What Education is Needed to Become an Event Coordinator?

<h2 id="section---HowToBecomeAnEventPlanner">How to Become an Event Planner</h2> <p>An event planner or coordinator plans and manages the various aspects of an array of different kinds of events. Students interested in becoming an event planner can learn more about each step of the process here. Event planner qualifications generally consist of: </p> <ul><li>Education </li><li>Certification </li><li>Experience </li></ul><h3 id="section---EventPlanningDegree">Event Planning Degree</h3> <p>Event planners generally need a bachelor's degree. There are several Bachelor of Science (BS) in Event Management degree programs available, as well as several BS programs that may pair event management with hospitality or sports and entertainment. Students in these programs may participate in internships for hands-on learning and/or take courses in subjects like: </p> <ul><li>Event management </li><li>Event promotion </li><li>Food preparation </li><li>Finance </li><li>Ceremonial management </li><li>Communications </li></ul><p>Although it is not required, some students may be interested in pursuing a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degree_in_Event_Planning_Program_FAQS.html">master's degree program for event planning</a>. These degree programs are generally in the field of hospitality or business and may help students advance their career. </p> <h3 id="section---EventPlanningDegreeOnline">Event Planning Degree Online</h3> <p>Students may also pursue <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Event_Planning_and_Management_Online_Bachelors_Degree.html">event planning and management bachelor's degrees online</a>, such as a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Event Management. There are also several <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Which_Schools_Offer_Online_Degrees_in_Event_Planning.html">schools that offer other online degree programs in event planning</a>, like certificate programs or associate's degree programs. Online programs still provide students with applied learning opportunities by incorporating real-world scenarios into the curriculum. </p> <h3 id="section---OptionalCertification">Optional Certification</h3> <p>It is not typically required, but there are several different optional certifications and credentials that may help advance an event coordinator's career. Most of these certifications are specific to different specializations in the field. For example, the Events Industry Council has a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential for meeting and convention coordinators, while the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners offers certification for wedding planners. </p> <p>Some of these certifications, like the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation from the Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) for government event planners, require students to meet so many years of work experience, take an educational course, and pass an exam to earn certification. Other certifications may only require so much work experience and/or an exam. </p> <h3 id="section---Experience">Experience</h3> <p>Event planners generally need to continue planning events and gaining experience to continue advancing their career and obtaining new clients. Some of this experience can begin during their bachelor's degree program through internships, job shadowing, and other hands-on learning opportunities. Many in the industry also value hospitality experience that one may obtain through working at a convention center or hotel. </p> <h2 id="section---EventPlannerCareerInformation">Event Planner Career Information</h2> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Required</b></td><td>Bachelor's degree</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Degree Field</b></td><td>Event management, business management</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td>Optional certification</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Annual Mean Salary (2018)*</b></td><td>$53,730 (for meeting, convention, and event planners)</td></tr> <tr><td><b>Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026)*</b></td><td>11% (for meeting, convention, and event planners)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i> </p> <p>As mentioned, event planners help coordinate a wide range of events, such as conventions, weddings, meetings, and more. This may require them to reserve transportation, accommodations, food, and other aspects of the event. Event planners commonly: </p> <ul><li>Discuss events with their clients </li><li>Determine budgets and manage bills </li><li>Set the time and location of events </li><li>Communicate with venues and vendors </li><li>Manage the event's activities </li><li>Ensure client satisfaction </li></ul><p>Event planners usually work full-time and may need to work on evenings or weekends and/or put in longer hours for an event. Most of these professionals work in their offices and may have to travel to event locations.</p>