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What is an event planning manager and how to become one
Do you think you know how to put together a crowd-pleasing event? Then, an event planning manager might be the perfect job for you. Event planning managers, or event planners, are involved in handling all aspects of events, including managing facilities, schedules, staff, travel, and accommodations.
They plan events from start to finish according to specific client requirements while taking into consideration the target audience and objectives. They often prepare budgets and negotiate with vendors and suppliers. They are also in charge of hiring personnel, such as DJs, caterers, and servers.
To succeed in this role, you need to be a people person and have great communication skills. You also need to be a high-energy, highly organized, detail-oriented individual. Many people working in this field earn Bachelor's degrees in hospitality management, public relations, marketing, communication, or other related fields. However, you may also be able to break into this field by volunteering your time and planning skills while working with non-profit organizations.
What general advice would you give to an event planning manager?
Joel Reece Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Brigham Young University–Hawaii
Look for opportunities to get involved. It is ok to be a volunteer or have an entry level job.
Think of your job as a place you can get paid to learn. Work with the attitude to add value to the company.
Avg. Salary $52,565
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 18%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%
Asian 5.85%
Black or African American 11.19%
Hispanic or Latino 16.14%
Unknown 4.69%
White 61.89%
Genderfemale 77.50%
male 22.50%
Age - 36American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 36Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is poor
6.4 - fair
Event planning manager career paths
Key steps to become an event planning manager
Explore event planning manager education requirements
Start to develop specific event planning manager skills
Skills Percentages Event Management 17.91% Smooth Execution 14.18% Event Sales 9.44% Booking 9.04% Audio Visual 7.04% Complete relevant event planning manager training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New event planning managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an event planning manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real event planning manager resumes.Research event planning manager duties and responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of these events and act as onsite manager to ensure meeting are delivered effectively and professionally.
- Prepare letters, proposals, BEO's, thank-you notes, etc.
- Create, review and revise rooming lists and VIP lists.
- Strengthen client base in local community by planning fundraisers and other VIP events.
Prepare your event planning manager resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your event planning manager resume.
You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an event planning manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.
Choose from 10+ customizable event planning manager resume templates
Build a professional event planning manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your event planning manager resume.
Apply for event planning manager jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an event planning manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first event planning manager job
Are you an event planning manager?
Share your story for a free salary report.
Average event planning manager salary
The average event planning manager salary in the United States is $52,565 per year or $25 per hour. Event planning manager salaries range between $36,000 and $74,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do event planning managers rate their job?
Event planning manager reviews
I was a theater major who received my CMP and realized I could put on a production in the corporate world. Event Planning allows me to utilize my skillset in a way I didn't know was possible. I also have the opportunity to travel and most venues treat you well when you're the planner (if you're the one in charge of the event).
There is nothing more stressful then this job. As you get closer to an event, the days get longer and the job can become 24/7, especially while the event is happening. If you're looking for a job you clock out from at 5pm, this is not the job for you. You're also in charge of budgets, F&B, Centerpieces, Entertainment, Speakers, Content, App Development, Registration, the list is endless. If you aren't good under pressure, this is not the job for you.
Working as an Event Coordinator/Planner is the most exhilarating and ultimately the most rewarding job - at least for me, it is. I have the passion and drive to turn a simple birthday bash into a themed, carnival affair! I love to see the guests faces when they walk through the door to be whisked away into a different era! I enjoy getting to know the client and to understand their vision. Because in the end - if I have done my job correctly as an event planner and the final outcome was successful - then I have done my job to the best of my ability
There are times when no matter what you do - a difficult and unhappy customer who has a bad attitude with everything, will not be happy. No matter what you do.
Updated January 8, 2025
