How do I get into the Events Business?

Besides reading Cindy’s book Behind the Red Velvet Curtain, which you can purchase here, here’s some additional food for thought.

The events and experiential marketing industry is an exciting and dynamic one, offering a variety of career opportunities for those who are passionate about planning, organizing, and executing events and experiences of all shapes and sizes. Whether you are interested in corporate events, weddings, concerts, or other types of gatherings, getting into the events business can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. In this blog post, we’ll take you through some steps to start your career in this wild but satisfying industry… You’ll note that this blog focuses ONLY on event planning, which is one part of what we do at RED VELVET today, but served as an important building block into the business we are now.

Develop a Strong Foundation in Event Planning

The first step in getting into the events business is to develop a strong foundation in event planning. This may involve taking courses in event planning, hospitality management, or related fields. You can also gain experience by volunteering at events or internships and we highly recommend this given breaking into this field at a young age can be competitive and challenging. This will give you practical experience and exposure to the industry, as well as help you build a professional network, experience and resume.

Identify Your Niche

Once you have a strong foundation in event planning, it's time to identify your niche. Consider what type of events you are passionate about and what type of clients you want to serve as this will be a driver for when the going gets tough, so-to-speak. You may want to specialize in corporate events, weddings, music festivals, or other types of events. By focusing on a particular niche, you can become a successful expert in that area and building a strong reputation.

Build Your Professional Network

Networking is crucial in the events industry. Attend industry events, trade shows, and conferences to actively meet other professionals in the field. Join professional organizations, such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) or the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), to connect with other professionals and stay up-to-date with industry trends. Be inquisitive, ask questions, stay open and most of all, learn as much as you can from colleagues and potential peers. You never know who you might meet or end up working with, and you never know what connection you make may one day become a client.

Gain Experience

To build your reputation and gain as much experience as possible, consider taking on freelance or contract work. This can include assisting other event planners or coordinating small events on your own. This will help you build a portfolio of work that you can showcase to potential clients. You will also learn something new with every event you put on, as no two events are ever alike.

Build Your Brand

As you gain experience and build your reputation, it's important to build your brand. This includes creating a professional website, social media presence, and marketing materials. Your brand should reflect your niche, expertise, and personality.

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

The events industry is constantly evolving, so it's important to stay up-to-date with trends. Read industry publications, attend conferences and events, and network with other professionals to stay informed about the latest developments. Be sure to also pay attention to how others in your industry are marketing themselves as you can learn a lot from what your peers are doing (and not doing).

In conclusion, getting into the events business requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and grow. By developing a strong foundation in event planning, identifying your niche, building your professional network, gaining experience, building your brand, staying up-to-date with industry trends and with A LOT of hard work and passion, you can build a successful career in the events industry.Need some strategic insight for your next brand activation? We’d love to hear from you.