Event planning is as fun as it is demanding. If you’re considering this line of work, you can start by assessing what basic event planning skills you already possess. Start with the six skills below, and remember what you don’t have, you can develop.

1. Event Planning Skills for Problem Solving

Part of event planning is taking on the unexpected with poise. You want to be adaptive and work well under pressure. For example, imagine you’re working a festival and the stage build-out is behind schedule. How would you handle that situation? Improving your problem-solving skills begins with repeatedly evaluating your plan and searching for potential missteps.

2. Basic Budgeting Skills

Knowing how to work a budget is among the most important event planning skills. You’ll track spending and negotiate with vendors to get the best deal for your client. It requires calculated financial maneuvers and some technical skills. You may choose to implement your budget and plan through specialized software. If you’re tech-savvy, you can maximize productivity by using all the available features.

3. Event Planning Skills Required for Basic Operations

Perhaps the most obvious skill you need is knowing how events transpire. Much of what you learn happens through experience, but you should have some basic understanding of the following:

  • Determining a budget
  • Booking a venue, entertainment lineup, and vendors
  • Coordinate staff and volunteers
  • Plan a schedule for a festival or large expo

If you can visualize each of these elements together as an event, that’s a great start.

4. Networking Skills

Successful networking results in lasting relationships with people in event planning adjacent industries. You have more to offer your clients if you have vendor connections. Your network of stakeholders, including vendors, sponsors, entertainers, and volunteers, boost your portfolio.

5. Communicative Event Planning Skills

Communication is a core element of event planning. As the planner, everyone will turn to you as the link to other participants. You need the ability to listen attentively and respond with confidence and respect. Your written and phone communication skills are just as important, as much of your work is done through email and phone calls.

6. Ability to Prioritize the Attendees’ Experience

Your event attendees are always your first priority, and sometimes that means stretching yourself a little thin to get them what they need and want. You may receive frustrating requests for seemingly impossible outcomes. However, your job is to respond professionally and do what you can to get it done.

Final Thoughts

Event planning is a combination of creativity and multitasking. You have to articulate your key stakeholders’ needs, know when to delegate responsibilities and have a passion for organizing events. If you have event planning skills or an interest in learning more about event planning, you’re already on the right path. With hard work, you’ll develop partnerships and connections to help you boost the production value of your events and make you an appealing option for future festivals and expos.

To learn more about event planning and streamlining B2B relationships, contact EventHub.

https://www.cvent.com/en/blog/events/12-event-planning-skills-you-need-success