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Finding Event Planning Jobs-the Dreaded Interview! (Comedy Video)

August 31, 2012 By Comments
event planning jobs the dreaded interview

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Even though we still have one full month of summer left, if you’re like me, you still get that back to school feeling (even though, I’m embarrassed to say this, I’ve been out of school for 30 years). September has that newness feeling to it. It’s often a time where we commit to starting fresh projects. Which leads us to the subject of today’s post; event planning jobs and those awful interviews.

Many of you may be looking at September as a fresh start to a new career. If you’re in the business of event planning, then no doubt part of that job search is approaching event planning companies to see what jobs are available or perhaps to see if they may have some event planning internships. But, there’s no way around it, you’ll need to have an interview.

Interviewing for Event Planning Jobs Can Be Very Frustrating to Say the Least

Have you ever gone to an interview where the person that is supposedly interviewing you doesn’t really know how to do that properly? I know I have and I have literally cringed. I’ve had experiences where the interviewer gets off topic and starts talking about how great they are. Or the person gives you such a horrific description of the job that they are interviewing for that you can barely contain yourself. And maybe some of you have actually got up and ran away as fast as you could. Or at least wanted to.

In the video below, compliments of our friends at Funny or Die, we take a look at a very famous person, Renée Zellweger, as she interviews for a potential babysitter. As I was watching this video I couldn’t help but relate to having been in such interviews. I can laugh about it now but during the interviews I would’ve been just as happy trying to eat my arm off. At least it would’ve taken my mind off the interviewer…

 

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Event Planning Jobs-Where to Start?

June 13, 2012 By Comments
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This is the time of year when many meetings and conferences are underway. Shortly, there’ll be a lull as the bigger associations and conferences take a bit of a break in the middle of the summer. By break I mean that they won’t necessarily be meeting but the event planners will be very busy coordinating and orchestrating the upcoming fall conferences. No doubt many of you are wondering what jobs will be available in the industry this year. If you follow the 24-hour news cycle, well then let’s just say you must be worried sick. First things first. Turn off those news channels. While I’m slightly joking here, the meetings and events industry is still hiring. You just have to be smart as to where to begin your job search.

Consider Event Planning Internships to Get Your Foot in the Door

Of course networking can play a vital role when seeking employment. By networking, you meet potential contacts in a non-threatening environment. However use networking properly. Don’t jump into discussions about opportunities available etc. Rather, develop a bit of a relationship or rapport and the opportunities will tend to materialize from there. Internships are another great way to get your foot in the door. Typically internships are awarded to students or graduates that are entering the industry. But, don’t rule them out altogether even if you have been in the industry for some time and are just seeking a career change.

Social media plays a vital role today in the meetings and events industry. There are a couple of social media sites that stand out for their role in promoting industry jobs.

LinkedIn. There are many groups that have been created in LinkedIn for the sole purpose of promoting jobs. In fact I was so impressed with LinkedIn’s “jobs you may be interested in” widget that I added it to a related site, Welcome To The City. If you are logged in to your LinkedIn account and you come across their widget, it tailors the jobs it displays to you based on your account’s preferences. Certainly worth checking out. I would also suggest that you spend a little bit of time on LinkedIn searching for groups that deal with employment opportunities and then join those groups.

Twitter. On twitter, there are countless accounts that deal only with job opportunities. If you start following these accounts you’ll get updated opportunities delivered directly to your feed. Click here to see a list of twitter accounts that deal with job opportunities.

Is Now the Right Time to Become Certified?

Employers, when hiring people, look at the person’s skill set and education first and foremost. While the job of an event planner doesn’t necessarily require specific certification, a recent study by PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association) indicated planners with event planning certification were paidhigher than those without. As I have always stated, it is never a bad idea to invest in yourself. Potential employers will typically interview those that have industry certification before those who do not.

There are event planning jobs in the industry today. While they may not necessarily be all that visible, they are still there. You have to become diligent and be smart about where to look for the job you are searching for. And even though you may be using social media to make first contact, it never hurts to be old-fashioned and pick up the telephone to make sure that they have received your information.

