I am often asked by aspiring planners “What does a day in the life of an event planner look like?” Personally everyday is different for me depending on the type of event I am working on. However, one thing that remains unchanged no matter what project I am working on are the event planning tools I used to plan each event.
These are the event planning tools that makes my life easier and helps to improve my efficiency:
1. Basecamp
Basecamp is a web-based project-management tool that I use to collaborate with my team. Whether it is having a group discussion to decide on themes, or sharing ideas on the best strategy for marketing. I also use Basecamp to share documents that can be viewed and edited by all team members, assign to-dos to specific individuals, and track the status of assigned project goals. Basecamp is also ideal when working with multiple individuals in different locations, and works great for client collaborations for example when working with a bride and groom.
2. Canva
Canva is a web-based graphic design software. If you do not have the budget to hire a graphic designer Canva is the perfect stop for designing posters, invitations, menus and more. You can also use Canva to enhance your personal branding, update your Twitter and Facebook header, even your business cards. Most of the designs are free, and the ones that aren’t start at $1.
See also: 20 Tips & Tricks For Making Awesome Canva Graphics
3. Eventbrite
Eventbrite is a global event planning tools for live experiences that allows people to find and create events.
I use Eventbrite for it’s registration management component. I create a customized page for my events to sell tickets and track attendees. Their system also easily integrates with Mailchimp my subscriber management program. Evenbrite has also been collaborating with several programs such as survey monkey and other promotional tools to make promoting events and updating attendees that much easier. Eventbrite is free to use if your event is free.
4. HootSuite
As an event professional I usually have multiple events on the go and I currently do not have a dedicated social media coordinator. To ensure that my events are promoted across all my social media channels I employ Hootsuite. This program makes scheduling future tweets and posts seamless. This way I can ensure my event is getting exposure even when I am not at my computer or on my mobile.
5. Survey Monkey
One task I never skip at the end of each event is an attendee survey. What better way for me to find out what everyone thought of the event? or be made aware of problems that might have occurred that were not brought to my attention? Survey Monkey accomplishes this and more. With an Eventbrite integration I can now schedule my surveys to be sent at specified times after an event, to ensure that attendee feedback is obtained while it is fresh in their minds.
What event planning tools are you not able to live without?
