How to Become an Event Coordinator in 5 Steps

<p>Event coordinators are professionals who plan and execute all aspects of a client's event. A project typically starts by meeting with the client to discuss their needs, the type of event, its size, and other details. From there, duties might include interfacing with clients to develop a feasible budget, scouting locations and lining up subcontractor services. </p> <p>This career field is fairly broad, and event coordinators could specialize in a particular event niche. Examples of event types include government meetings, weddings, and conventions. No matter the specialization, event coordination requires superb attention to detail, organization skills, and the ability to multitask in a deadline-driven environment. The chart below provides more information to help you decide if a career as an events coordinator is a good fit for you. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Many employers require a bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Education Field of Study</b></td><td>Hospitality management, communications, public relations</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Licensure/Certification</b></td><td>Voluntary certification available</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Job Growth (2020-2030)</b></td><td> 18% growth <i>(all meeting, convention, and event planners)</i>*</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Average Salary (2020)</b></td><td> $55,890 <i>(all meeting, convention, and event planners)</i>*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreEventCoordinatorTasks">What Are Event Coordinator Tasks?</h2> <p>Event coordinators, or meeting planners, are responsible for putting together events and meetings for organizations. You'll scout locations, arrange contracts with vendors and caterers, negotiate budgets and oversee every moment of the event. You'll work with clients to discover what they want, need and expect on a particular budget. Other tasks may include setting up technology for meetings, greeting keynote speakers, printing materials and schedules, coordinating schedules and advertising the event. </p> <h3 id="section---Step1CompleteHighSchool">Step 1: Complete High School</h3> <p>While in high school, you should begin researching this career. Joining committees is beneficial to see what goes into organizing an event, dance or rally. This experience is also good for your college resume. While in high school, take electives in theater, journalism and computer science. By understanding different aspects of putting together plays, advertising and technology, you'll be ready to tackle events once you graduate. </p> <h3 id="section---Step2EarnABachelorSDegree">Step 2: Earn a Bachelor's Degree</h3> <p>A bachelor's degree is generally the lowest degree employers accept for event coordinators, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). You can study a wide variety of programs that will ready you for this career, including communications, public relations and business; however, hospitality management may be one of the best choices. </p> <h3 id="section---Step3GetExperience">Step 3: Get Experience</h3> <p>Much of the necessary experience for event coordination comes through on-the-job training. While in college, consider working for the student union. Concerts, comedic performances, festivals and fairs are only a few examples of the events that happen at universities. Joining committees and boards allows you to plan meetings, graduations or other school spirit events that provide hands-on experience. Either way, real-world experience gained from watching what works and what doesn't is often considered the best education for this career. </p> <h3 id="section---Step4BecomeCertified">Step 4: Become Certified</h3> <p>The Convention Industry Council oversees an optional certification process, which leads to a Certified Meeting Professional credential (<i>www.conventionindustry.org</i>). In order to qualify to take the written exam, individuals must have experience managing meetings. These exams are offered twice a year. Also available is the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP), which is considered the highest designation you can earn if you want to coordinate events for the government (<i>www.sgmp.org</i>). This certification follows tight regulations and is available from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP). </p> <h3 id="section---Step5ConsiderAdditionalEducation">Step 5: Consider Additional Education</h3> <p>Graduate degrees in meeting or hospitality management are available at some universities. Continuing your education may be beneficial for enhancing job prospects or for finding work with casinos, convention centers, wedding companies and hotels. These programs can also advance your career into management positions or give you the skills needed to build your own company. </p> <h2 id="section---WhatAreSomeRelatedAlternativeCareers">What Are Some Related Alternative Careers?</h2> <p>If you are highly organized and like planning or orchestrating activities, there are several other careers to consider. One is working as a travel agent, which is possible after earning a high school diploma. Travel agents work with clients to plan or suggest trips, and help with travel details such as accommodation, entertainment, or group bookings. Another good option is to work as a food service manager. These professionals coordinate the day-to-day operations of a restaurant or any other food service establishment. This could mean directing staff, making ordering or budget decisions, or interacting with patrons to ensure they are satisfied.</p>