 

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Interested in Obtaining Certification to Be a Certified Meeting Planner?

March 29, 2012 By Comments

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Should you obtain certification to be a certified meeting planner? That’s a common question within the industry. While, at present, the meetings and events industry does not require a meeting planner to be certified, many are going down the certification path to further their career development. But it’s not cheap to become a certified meeting planner. And certification does take a considerable time commitment on your part as well. So for this post were going to look at the merits (benefits as it were) of a meeting planner certification.

Certified Meeting Planner-the Benefits of Certification

Whenever I am at a networking event often the conversation involves the benefits of certification. Let’s face it, on face value any certification shows that you have taken an interest in your profession and are continuing your development as well. I find that people new to the industry, while interested in becoming a certified meeting planner, often will learn the ropes and then determine whether or not the certification route is for them. And I encourage that. After all it does take a commitment of both time and money. The reason I encourage new meeting planners to get their feet wet first is so that they can determine whether or not they see themselves staying in the industry long term. If their aspirations involve another career then there’s nothing wrong with working in the industry without being certified.

Some of the Certification Benefits of Becoming a Certified Meeting Planner Are:

  • your potential clients will see this as a commitment to your profession and the industry
  • it demonstrates that you have the required knowledge to make informed decisions
  • it also shows that you have longevity. Something that is often quite important to potential clients
  • people within your organization will look up to you for both knowledge and direction for their own career choices

When clients are selecting a meeting planner, quite often what they are looking for is that person’s expertise and guidance to help implement and execute successful meetings or events. With certification, a certified meeting planner demonstrates that they have the required knowledge, and commitment, to provide their clients with the proper direction. Being a certified meeting planner is not a requirement for the industry. Don’t get me wrong, there are many good meeting planners out there that haven’t been certified. But, I do believe that certification brings professionalism and commitment to the meetings and events industry.

 

 

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Are You a Time Zone Meeting Planner?

January 19, 2012 By Comments

The meeting and events industry involves considerable travel for many meeting planners. If you are a world time zone meeting planner then you probably know all too well the toll that constant travel can have on your body. I used to joke with my colleagues that you could tell who was new to the industry. You’d see the new meeting planners jump at the opportunity to travel with groups to various destinations. But that novelty soon wears off as many seasoned meeting planners can barely remember what city they’re in let alone what city they’re going to next.

Warning Signs for a Time Zone Meeting Planner

Many meeting planners get so involved with their hectic travel schedule that they sometimes don’t even recognize the signals that they’re starting to get worn down. At first many people are able to brush these symptoms aside but if they’re not addressed these symptoms can escalate and become a serious problem for your overall health.

Basically the cause of jet leg is your body’s inability to adjust quickly to the time in a different zone from which you live. Our bodies have an internal biological clock that basically follows the 24-hour cycle, otherwise known as circadian rhythm. So if you are a meeting planner time zone travel can be particularly draining. It’s important that you pay attention to the warning signs. Some early warning jet leg signs that you should watch for are:

  • insomnia
  • irritability
  • impaired concentration
  • anxiety
  • constipation or diarrhea
  • some people can also suffer irregular heartbeats

Tips on How a Time Zones Meeting Planner Can Overcome Fatigue or Other Travel Symptoms

Many experts will tell you that you really should start to treat time zone changes or jet leg before you begin your journey. Make sure that you get plenty of rest (even start to factor the time zone of where you’re traveling to into your sleep patterns ahead of time). Exercise and plenty of fluids (of the non-alcoholic type – sorry) will also help you combat fatigue ahead of time. Unfortunately everything I read tells me to avoid alcohol before long time zone traveling. During long-haul flights it’s important that you keep a similar routine by making sure you’re well hydrated as well as getting up and stretching your legs from time to time. Many in-flight magazines will show you simple exercises that you can do during your flight to help you fight off fatigue. If you’re flying on a redeye flight, you should bring supplies (a neck pillow, blindfold and earplugs) that can help you get some well needed rest.

