How to Start a Corporate Event Planning Business

Corporate event planning businesses work together with small, medium and large businesses, as well as non-profit organizations, to organize everything from meetings and conventions to holiday parties and employee appreciation lunches. They work to help busy executives plan events from the beginning to the end, doing everything from securing venues and vendors to managing event budgets and logistics. Starting a successful corporate event planning business requires a dedication to networking with business decision-makers to sell your services and expertise. Corporate event planning businesses also need to build strong relationships with local vendors and venues that they may use for their clients' events.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Internet
• Graphic designer
• Website
• Business cards
• Portfolio
• Brochure

Instructions

1. Complete an accredited certification program for corporate event planning if you don't already have one, or if you have no previous experience. Experience, education and certifications make you more marketable and give your corporate event planning business credibility.

2. Create a name for your business and register it with your local or state business office. Registration requirements vary by state. Use Business.gov for your state's requirements. Develop a business plan which includes how your business will operate, how you plan to market your services, your staffing plan, and your financial plans and statements. Develop a budget that outlines start-up costs.

3. Determine if you want to run your business from home or lease office space. Buy insurance that provides general liability coverage to protect you, your assets and your business.

4. Determine your target market by identifying whether you'd like to focus on coordinating events for businesses of a certain size or within a specific industry. Research other corporate event planning businesses in your area. Determine what they offer and how you can differentiate your business. Create a list of your services and assign pricing based on the type of event you're planning, or establish an hourly fee for your services.

5. Hire a freelance website and graphic designer to assist you in creating a visual image for your business. Develop a logo, website and business card design. Work with your designers to create marketing pieces like a brochure, a portfolio and letterhead. Your marketing materials should include pictures of previous events you coordinated and include a list of your services.

6. Create a contract, proposal and evaluation templates you can use with your clients. Work with a lawyer to create a contract that will protect you, as well as your clients.

7. Network with area vendors like florists, caterers, bakeries, photographers, meeting and conference venues and business in your area who may use your services. Introduce yourself and your business to them at local events and trade shows. Coordinate a direct mail campaign and send sales letters or postcards to these businesses to introduce your business and request a meeting.

8. Sign up with local community business associations, as well as national and local professional organizations targeted to corporate event planners. Some organizations include Professional Meeting Planners, Meeting Professionals International and the International Special event society.

9. Promote your corporate event planning business during community business association events, in local newspapers, newsletters and magazines, on local websites and blogs and through social media networks like Twitter and Facebook. Host seminars at your office, the library or the community center to offer small business event planning tips and promote your services.

Tips & Warnings

• Request testimonials from professors, business colleagues, family and friends who can speak to your event planning skills. Use these testimonials on your website and in your brochure.

References

• The Everything Guide to Being an Event Planner: Insider advice on turning your creative energy into a rewarding career; Jennifer Mancuso; 2007
• Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences and Conventions, Incentives and Other Special Events; Judy Allen; 2009
• Entrepreneur.com: How to Start an Event Planning Business

Resources

• Mashable.com: How to Plan and Promote Events With Social Media
• Occupational Outlook Handbook: Meeting and Convention Planners
• PowerHomeBiz.com: How to Start an Event and Meeting Planning Business