How to Hit the Ground Running

In the seven years that I have been an event planner I have seen the industry grow rapidly. Because event planning is my passion, I understand the draw to the profession and hope that sharing my experiences can help others carve out their career path.

For those considering entering the industry, I think it is important that they learn first-hand all that the job really entails. I know the job can seem glamorous – and I do love it – but while the guests are having fun at exciting events, the planner is the one behind the scenes managing logistics, seeing the unforeseen, and making sure plan B and C are ready to be put into action if the need arises.

As a partner at Envision Events, I receive many requests from college students who would like to get into the industry and are looking for an internship. In my experience and in talking with friends in the industry, the top internships in the area are very competitive. Often internship seekers already need to have experience to be offered an internship. 

My best advice to those getting started is to gain as much event experience and exposure as possible to build your resume, before you get an internship.  The best way to do so is to volunteer as event staff at events you find interesting (almost every event is looking for volunteers); often this can lead to great experiences and contacts that may be able to help you into the industry.

Volunteering is what started me on my career path. I grew up going to conventions with my father, and as I grew older I thought what a great job it would be to travel around and plan these conventions.  In high school, I started volunteering at events and planning various events including several regattas.  When I entered college, I majored in Communications - Public Relations and continued to plan events; including a fundraising 5K run/walk I created with a group of students. 

During my last year of college, I was an intern at Ridgeway International, which is an event planning and logistics company that creates large scale special events around the nation.  When I graduated from college, I was hired as an Account Executive at Ridgeway International working on a great deal of events from NFL Super Bowl parties and NASCAR races to U.S. Pond Hockey Championships and the Minneapolis Public Library Grand Opening. 

After a few years, I decided to try a different path of event planning and started Envision Events with my business partner, Colleen Anderson, in 2006.  Today, Envision Events is successfully growing its client base and focuses on special events, corporate conferences, and event marketing.

If you are considering creating a partnership or starting a company, really take into consideration the personalities and strengths of who you will be working with on a daily basis. I am fortunate to have a business partner with whom I share a common understanding and vision, yet our strengths compliment one another so we can offer versatility and the best service to our clients.

Also, be prepared to make sales a continuous part of your job. Owning a small business takes great focus and balance to keep project deadlines, while continually making sales calls and creating proposals for future potential events.
 
Lastly, as you build your career, become involved in industry organizations to continue to learn and make valuable connections. Networking events and creating face time with new people has helped Envision Events expand to where it is today.