The events industry is poised for growth in the coming years with research estimating it to grow up to $1.5 trillion by 2028. The size of the event industry makes it an exciting time to consider a career in event planning. With an increasing demand for events and a growing need for skilled professionals, it’s no surprise, and encouraging, that there is a surge of interest in event planning careers.
Whether you dream of organizing grand corporate galas, curating breathtaking weddings, or managing international trade shows, the possibilities for creativity and fun, and career growth within the events industry are virtually limitless.
If you want to get more information about the different types of event planning to explore and the different types of event planning careers in the industry, then this blog has everything you need to know.
The Different Types of Event Planning and Examples
Almost all organizations and brands have organized an event. It has become an essential part of their marketing strategy that audiences can trust. Building connections and relationships is the foundation of establishing a good business and events are one good way to achieve brand loyalty from the community.
Events are ubiquitous and can take many forms. Whether it’s a corporate conference, a wedding, a reunion, or a charity fundraiser, events require careful planning and execution. Here is an overview of the various types of event planning and their unique characteristics.
Corporate Event Planning
Corporate event planning is the most common type of event done by brands and organizations. If you’re in the corporate world, you’ve probably attended at least one of these events or have organized one for your audience. Here are some examples of corporate events:
- Conferences and Conventions
- Seminars and Workshops
- Trade Shows and Expos
- Product Launches
- Team Building Activities
- Corporate Retreats
- Awards Ceremonies
- Corporate Galas and Fundraisers
- Training and Development Programs
- Corporate Holiday Parties
- Company retreats
Planning for corporate events involves being clear on the event objectives and smooth coordination with the company’s different stakeholders. To achieve event success, the corporate event planner must oversee all these, from logistics, marketing, finance, sales, and vendor supplier management. The corporate event planner is also responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of the event program, registration and attendee management, and post-event efforts.
Social Event Planning
A social event is a gathering of people to engage, celebrate or socialize. Examples of social events are weddings, birthday parties, graduation ceremonies, reunions,
Planning for a social event is just like planning for an event but usually requires extra creativity. Social events are usually personal celebrations that involve custom themes and programs related to the celebrant. A social event planner requires social skills, empathy, and a pleasing personality as they attend to the social experience of guests.
Non-Profit Event Planning
Non-profit event planning encompasses many different activities to raise funds or bring awareness for a certain cause. Some examples are:
- Fundraising Galas: These formal events bring supporters, donors, and influential individuals together to raise funds for a specific cause or organization. Galas often include dinner, entertainment, dances, silent auctions, and guest speakers.
- Garage Sales: Garage sales are a profitable way to raise funds for a specific cause or advocacy. The organization’s committee can pool together and donate their pre-loved items that can be sold together to raise funds.
- Charity Auctions: Auction events are another type of event that aims to raise funds through the selling of items. It involves the sale of unique items, experiences, or services to the highest bidders. Non-profits organize auctions to generate funds and engage participants in a lively bidding competition.
- Community Fundraisers: These events focus on engaging the local community to contribute funds or resources for a particular cause. They can include activities like charity runs, walkathons, bake sales, or benefit concerts.
- Volunteer Drives: Non-profits organize events to recruit and mobilize volunteers for various initiatives, such as community service projects, environmental cleanup campaigns, or mentoring programs.
- Awareness Campaigns: Events aimed at raising awareness about specific issues or causes are crucial in non-profit event planning. They may involve panel discussions, workshops, seminars, or conferences with expert speakers and community members.
- Benefit Concerts: These events combine the power of music and philanthropy, showcasing talented artists while raising funds for charitable organizations or humanitarian causes.
- Donor Appreciation Events: Non-profits recognize and appreciate their donors by organizing exclusive events that celebrate their contributions. These can include receptions, dinners, or special recognition ceremonies.
- Advocacy Events: Non-profit organizations often plan events to advocate for policy changes or raise awareness about social justice issues. These events may involve rallies, protests, or lobbying efforts to create a meaningful impact and drive societal change.
Planning for a non-profit event requires empathy and care for the cause you’re raising. Since it’s a non-profit event, volunteers must be dedicated to organizing it even without pay. Organizing non-profit events like fundraisers for your organization can boost your brand’s image as this can give a personal and human touch because of a cause you’re supporting.
Conference Planning
Conferences are a great avenue to deliver information to an audience. It serves as a powerful platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and networking among professionals, experts, and enthusiasts in various fields. The duration of a conference can run from 1 day up to a week, depending on the topic. Aside from delivering information, conferences are an avenue for networking and gaining new industry insights.
Wedding Event Planning
Planning for weddings is one of the most popular types of event planning. Statistics show that there were 335,785 wedding planning companies in the US in 2022. Weddings are special milestones that usually involve intricate planning. Because it’s a special event, planning for it involves intricate and personalized planning to make the couple’s dream wedding come to life.
Trade Show Planning
Trade shows are one of the ways to get conversions and sales. It’s an event where brands can showcase their products and services to attendees. Trade shows have the potential to generate a good amount of potential leads or build a community. It’s an opportunity to meet your ideal customers face-to-face and make a lasting impression.
