5 Unique Event Planning Jobs You Wouldn’t Expect
If you’re thinking of becoming an event planner, you likely already have an idea of the type of events you want to plan. While weddings, birthday parties, and corporate events are among the most common, it’s time to think out of the box! The event industry is constantly evolving, and there are a myriad of different options available to aspiring event planners that are fun, profitable, and totally unique!
Event planners are always in demand, so read on to learn about 5 unique event planning jobs that you wouldn’t expect, as well as tips on how to get started!
1. Children’s Birthday Party Planner
If you love hosting and coordinating parties and events for your friends and family, you could turn this into a career—specifically, as a Children’s Birthday Party Planner!
Many certified event planners start their own businesses in this type of specialized role, which includes creating invitations, organizing entertainment, food, decorations and more. This type of niche event planning business is an excellent way to establish a market outside of the regular competition. You could become the go-to event planner in your city for children’s birthday parties if you build a strong reputation!
Wondering how to get your name out there? A great way to get started with your own business is to create a website and a social media presence for yourself.
2. Corporate Event Planner
Do you enjoy planning formal banquets or tradeshows? Good news—corporate event planning is one of the most lucrative areas of event planning you can get into! This type of event planning involves making arrangements for group meetings, events, and conventions and this role is always needed to help out businesses.
The title of Corporate Event Planner is also known as Meeting & Event Planner, or Special Events Manager, and becoming certified as an International Event Planning Professional (IEWP) is an excellent way to begin a career in corporate event planning.
In order to secure a corporate event planning job, it is imperative to have a professional website, a strong brand, and a great combination of education and experience. Thinking about going Corporate? Find out how you measure up!
3. Funeral Planner
Event planners play a key role in some of the most joyful celebrations in their client’s lives—weddings, birthday parties, and bridal showers are just a few examples. But did you know that a unique event planning job is that of a funeral planner? Planning a funeral can be extremely difficult for the bereaved, and those who have lost a friend or loved one would much prefer to leave details such as reservations, guest lists, food and flowers to a professional.
As with any event planning role, strong interpersonal skills, a great deal of respect, and an International Event Planning Professional (IEPP) certification will contribute to success as a funeral planner. To get started in this unique realm of event planning a great first step would be to search online for job openings, as many funeral homes employ funeral planners. You can also take some time to visit funeral homes in your area (even if they don’t appear to be hiring). Allowing potential employers to meet you in person provides a fantastic first impression.
4. Cupcake Baker
While obtaining your event planning certification, you’ll acquire business knowledge that will allow you to pursue a fabulous career as a business owner. When it comes to owning an event planning business, the sky is the limit in terms of the product(s) you offer! Claudia Montano, a graduate of QC School of Event & Wedding Planning who obtained her International Event and Wedding Planning Professional (IEWP) certification, now owns Cupcakes & Coffee, a small, home-based bakery in Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Claudia had a vision for her business and brand, and was given a great deal of confidence through her training with QC Event School to pursue her dreams!
5. Proposal Planner
The wedding industry has expanded and evolved throughout the years, and as a result, a new trend is proposal planning. This event planning niche is perfect for event planners who are both creative and romantic! Proposal planning was actually started by wedding planners who understood how stressful a proposal could be for busy clients who wanted the moment to be perfect. Event planners will work closely with the client on a very personal level, while also keeping the proposal plans a secret from the client’s partner!
You can either use this role to expand your already existing planning services, and play an even bigger role in your client’s celebration, or become specialized as a Proposal Planner.