Scheduling meetings with participants in different time zones can also be a hassle for many meeting planners. For a meeting planner time zones do not necessarily need to be your enemy. in today’s world, there are many apps that are designed to help us in our everyday lives. Well, I’m pleased to tell you, that there is a time zone converter for a meeting planner. In the related articles below you’ll notice the first article will give you more information regarding a world clock for a meeting planner.

Being a timezone meeting planner certainly has its rewards. You see many interesting parts of the world as well as being exposed to many different cultures. But extensive travel can certainly have its wear and tear on your body. Listen to your body and make sure you take all of the necessary steps to ensure that you minimize the effects that jet leg can have on your body.

 

 

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2012 Outlook for Conference Planning Jobs

January 4, 2012 By Comments

Are you wondering how 2012 is looking as far as conference planning jobs are concerned? Well, from the research that I’ve been doing, the outlook doesn’t look too bad. That’s not to say that we are out of the woods yet as far as the economy is concerned. Rather, it’s just that there does seem to be some light at the end of the tunnel. Finally.

Some Good News regarding Conference and Event Planning Job Openings

According to an American Express survey of meeting planners, half or more state that they are seeing signs of increased meetings from their clients. Additionally 6 out of 10 meeting planner suppliers stated that they too expect the number of meetings in 2012 to increase. This is certainly a sigh of relief for anyone currently searching for careers in event planning. The bit of good news is that if you been experiencing negative results in your search for jobs in event planning, you should start to see that trend turnaround.

Some additional information from the American Express report relative to event careers:

  • Shorter Meetings – many of the meeting planners surveyed indicated that they will most likely decrease the number of days that their meetings have traditionally been held over.
  • Travel Distances – the feedback from suppliers is that many meeting planners want to hold their meetings closer to home in 2012.
  • Fuller Agendas – this one is very good news as far as job growth. Many planners indicate that their meetings will include a combination of traditional business meetings along with attendee incentives.
  • Green – the planets going to love this. Meeting planners are stating that roughly 73% of their clients are supporting hotel properties that have taken green initiatives.
  • Venues – in North America planners are shifting away from the luxury properties whereas in Asia-Pacific and Latin America the demand for luxury properties is on the increase.

As we start to see increased meeting planning business in 2012 will also see an increased demand for conference planning jobs. However those in search of event planning careers know all too well how tough the competition can be. And that’s expected to remain tough as employers will have an abundance of candidates to choose from. While experience does rank very high in what employers are looking for, they are also looking for an individual that demonstrates the right characteristics for their organization. So as you begin your event planning career search it’s vital that you have an understanding of what it is your potential employer does and make sure that your research comes across properly in any interviews you’re lucky enough to find yourself in.

 

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QC Event Planning-a Great Way to Become Certified in Event and Wedding Planning

December 8, 2011 By Comments

If you’re in the event and wedding planning business and you’re interested in finding event planning jobs that help you develop in your career, consider becoming certified from QC Event Planning. Even if you’re new to the event and wedding planning industry the QC School of Event Planning is a great way for you to learn about the event and wedding planning business and become a certified player in the industry.

About QC School of Event Planning

Here at Plan An Event we are always looking at event planning companies and what we consider to be industry leaders. We also like to provide a review and/or contact information for you to get further information if desired. We are not affiliated with QC nor have they contacted us to write an article about them. We have been made aware of QC Event Planning, as we often are regarding other event planning websites and event planning software, by our colleagues in the industry.

QC Event Planning has been offering event planning certification and education training for more than 25 years. The company stays on top of new technology and new materials and adjust their course outlines accordingly. The company began in North America and has since expanded to the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. And don’t just take our word about QC Event Planning, check out the Better Business Bureau where they enjoy the highest possible rating of A+.

The QC School of Event Planning offers support to their students in a number of ways. You have your own login for their web portal where you can find a vast array of resources and information at your fingertips. Or if you can’t find the information you’re looking for on their web portal a personal tutor is always available to assist you.

