How to Become an Event Planner (Even If You’re Starting From Scratch)

Posted on May 21, 2025

Ever walked into an event and thought, “I could’ve planned this better”? Or maybe you’re the friend everyone turns to when it’s time to organise birthdays, weddings, or office parties?

If that sounds like you, you might already be halfway to becoming an event planner; you just don’t know it yet. Event planning isn’t only about picking colours and arranging chairs. It’s about handling details most people never think about. It’s solving problems quickly, working with people, and knowing how to make things run smoothly, even when nothing goes as planned.

This guide will explain exactly how to become an event planner. We’ll also hear from a real event planner using InEvent so you can see what the job is like behind the scenes.

What Does an Event Planner Do?

At the core, event planners are problem-solvers and organisers. They take someone’s idea, whether a small meeting or a huge conference, and turn it into a real, working experience. That means choosing the right venue, coordinating with vendors, managing the budget, handling guest lists, and ensuring every piece fits together on the event day. But that’s just the surface.

You’re also the person behind:

• Creating timelines and schedules
• Answering late-night calls from caterers
• Double-checking that the stage lights work
• Making sure there’s a vegetarian option
• Fixing issues without letting guests know anything went wrong

It’s your job to think five steps ahead, because once an event begins, there’s no pause button.

You’ll deal with contracts, budgets, weather forecasts, and sometimes, unexpected no-shows. You’ll work with designers, tech teams, venues, sponsors, and clients who may change their minds at the last minute.

Does that sound stressful? Maybe a little. But this could be a great fit if you enjoy planning things to perfection and love seeing it all come together.

Ask yourself:

• Do I like being in charge of the details?
• Am I calm when things don’t go according to plan?
• Do I enjoy working with different people and personalities?

If you’re nodding “yes” right now, you’re already thinking like an event planner.

11 Steps to Becoming an Event Planner

There’s no single path to becoming an event planner. Some people fall into it by accident. Others take a more intentional route. But regardless of where you’re starting, these steps will help you build a real, sustainable career in event planning.

Step 1: Understand What Event Planners Do

Before committing to this path, take the time to understand the role. Event planners are not just organisers, they’re problem-solvers, people managers, budget handlers, and timekeepers. Your job is to ensure every moving part works together before, during, and after the event. That includes choosing venues, working with vendors, managing timelines, and making fast decisions when something goes wrong.

Ask yourself:

• Can I handle pressure when things don’t go as planned?
• Do I enjoy thinking through small details most people overlook?

If the answer is yes, you’re already on the right track.

Step 2: Get an Education (Optional but Helpful)

You don’t need a degree to become an event planner, but some education can give you a head start.

Programs in hospitality, communications, or marketing can help you understand the basics of client service, business management, and planning logistics. There are also online certifications like the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) that can give you more credibility.

But don’t let the lack of a formal background hold you back. Many successful planners started with no degree, just experience and grit.

Step 3: Build Relevant Experience

The best way to learn is by doing. And the good news? You don’t need to wait for someone to hire you before you start building experience.

Say yes to planning your cousin’s graduation party, your friend’s wedding, your local fundraiser, or your company’s team retreat. Every event you work on gives you real insight into what works, what doesn’t, and what to do next time.

Look for internships, volunteer opportunities, or part-time gigs where you can assist a more experienced planner. Even shadowing someone for a weekend can teach you more than a textbook ever could.

Read more:

• How to Create an Online Ticketing System for Your Next Event

Step 4: Build a Portfolio

Once you’ve worked on a few events, even small ones, start creating a portfolio.

Include:

• Photos of the event
• Notes about what you handled (budget, vendors, schedules, etc.)
• Any feedback or testimonials from the people involved

Your portfolio is your proof. It shows people what you’re capable of, and even if you’re just starting out, this is one of the best ways to build trust.

And yes, events you planned for free still count. What matters is that you did the work.

Step 5: Learn Event Planning Tools

You can’t plan a professional event today with just a notepad and email threads. You’ll need tools that help you manage everything from guest registration to post-event feedback.

That’s where InEvent comes in.

InEvent is an all-in-one event planning platform used by top global brands to run successful in-person, virtual, and hybrid events. With InEvent, you can:

• Create branded registration forms
• Track RSVPs and check-ins in real time
• Host virtual sessions and manage hybrid experiences
• Measure attendee engagement with live data
• Automate emails and communication workflows

Using a professional tool like InEvent early in your journey gives you a considerable advantage, especially if you want to work with larger companies or plan large-scale events.

Try the platform, explore the features, and practice building mock events independently. You’ll pick it up faster than you think.

Step 6: Develop Key Skills

You can’t do this job well without specific skills; the more you develop them, the easier your job will become.

Here are the key ones:

• Time management – Every event runs on a schedule, and you’ll need to ensure nothing falls behind.
• Communication – You’ll talk to vendors, clients, sponsors, and guests. Clear communication matters.
• Problem-solving – When a speaker cancels at the last minute or the cake goes missing, you must fix it.
• Budgeting – Knowing how to get the most out of any budget is part of the job.
• Calm under pressure – Events can be stressful. You’re the person everyone turns to when things get tense.

The good news? These are skills you can learn. Practice them in real life, reflect on what worked and didn’t, and keep improving.

Related post:

• How to Choose the Right Name Badge Printer for Events

Step 7: Define Your Niche

Not all event planners do the same kind of work. Some specialise in weddings, while others focus on corporate events, nonprofit fundraisers, or entertainment festivals.