Event Marketing Planning
Event marketing enables businesses to engage with their target audience, generate brand awareness, and drive desired outcomes. While the different events mentioned above can be considered event marketing events, there are specific types of events that are specifically made for a brand objective like a sales conversion, lead generation, etc. Because events are the new form of marketing for brands, there are different creative ways to plan for these marketing events.
Some examples are:
- Experiential events
- Art installations
- Pop-up shop events
- Interactive Workshops
- Themed parties or costume events
- Hackathons and Innovation Challenges
Private Event Planning
Events have become an integral part of our lives. It’s used for business purposes and personal events like birthdays, bridal showers, graduations, anniversaries, engagement parties, class reunions, family reunions, and holiday parties. Planning for these types of events is customized depending on the client’s or the organizer’s preference.
Sports Event Planning
Organizing sports events is a fantastic way to bring people together, foster connections, and promote sportsmanship. Successful sports event planning involves careful coordination of logistics, athlete management, venue selection, safety protocols, and spectator engagement. Whether it’s a high-profile marathon or a friendly neighborhood soccer tournament, the thrill of sports events lies in creating an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators alike, fostering a sense of camaraderie and celebration. Golf tournaments, sports fest, basketball leagues, and soccer tournaments are just a few examples of sports events you can organize.
The Different Types of Event Planners
Different types of events mean there are different types of event organizers too. According to statistics, the event industry outlook is positive overall as the job market is expected to grow at a rate of 11% and reach 5.9 million jobs as Covid restrictions get lifted and the pandemic slows down.
LinkedIn has groups with hundreds of thousands of event professionals, showing the event industry’s thriving state. You can go for a full-time corporate job or contractual basis.
Here are the different types of event planners and a brief description of their jobs with an estimate of their salary. If you’re interested in having a career in events then this section might be for you.
1. Corporate Event Planners
Corporate event planners plan and execute corporate events, including conferences, product launches, and company parties. They are in charge of developing event budgets, event timelines, and event programs and coordinating with stakeholders and vendors. Another title for this job is a Meeting Planner.
Because corporate events involve a lot of uncertainty, corporate event planners must contain problem-solving abilities, flexibility, and strong organizational skills.
Corporate Event Planners Estimated Salary: Up to $130K per year.
2. Wedding Event Planners
Wedding event planners are the magic makers of making a couple’s dream wedding a reality. Meticulous planning and attention to detail are important skills you must possess to deliver a smooth wedding program for clients. While no wedding day is perfect and glitches are inevitable, a skilled wedding planner can think on her feet and think of a contingency solution on the spot if needed.
The expectations from a wedding event planner include budget management, venue selection, coordination with vendors, event program planning, wedding timeline, guest management, and on-the-day wedding coordination.
Wedding Event Planner Estimated Salary: Up to $60K per year.
3. Event Marketers
Event marketers are responsible for strategizing and executing marketing campaigns through
events for a brand or organization. Another title used for this role is Communications Manager. The scope of responsibility expected from Event Marketers is developing event marketing plans, content creation, audience engagement, coordination with stakeholders both internal and external, budget management, and post-event follow-ups.
The qualifications looked for in an Event Marketer are usually candidates who have experience in marketing, have a clear grasp of event industry trends, have a strong understanding of marketing techniques, especially in social media, and have good communication skills.
Event Marketer Estimated Salary: Up to $80,000 per year, depending on experience
4. Social Event Planners
Events will always be a part of an individual’s life. If you want to manage a variety of events then a career in social event planning might be for you. A social event organizer can take events on a project basis at a fixed or hourly rate. They can handle events like birthday parties, anniversaries, graduation celebrations, and other personal or private events. Social Event Planners Estimated Salary: $45 – $95/ hour, depending on experience
5. Non-Profit Event Planners
Planning for non-profit events like fundraising or charity events are usually handled by volunteers of the organization. Under their scope of responsibilities are fundraising strategies, donor management, volunteer coordination, community engagement, logistical concerns, and post-event evaluation.
Non-profit Event Planner Estimated Salary: N/A, Volunteers usually receive a gift or a monetary love gift for their work.
6. Virtual Event Planners
The rise of virtual events after the pandemic has opened up a new career type for event professionals. Virtual event planning for virtual conferences, virtual roundtable discussions, and webinars require certain skills to keep the audience engaged because audiences attending a virtual event have a shorter attention span.
Virtual Event Planner Estimated Salary: Up to $80,000 per year, depending on experience
The Different Types of Event Planning Services
If you’re planning to start an event planning services business, this section tackles the different types of event planning services you can offer and the description of the scope of the service.
We have also included an estimated amount of how much you can charge per type of service. It’s important to note though that the fees usually vary depending on the event company you wish to establish. It can be a flat fee, percentage basis, hourly rate, or commission basis. The estimated cost of these event planning services depends on the size of the events – ranging from $500 up to $2,000.
Venue Selection and Management
Almost all event planners have venue management and selection under their list of responsibilities. Providing venue selection and venue management services includes understanding client’s requirements, site visits and inspections, permits and requirements processing, contract negotiations, communication liaison, and on-the-day venue management.