QC Event Planning Offers Two Event Planning Certification Courses for You to Choose

Students can choose from two courses available – event and wedding planning or wedding planning. Both are designed to give you the tools you need to start your own event and wedding planning business. The courses offer practical assignments and the best part is there are no exams. Materials are sent to you, to study at your own pace, which include;

  • electronic templates
  • forms
  • checklist
  • spreadsheets
  • and organizer Pro business software to help you manage projects

So if you’re considering a career in event and/or wedding planning and we strongly suggest you take a look at QC event planning. Like always we suggest you get references and actually call and talk to a couple of those references about their experience with QC school of event planning. For anyone considering event planning internships, this is also an excellent avenue to explore. Above all make sure you have a clear understanding of what your expectations are from the two courses offered. And make sure you really your expectations to your contact when discussing course options. And as we’ve always said whenever you’re investing in yourself you’re investing in your future.

 

 

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Event Planning Jobs-the Interviews

December 4, 2011 By Comments

We’ve all been on one side of the interview desk or the other. We have sat through interviews where we would’ve rather have been at the dentist having a root canal. And we’ve also conducted interviews where it was very hard to look at the interviewee in the eyes without screaming “are you for real”.

I know in today’s economy many of you are finding yourselves going to job interviews. It is never easy to go into an interview as you’re really trying to sell yourself. The video below is a bit of comic relief to help you get a chuckle out of some interviews that have gone bad – really, really bad.

 

 

So if you do find yourself in a position where you have either been to or are going to an interview, maybe take a moment and look at this video. It’s going to give you a little chuckle and maybe when you’re in that interview think back to this video – hopefully it will help make you a little bit more comfortable knowing that you are not acting like one of these characters in the video. And hopefully your interviewer isn’t acting like one of those characters either. And most of all for all of you going for interviews – good luck!

 

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I Want to be an Event Planner – How Much Does the Job Pay?

October 16, 2011 By Comments

There are a number of reasons to follow your dream and become an event planner.  Event planners are always meeting new people.  The job is never boring – quite the opposite.  To be a good event planner you have to be able to multi-task and remain calm even if everybody around you is losing it.  Variety, excitement and rave reviews from clients are just some of the reasons why so many people are launching their careers in event planning.

BUT…what about the money?  How much can a person just starting out as an event planner hope to make?  It depends.   (How’s THAT for a nice, ambiguous answer?).

According to salary.com the 2011 median salary for a meeting and event planner in the United States is just over $55,000 per year.  The salaries range from a low of $40,200 and a high of just under $73,000.

Event Planner Salary – Factors to Consider

You may be interested in becoming an independent event planner or your preference might be to work for a larger, meetings and event planning company.  An independent event planner won’t get paid until he/she has covered all the costs of the event.  Entrepreneurs understand that they’re the low person on the totem pole when it comes to getting that paycheque.  Obviously the annual salary of an independent event planner will vary based upon the skill level and business acumen of that person.

If your preference is to work within a larger meeting and event planning organization there will be other factors impacting your salary.  These include the city in which your company is doing business, the type of clients you’re working with, the size of the event planning company and the number and caliber of events your company executes each year.

Event Planner Clients – That Little Bit “Extra”

Happy clients can mean a gratuity at the end of the event. This is not to be expected however it is not unheard of for the event planner to receive an additional “thank you” in the form of a gratuity.  This practice is encouraged by some meeting and event planning companies and discouraged by others.

Event Planner Jobs – Do your Research

Compensation varies from city to city, region to region and between different industry segments – corporate, association and social.  There are several on-line resources that you can turn to including salary.com, ehow.com, industry recruiting sites, etc.

It is important to understand, before launching your event planner career, that in the early days especially, it can’t be just about the money.  You have to have a passion for what you do and a driving desire to exceed the expectations of your clients.  An event planner works long hours and is often on call 24/7 during an important event.  The more experience you gain and the more successful your events the more you will be rewarded.

 

 

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An Event Coordinator Is One Busy Person

September 28, 2011 By Comments

We’ve all been to events and have had a great time networking, enjoying a cocktail while nibbling on some great food. Well chances are that you didn’t even see the person who was responsible for making sure you had such a good time. That person would be the event coordinator. An event coordinator has a very demanding job – often a thankless job. There’s a saying in the meetings and events industry – “the only time you would see an event coordinator is usually when things go wrong”.