Choosing a niche helps you focus your learning, build a more substantial portfolio, and attract the right clients.

Think about:

• What types of events excite you?
• Where do you already have connections?
• What industries are growing in your area?

You can always branch out later. But when you’re just starting, having a clear focus helps people understand what you do and why they should hire you.

Step 8: Build Your Brand and Online Presence

In this business, people need to know who you are and what you bring to the table.

Start simple:

• Create a professional Instagram or LinkedIn profile
• Use your portfolio to showcase past events
• Share tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and lessons you’ve learned

You don’t need to go viral. You just need to show that you’re serious, reliable, and ready to plan events people will love.

Tip: Pick one platform to focus on and be consistent. People are more likely to trust you if they see you showing up regularly.

Step 9: Get Licensed (If Needed)

Depending on where you live, you may need to register your event planning business, apply for a permit, or get insurance.

It’s worth checking your local business office or government website. Even if you’re freelancing, having the proper paperwork protects you and your clients.

If you plan to work under a brand name, it’s a good idea to secure your business name early.

Step 10: Network Relentlessly

Event planning is built on relationships. The more people you know, the more doors open for you.

Start by:

• Joining Facebook or LinkedIn groups for planners
• Attending local networking mixers or industry events
• Reaching out to vendors, caterers, and venues
• Following other planners and commenting on their work

Every person you meet is a potential collaborator, client, or reference. Be kind, be professional, and stay curious.

Step 11: Keep Growing

This job will challenge you in ways you don’t expect, and that’s good.

After each event, ask yourself:

• What went well?
• What would I do differently next time?

Look for ways to level up: take a course, try a new tool, shadow a planner with more experience. Your growth doesn’t have to be overnight. But it should always be ongoing.

You’re not expected to be perfect. You just need to keep learning and improving, one event at a time.

A Day in the Life of an Event Planner at InEvent

What does an actual day look like for someone who plans events professionally? We spoke with Michelle, an experienced event planner who works with global clients through the InEvent platform. Her answer? No two days are ever the same, but that keeps it interesting.

Here’s how she broke it down:

8:00 AM — Inbox and Briefings

Michelle starts her day reviewing emails from clients, vendors, and her team. She checks for updates, new requests, and any last-minute issues. If there’s an event happening that day, she reviews the final logistics checklist.

“I always double-check the attendee list, links for virtual access, and who’s handling what on-site.”

10:00 AM — Platform Setup and Testing

Using InEvent, Michelle configures the event agenda, assigns breakout rooms, tests video feeds, and sets up check-in tools. Because InEvent works for in-person, hybrid, and virtual formats, she can manage everything from a single dashboard.

“The platform saves hours of back-and-forth. I don’t have to juggle 10 different tools.”

12:30 PM — Client Check-Ins and Team Syncs

She jumps on quick calls to walk clients through the event schedule or show them how to access attendee analytics. Then, she meets with her team to review tasks, assign roles, and check tech.

2:00 PM — Go Live or Go Over Details

If it’s event day, Michelle is active in the Virtual Lobby, monitoring chats, switching video modes, and handling tech hiccups in real time. If not, she’s preparing for the next one, reviewing scripts, planning layouts, or meeting with partners.

5:30 PM — Wrap-Up and Reporting

Once an event ends, Michelle doesn’t clock out right away. She uses InEvent’s analytics dashboard to pull real-time engagement, attendance, and feedback data. She shares highlights with the client and updates her internal reports.

“What used to take hours now takes minutes. I can see exactly what worked, and what needs adjusting.”

Her Favourite Part?

“The rush of seeing people connect and enjoy an event you helped create. That moment when it all clicks, that’s everything.”

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• How to Promote an Event To Increase ROI

Is Event Planning Right for You?

Event planning isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you’re reading this far, it’s probably already tugging at you.

Here are a few honest questions to help you decide:

• Do you enjoy solving problems under pressure?
• Can you stay organised when there are a hundred details to manage?
• Are you comfortable working with many different people: clients, vendors, speakers, guests?
• Do you enjoy making plans and helping things run smoothly?

You don’t need to be an extrovert. You don’t need to be a perfectionist. But you need to care about the experience you’re creating, and be willing to show up fully when it matters.

And if that sounds like you? Then, yes, event planning could be your thing.

Final Tips on how to become an event planner

Starting something new always feels big. But you don’t have to do it all at once. Here are a few steps you can take this week to start your journey:

• Plan a small event, even a birthday or office lunch. Just getting through the process will teach you a lot.
• Pick one tool to learn, like InEvent. Try building a test event to see how it works.
• Create a simple portfolio with a Google Doc or Canva file. Add photos, notes, or lessons from past events.
• Talk to someone in the field. Ask about their challenges, what they love, and what they wish they knew earlier.
• Write down your niche. What kind of events do you want to focus on, and why?

The best way to learn is by doing. And the sooner you start, the faster you’ll figure it out.

Ready to Plan Like a Pro? Try InEvent

Whether you’re planning your first event or your fiftieth, the tools you use matter. With InEvent, you can manage registration, create event pages, track attendance, host virtual sessions, and see everything in one place.

It’s built for planners who want their events to feel thoughtful, smooth, and professional, without the usual chaos.

Want to see how it works? Book a demo and try it out for yourself. This could be the step that makes your event planning career real.