keeping events financially and operationally sound.
✔️ Attention to Detail – Ensuring every element, from seating arrangements to lighting, is flawless.
👉 Pro Tip: If you want to stand out, mention specific instances where you’ve handled unexpected challenges or executed flawless logistics in your resume and interviews.
5. Tailor Your Resume & Apply to the Right Jobs
Once you have some experience and connections, it’s time to start applying! However, don’t just send out a generic resume—customize it to showcase your event planning skills and experience.
📄 Resume & Application Tips:
✔️ Highlight relevant experience – Even if it’s not an official event planning job, showcase transferable skills.
✔️ Use action words – Instead of “Helped with an event,” say “Coordinated logistics for a 200-person gala, managing vendor contracts and budgeting.”
✔️ Showcase your portfolio – If you have event photos, social media campaigns, or media coverage, include links in your application.
✔️ Write a compelling cover letter – Explain why you love event planning and how you can contribute to the company.
🚀 Where to Find Event Planning Jobs:
🔹 Event companies & agencies
🔹 Hotels & resorts (event coordination departments)
🔹 Corporate event teams (many large companies have in-house event planners)
🔹 Convention centers & entertainment venues
🔹 Wedding planning firms
🔹 Nonprofit organizations (fundraising event roles)
👉 Pro Tip: Use job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Eventbrite’s job listings to find opportunities.
6. Be Persistent & Keep Learning
Breaking into the event planning industry can take time, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream job right away. Keep gaining experience, building your network, and improving your skills.
📌 How to Stay Ahead in the Industry:
✔️ Keep up with event trends – Follow event blogs like BizBash, Special Events, and Event Marketer.
✔️ Continue networking – Stay connected with event professionals and join industry discussions.
✔️ Consider freelancing – If full-time jobs are scarce, start by taking on small event gigs.
✔️ Stay adaptable – The event industry is constantly evolving, so be open to learning new technologies and trends.
👉 Pro Tip: The best event planners are always learning, improving, and innovating—keep pushing forward, and the right opportunity will come!
Final Thoughts: Your Event Planning Career Starts Now
Landing a job in event planning takes passion, persistence, and proactive effort. By gaining hands-on experience, networking strategically, developing essential skills, and applying to the right opportunities, you’ll set yourself up for success in this exciting industry.
🎉 Are you ready to start your career in event planning? Take action today—volunteer, connect with professionals, and start building your dream job from the ground up!
🚀 Need help getting started? Follow industry leaders, attend networking events, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there—the best event planners make things happen!