An Event Coordinator’s Job Begins Long before the Event Itself

It’s when the date and time has been decided for an event that the job of an event coordinator gets going. The initial job description for an event coordinator is to get all of the various suppliers going on their various tasks required. And getting suppliers all on the same track is no easy feat in itself. Quite often there are many suppliers involved with the one event. The venue itself, the caterer,  entertainment, AV people (audiovisual) and sometimes transportation companies are samples of the various suppliers that an event coordinator is responsible for. Each supplier may have a different task for the event itself. But it’s the event coordinators responsibility to make sure that each of those separate tasks are woven together to make one seamless event. And within each of those suppliers there are many items that they alone need to complete for their part of the event.

So it’s easy to understand why an event coordinator becomes very busy even in the planning stages of the event.

During the Event the Event Coordinator Acts like a Stage Director

If you think that the event coordinator can relax once the event begins, think again. As if their job wasn’t busy enough planning the event itself, it can be even more stressful for the event coordinator during the event. Think of a stage director’s responsibility for theater production during a live performance. They have to make sure everybody is on their mark behind the scene, or backstage, so that the performance on stage goes ahead seamlessly. That’s a very similar description to what an event coordinator is doing during the event. Their job is to make sure that all of the suppliers are on their mark and that the clients standards are being achieved if not exceed it. Just one small piece of the puzzle going bad can have a devastating effect on the event itself. What if the caterer ran out of food for example. Do you really think that the attendees would complement on the food that was there and how great it was? Not really. Pretty safe to say that most attendees will walk away from that event remembering that they ran out of food. That would not a good impression to say the least.

So the next time you’re at an event, take a moment to look at the people working. Chances are, if you look for them, you will see the event coordinator working diligently. Go up to them and let them know how you appreciate all the hard work they have done. You never know, the next event coordinator may just be yourself putting together your own event.

 

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Why Do Companies Hire Meeting Planners

September 8, 2011 By Comments

Today we’re used to hearing that technology has replaced a job task that used to be done by a human. And that’s becoming more and more frequent especially in today’s economy. People, especially young people, always wonder whether or not the career path they are choosing will eventually be replaced by a computer. I hear that a lot at job fairs that I attend for the meeting planning industry. It’s usually after the question about “how much money will I make” that I usually get asked about the longevity of a career in meeting planning. Well I’m happy to report that, for as long as I can see, the role of a meeting planner will need to be done by a human.

Meeting Planners Have an Ever-Changing Job Description

Basically companies hire meeting planners to oversee and execute successfully the various meetings that the company conducts. And quite often these companies are looking for a very diverse set of job skills. One of the main job skill that a company looks for in a meeting planner is their ability to multitask. As anyone in the meetings and events industry will tell you, there are usually many, many things happening at the same time during the planning process. The role of the meeting planner also changes at the various levels of the planning. For example at the beginning they’ll be called upon to utilize their fiscal skills while establishing budgets. Very soon that will change into negotiation skills as they begin to tender the various components to their meetings. They also need to be team leaders as a meeting planner often needs to motivate and direct their team according to the tasks at hand.

Good Meeting Planners Actually Save Their Companies Money

As mentioned above fiscal skills are an important characteristic of a meeting planner. Meeting planners need to plan and orchestrate the various meetings that they oversee while being very aware of budgets. Before companies hire in-house meeting planners they often do their meetings piecemeal. Usually that involves someone within the organization overseeing the meeting while they still have their own job to attend to. So you can understand why budgets might take a backseat when the person planning the meeting has another job to do. Companies have found when they hire an in-house meeting planner budgets tend to be met. Many associations actually count on their yearly or regular meetings to produce revenue. Therefore these planners are typically more senior as their roles in the association has a direct impact on revenues.

At a glance it’s easy to see why some people think that hiring a meeting planner will be an extra cost. Often times, however, good meeting planners can pay for themselves many times over. Plus a company that hires a meeting planner usually produces top-notch meetings.

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