Introduction
One of the great things about the event planning industry is the size, which means you can find event planning jobs might be easier than you think. Event planning is exciting and depending on your desired role you could have a job working in any area from hospitality to wedding planning.
What are the best places to find event planning jobs? This article will provide you with some tried and true favourites and some you might not have thought of.
Top Websites for Event Planning Jobs
General Job Boards
One of the easiest places to start is through an online job board. Job boards are great because they act as a marketplace for jobs from many different companies. This means that you will have a wide range of options to look through in any one search. The key is to not limit your search to specific titles (unless you are only looking for a particular role). Instead, use the job board search to look in an industry.
For example: Instead of searching “party planner”, you could search “planner” and filter through the results.
This is helpful because sometimes titles might vary across companies and you don’t want to miss out on an opportunity due to this small detail.
Here are some of the top job boards that we recommend:
Event Planning Industry Websites
Another great place to find event planning jobs is through websites in the industry. Think about websites you might already frequent such as associations or other groups in the industry.
Some associations might be hiring themselves, but a lot also host a job board to help build the professional development of their members. Here are some popular associations in the industry that are worth checking out for a job opportunity:
- The Wedding International Professionals Association (WIPA)
- The National Association for Catering and Events (NACE)
- Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
- Association of Collegiate Conference and Events Directors – International (ACCED-I)
- The International Live Events Association (ILEA)
- Academic Event Professional (AEP)
- Event Service Professionals Association (ESPA)
- Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC)
- International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM)
- International Association of Conference Centers (IACC)
- International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
- Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
- American Planning Association (APA)
- International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA)
Niche Job Boards
The event planning industry also offers a lot of different niches. You could be doing birthday parties, social events, weddings, corporate events, festivals, or event sporting events to name a few. The great thing about this is that it also opens up your job options in a company you might not even have thought of.
For example, if your city is big on sporting events, check out your local stadiums and arena job boards. They are one example of niche job boards that are often hiring planners to assist with various events.
Some other examples of niche job boards that are worth reviewing include:
- Stadiums
- Arenas
- Olympics
- Universities
- Colleges
- Law Firms
- Local Government websites (think of festivals in your city!)
- Non-profits (think of companies with an annual charity event)
- Hotels
- Catering Companies
- Restaurants
- Conference and Convention Centers
Leverage your Network
We hate to admit it, but sometimes the best jobs are the ones you never heard about because they came through a referral. This is why it’s important to build a strong network that you can access for support and resources.
But it’s not just about having a network, it’s also how you leverage that network. If you’re currently looking for jobs, reach out to the people in your network and share this. Someone might be aware of an opportunity but never thought of you because they didn’t know you were looking.
Some of the ways to leverage your network can include setting up frequent coffee or lunch dates. Sending check-in emails or just an email letting them know you’re looking for a new job.
It is also important to be a resource before you need one. Networks tend to thrive on the boomerang effect. This is where if you can be helpful to someone, then do, and chances are if an opportunity comes up that matches what you need, they will have no hesitation to refer you.
Additional Resources
Now we’ve offered some fairly standard places to find event planning jobs, but there are many places that might not be included in this list. Look around your city for opportunities that are in unexpected places, such as your local community center.
Some organizations supporting small business owners will also post job opportunities on their behalf, such as your local chamber of commerce. And this tip might be a bit old school but a good ‘ole job fair never hurts. Check out a website such as EventBrite for job fairs happening in your city.
Finding a job will sometimes require some out-of-the-box thinking, but the good thing is that there are so many tools and resources available at our fingertips. For example Google Alerts. You can set up a Google alert for your location for new jobs in a specific industry or with a specific title to be emailed to you daily. It’s like having a personal assistant!
Interview Tips for Event Planners
When your job search efforts are successful, be sure to brush up on your interview tips as well! Here are some guiding principles that we’ve always found helpful before an interview:
1. Showcase Your Skills
Event planning is synonymous with organization. Highlight your ability to juggle multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and create detailed timelines. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you’ve managed complex projects in the past.
2. Emphasize Problem-Solving Abilities
Unexpected challenges are an expected part of event planning. Be sure to share instances where you’ve overcome obstacles under pressure, and highlight your ability to think critically and find creative solutions.
3. Demonstrate Your Passion for People
Show the interviewer your enthusiasm for interacting with clients, vendors, and guests. Discuss your experience building relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.
4. Highlight Your Creativity and Innovation
Event planners are often tasked with creating unique and memorable experiences. Discuss innovative ideas you’ve implemented in past roles or on personal projects.
5. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer(s)
Show your interest in the company and the role by preparing thoughtful questions to ask in your interview. Inquire about the company culture, the types of events they plan, and the opportunities for growth within the organization.
By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of making a strong impression and landing your dream event planning job.
Conclusion: Best Places to Find Event Planning Jobs
The best places to find event planning jobs will vary according to your location, the job you are looking for and how out of the box you’re willing to get. If you’ve been looking for a while, don’t get discouraged, get creative.
