How to Become an Events Planner

Cara Squires, writer

Published at 29/07/2021, Updated on 04/05/2022 , Reading time: 5 min

How to Become an Events Planner — Photo © How-to-Become-an-Events-Planner.jpg

The events industry combines an exciting and varied career with a strong and growing level of demand, making a franchise investment in the sector a sound business decision. If you’re looking to discover how to become an events planner in the world of franchising, read on. Here’s everything you need to know.

With the UK events industry worth a whopping £42.3 billion and more growth on the horizon [Eventbrite], there’s no better time to make an investment in an events business. But would you thrive in a career as an event planner? In this article, you’ll find out what an event planner does, and how you can become one, enabling you to make a truly informed decision.

What does an event planner do?

An event planner is responsible for coordinating events, from weddings to concerts. Normal daily tasks of an event planner include research, client meetings, venue visits, working with suppliers, negotiating contracts and reviewing event bills and payments, in addition to all the day-of duties like set-up, overseeing and pack-down.

The biggest trait of a successful event planner is an inherent ability to be organised. To manage your time well, to manage others well, and to solve problems calmly and effectively. If you can do these things, you could really thrive with an events franchise. Beyond the demand already mentioned, there are plenty of advantages to running an events business, including:

An enjoyable and exciting level of variety in the day-to-day work that you undertake
Flexible working hours
Opportunities to travel and meet new people
The chance to complete rewarding work and see the fruits of your labour in action
The chance to forge a strong, hard-working team

How do you become an event planner?

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1. Narrow down your preferred specialism

Before you dive into an investment and commit to a franchise agreement, it’s important that you get a full sense of the available opportunities in the events sector, which is such a diverse and widespread industry that there are many different paths to take. You could be in-house event planner, an event planner from an agency, or a franchisee with an events company, and you could work in any of the following roles:

Event planner
Event space/venue manager
Catering services manager
Event social media coordinator
Event staff/volunteer coordinator
Event marketing manager

Narrow things down, find out what job opportunities and roles are present in the sector, and discover what you’d like to do from there. You might also choose to specialise in any of the following industries or event types:

Weddings
Festivals
Charity events
Sporting events
Exhibitions
Celebrity events
Corporate events and conferences

2. Research potential franchise opportunities

With a better idea of the area you’re looking to work in, it’s time to create a list of potential franchise opportunities and do your due diligence on each and every one before signing a legally binding document. Things to consider and understand before buying into a franchise network are:

Does your financial situation match up to the costs involved?
How long has the business been around?
Are there existing franchisee success stories out there?
What reputation does the franchise have with its customers?
What training/support do you want, and what training/support will you receive?
What stipulations and guidelines are expressed in the franchise agreement?

3. Assess your skill set and gain any necessary qualifications

What skills do you have, and do they match up to the franchise opportunities that you’re looking into? Do you meet listed franchisee requirements? Do you need to gain any qualifications in order to succeed? Assess your situation and what your next steps should be, but remember: In franchising, experience in the industry is less crucial than the right soft skills, as franchisor training can cover knowledge gaps, but can’t fundamentally alter personality. Soft, transferable skills you’d benefit from as an event planner include...

Organisation
Planning
Budgeting
Multitasking
Problem-solving
Communication
Networking
Negotiation
Creativity
Leadership
Passion

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Franchise opportunities in the events sector

1. The Party Tent Company

The Party Tent Company, founded in 2011, is the only marquee hire franchise in the UK. From birthday parties to corporate events, village fairs and trade shows, the company’s tents are fit for any outdoor occasion, and year-on-year, the business has increased by an impressive 168%.

Becoming a franchisee with The Party Tent Company: No previous experience is required, but The Party Tent Company is looking for go-getting, responsible and hard-working franchisees with the ability to follow a proven system.
How much you need to invest: You’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £12,000 to become a franchisee, and after two years, your expected revenue stands at £150,000.
What you get for your investment: You’ll receive initial training, both business-focused and practical, along with experienced set-up support and assistance and ongoing help whenever it’s required, including regular customer referrals.

2. DIGI-SPORTS

DIGI-SPORTS’s unique offering of an interactive and entertaining digital wall is suitable for a range of events, from parties to team building retreats. Having created a product with various modes and uses, DIGI-SPORTS is ready and waiting to handle the demands of any event.

Becoming a franchisee with DIGI-SPORTS: DIGI-SPORTS is looking for franchisees with business development experience and a passion for the events industry.
How much you need to invest: To become a franchisee, you’ll need to make a minimum initial investment of £9,000, with a total investment cost of £16,000. Your expected revenue after two years is £100,000.
What you get for your investment: You’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support with everything from logistics to sales, including access to a dedicated support email and hotline.

Make a career change and start running an events business today

So, how does a career in events sound to you? If it’s most definitely sparking your interest, let the research continue on Point Franchise. Find out how the events sector is making its post-COVID comeback, or go back to basics and get to grips with exactly why franchising is such a great way to make a career change and break into a new sector, even with no prior experience.