FabJob Guide to Become an Event Planner

by Riddell, Jan L.

• ISBN13: 9781894638883
• ISBN10: 1894638883
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-01-01
• Publisher: Fabjob.Com

Summary

In this book successful event planners share insider tips and expert advice on how to break into event planning. Learn step-by-step how to plan an event (including how to get sponsors and celebrities for the event). The book includes information on more than a dozen types of organizations that hire event planners and the best ways to contact them, where jobs are advertised, what employers look for, how to prepare a resume that stands out, plus other ways to find a job. You will learn how to get practical experience, and create an impressive portfolio even with no previous experience. The book also explains how to start an event planning business for little or no money. It covers: potential clients, marketing, pricing, and where to get creative ideas for events. Also included are valuable resources, information to become certified as a professional, and more. The CD-ROM that comes with the book includes many helpful samples and checklists that can be used to plan events.

Table of Contents

Introduction	1	(6)
Welcome to Event Planning	1	(4)
Event Planning as a Profession	3	(1)
Benefits of this Career	3	(2)
Inside this Guide	5	(2)
What an Event Planner Does	7	(80)
Services and Specializations	7	(5)
Social Events	9	(1)
Corporate Events	10	(1)
Industry Events	11	(1)
Special Events	11	(1)
Preliminary Steps to Plan an Event	12	(10)
Consult with the Client	12	(2)
Set Objectives	14	(2)
Choose a Date	16	(1)
Decide Who to Invite	17	(2)
Create Your Theme	19	(2)
Set the Event Agenda	21	(1)
Get Organized	22	(17)
Establish an Event Committee	22	(2)
Timeline Schedule	24	(6)
Critical Path	30	(1)
Budgets	31	(5)
Crisis and Backup Planning	36	(2)
The Rehearsal	38	(1)
Venues	39	(12)
Finding a Venue	39	(1)
Space Requirements	40	(2)
Creating an RFP	42	(3)
Site Inspection	45	(2)
Site Confirmation	47	(3)
Pre-Event Meeting	50	(1)
Vendors	51	(15)
Types of Vendors	51	(2)
How to Find Vendors	53	(1)
Choosing Vendors	54	(2)
Vendor Contracts	56	(2)
Tips for Specific Types of Vendors	58	(8)
Coordination with the Suppliers	66	(1)
Marketing	66	(12)
Advertising	68	(2)
Publicity	70	(4)
Sponsorships	74	(4)
Event Day	78	(2)
After the Event	80	(7)
Event Evaluations	81	(4)
Other Activities	85	(2)
Preparing for Your Career	87	(32)
Skills	87	(10)
Interpersonal Skills	88	(5)
Organizational Ability	93	(1)
Creativity	94	(2)
Persistence	96	(1)
Ways to Learn Event Planning	97	(13)
Information Interviews	98	(3)
Evaluate Other Events	101	(1)
Volunteer to Organize Events	102	(2)
Internships	104	(4)
Get a Part-Time Job	108	(1)
Read About Event Planning	109	(1)
Education	110	(9)
University and College Programs	110	(6)
Professional Certification Programs	116	(3)
Getting Hired	119	(50)
Employers That Hire Event Planners	120	(15)
Event Planning Companies	120	(3)
Hospitality Industry	123	(8)
Corporate Market	131	(4)
How to Find Job Openings	135	(8)
Advertised Positions	135	(4)
Unadvertised Positions	139	(2)
How to Create a Job	141	(2)
Job Hunting Materials	143	(11)
How to Prepare a Resume	143	(5)
How to Prepare a Cover Letter	148	(4)
Other Materials	152	(2)
Interviews	154	(13)
What Employers Are Looking For	154	(1)
How to Prepare and What to Wear	155	(3)
How to Make a Great Impression	158	(2)
Interview Questions	160	(4)
Discussing Salary	164	(2)
Following Up	166	(1)
Getting Promoted	167	(2)
Starting Your Own Business	169	(40)
Getting Started	169	(10)
Creating a Business Plan	170	(4)
Choosing a Business Name	174	(1)
Legal Matters	175	(2)
Insurance	177	(2)
Setting Up Your Business	179	(9)
Location	179	(2)
Telephones	181	(4)
Equipment and Supplies	185	(3)
Employees and Contractors	188	(3)
Employees versus Contractors	189	(1)
Tips for Working with Contractors	190	(1)
Financial Matters	191	(12)
Start-Up Funding	191	(1)
Keeping Track of Your Finances	192	(1)
Taxes	193	(3)
Setting Your Fees	196	(4)
Getting Paid	200	(3)
Client Contracts	203	(6)
Getting Clients	209	(49)
Choose Your Target Markets	210	(2)
Promotional Tools	212	(9)
Brochures	212	(1)
Your Portfolio	213	(5)
Your Website	218	(3)
Marketing Techniques	221	(14)
Networking Opportunities	221	(6)
Promotional Events	227	(4)
Advertising	231	(2)
Free Media Publicity	233	(2)
Marketing to Corporate Clients	235	(14)
Your Warm Market	235	(1)
Cold Calling	236	(9)
Responding to a Request For Proposal	245	(4)
Working With Clients	249	(9)
Responding to Inquiries	249	(3)
First Meeting with a New Client	252	(6)
Resources	258	(5)
Professional Associations	258	(1)
Periodicals	259	(1)
Message Boards	259	(4)
How to Install the CD-ROM	263