Budgeting and Financial Management
Managing finances is a critical activity in event planning. It’s easy to get lost in the busyness of event planning and neglect the financial details that come with the job. Event management companies work closely with their clients to establish a realistic and comprehensive event budget. This service includes cost estimation, budget tracking, financial decision-making, financial risk management, and financial reporting and analysis.
Attendee Registration and Ticketing
In whatever type of event planning, attendee registration and ticketing is a must-have service. An event registration or ticket purchase page is the first step guests will encounter and sets the tone for the event. Event registration and ticketing service involve managing the entire attendee registration process, ticket sales, and providing necessary support. Event ticketing platforms create customized registration forms that capture essential attendee details such as name, contact information, demographic information, dietary restrictions, special requests, and any additional information necessary for event planning purposes.
Errandables is an online event ticket registration platform that offers a value-for-money service for an event’s ticket-selling needs. Event Smart offers unlimited ticket-selling at a $0 commission fee compared to other platforms. For a simple flat fee per month, event managers or companies can offer event registration and ticketing services with higher margins.
Event Marketing and Promotion
Every event manager aims to sell out their event. This makes the service of event marketing and event promotion a highly sought-after service. The different tasks that fall under event marketing and promotion are: developing a marketing strategy, crafting an event plan, strengthening branding and identity, leveraging digital Marketing, handling content creation, public relations, advertising and media buying, attendee engagement, and doing performance analysis.
Logistics Coordination and Timeline Management
Organizing the event logistics can make or break the flow of your event. A well-organized logistics plan and strict adherence to timelines can significantly impact the experience of all stakeholders involved. Logistics management requires heavy coordination and communication hence communication skills are also required. Timeline and logistic management include vendor management, venue setup, equipment coordination, transportation, timeline development, and post-event logistics.
Event Design and Production
Events these days are expected to stand out in creativity making a lasting impact for the attendees. With the amount of work that comes with preparing for an event, companies opt to hire experts for event design and production services to get this off their long to-do list. Under event design and production service includes: event concept and development, theme and decor creation, set design and stage production, audio visual and light production, and visual content creation.
On-site Coordination
Good on-the-day event coordination is needed to ensure all the event planning preparations do not go to waste. On-site coordination services include vendor and team coordination, setup and logistics management, registration and check-in, schedule and timeline management, attendee assistance and support, crisis management, and troubleshooting.
Entertainment Booking and Talent Management
Booking speakers, performers, partners, sponsors, influencers, and panels can be a lot of work for event planners. This service offers entertainment and talent, which means sourcing, booking, and managing talent will be done entirely for your client, including talent sourcing and selection and contract negotiation.
Tips for Choosing an Event Planning Niche
Choosing a specific event planning niche can help position yourself as an expert in the industry. Since there are different types of event planning, here are some tips to consider when choosing one:
Look at your previous experience and skill set:
Your previous experience and skill set can give you an edge and advantage in the competitive event management industry. If you have a background in organizing an event from your previous corporate job, you may want to consider specializing in corporate conferences or business networking events. If you have experience helping at your relative or friend’s wedding, focusing on wedding planning could be a natural fit. You can establish yourself as a knowledgeable and reliable event planner in your chosen niche by leveraging your expertise.
Evaluate interests and niche:
In addition to your experience, evaluating your interests and passions is essential when selecting an event planning niche. When you enjoy what you do, thriving will come naturally. Consider the types of events that genuinely excite and inspire you. If you have a passion for charity work, specializing in nonprofit event planning could be fulfilling. If you have a love for fashion and creativity, focusing on fashion shows or themed events might be a great fit. You’ll be more motivated and enthusiastic about your work by aligning your niche with your interests, leading to greater client satisfaction and success.
Explore emerging trends:
The event planning industry constantly evolves, and new trends and niches emerge regularly. Stay updated on the latest industry developments and identify any emerging trends that are relevant to your audience. For example, virtual and hybrid event planning has become increasingly popular. The rise of artificial intelligence has been causing disruptions in different industries too. You can tap into new and expanding markets by positioning yourself as an expert in these emerging areas. Embracing innovative event formats or technology-driven experiences can set you apart from competitors and attract clients seeking unique, cutting-edge event solutions.
Assess resources and support:
Before committing to a specific event planning niche, consider the resources and support available to you and use them to your advantage. Evaluate the local market demand for your chosen niche and assess if your area has enough potential clients. Research any specialized tools, software, or equipment you may need to excel in your niche and ensure you have access to them. Additionally, seek out professional networks, associations, or mentorship programs related to your chosen niche. Connecting with industry peers and mentors can provide valuable guidance, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
Event Ticket Platform for the Different Types of Events
Choosing a good event ticketing platform can reap many benefits as you plan for different events. Errandables is an event ticket-selling platform with a $0 commission fee on unlimited tickets sold. It also accommodates customizing your own event page, asks custom questions in registration forms, and accepts multiple payment options for your attendees’ convenience.
