Be a Master in This Game.
Any event planner can attest to the fact that event planning is not as easy as it may sound sometimes. There is so much that happens behind the scenes trying to connect the dots to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
Anything could go wrong before, during and even after the event and that's why event planners strive to achieve the best outcome possible. It is important to note there is nothing like a perfect event but if it's good enough for the customers, then that's mostly what matters.
Here are a few tips for those who want to become masters of event planning in Kenya.
#1. Gain experience
Putting classroom studies into practice at an actual event helps event planners learn the ins and outs of the industry. Internships are a great next step after school or perhaps getting an entry level position at a company. Other ways to gain experience are by volunteering to coordinate activities at the local school, with non-profits, or organizing company meetings wherever you currently work.
#2. Pay attention to the smallest details\
There is nothing important in event planning than listening to your customers' needs keenly and getting the specifics. Better yet repeat what you hear from them or go through the main key points after they are done talking. Missing the smallest details could put the whole event into risk or damage your reputation as an event planner. In fact to be a great event planner you should be able to not only listen to what your customer is saying but also to what they are not saying.
#3. Learn industry technology
Event planners need to master programs used within their industry like software that help with project management, customer relationship management, sales and marketing. This software helps streamline and digitize their process. It's also beneficial because it allows planner to operate remotely, often using cloud storage or applications to do their work.
#4. A backup plan is a must have
In Kenya, any event is bound to a lot of technical or logistical problems or any other kind of hiccups that could either delay or cut short the meetings. A good example is when the lights go out without any prior notice. What do you do and the event must go on? What about a last minute cancellation of your venue? What if it rains in the middle of your event? Always have a backup plan for everything including being able to communicate quickly with your invited guests in case something goes wrong.
#5. Create a portfolio
Whether event planners are looking for a job or clients, a portfolio is a way for them to show off their skills and accomplishments. Portfolios can include photos of the events they organized, press clippings, testimonials and event brochures or invitations. In addition, any challenges that needed to be overcome related to tight deadlines or budgets, or creative constraints should be explained to help highlight the ability to work under pressure.
Round up...
Becoming an event planner is fairly straightforward. There is no sure fire track to an event planning career. But these five strategies will give you a good jump on the journey.
This list is however not exhaustive but it covers the key aspects of event planning.
Written by: Antony Moturi
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