How to Become an Event Planner in Arkansas

Becoming an event planner requires exceptional organization skills.

Becoming an event planner takes energy, a keen eye for detail, a knack for organization and being able to coordinate time, people and events. Becoming an event planner in Arkansas can also be very rewarding.

Instructions

1. Start small. Even if you want to eventually earn an income as an event planner in Arkansas, start by volunteering to plan parties for people you know. Who wouldn't enjoy having someone take the burden of planning those birthday parties or special events? Being an event planner for family and friends helps you see what works and what doesn't without making mistakes and costing the hosts a great deal of money. Be sure family and friends know upfront what you can and can't do, that you are only volunteering your time and organization skills and that they will be responsible for such expenses as food, decorations, helpers, location, etc. From the beginning, always keep accurate and complete records of your work and expenses.

2. Learn the business. Once you have a feel for how to plan events, get a job with an event planning business. You may be hired as an assistant or to fetch-and-carry, but be clear your purpose is to learn the business. Learn from others about dealing with people, finances, taxes, and what to do when things go wrong, as when an outdoor event gets rained out.

3. Educate yourself. While you do not need a degree to be an event planner, education will enhance your skills and your credibility. A business degree would help you learn how to set up an event planning business and learn about contracts. An organizational communications degree would help in learning how to organize time, events, coordinate staff, arrange for travel and accommodations, as well as how to communicate effectively with those who hire you. Other degrees that would be helpful include management and public relations. Along with a four-year degree, you can earn certification from schools specifically designed for event planners.

4. Create a business plan tailored for Arkansas. Once you decide you are ready to be an event planner, you need to develop a business plan. Consider the different events for which an event planner may be hired: birthdays, weddings, business functions, holiday celebrations, family reunions, political functions, fundraisers, conferences, and trade shows. If you are not comfortable with some aspects of event planning, narrow down your preferences. What works best where you live? You may specialize in business functions or celebrations such as birthdays, weddings, etc. Hiring a lawyer is a smart choice to make sure your business plan conforms to Arkansas state requirements.

5. Register with the state of Arkansas. If you plan to be an event planner in Arkansas, you need an Arkansas sales tax number in order to collect sales tax. Call 501-682-1895 at the Revenue Division of the Department of Finance and Administration to receive information on obtaining an identification number.

6. Be sure to network with family and friends for referrals and recommendations. Use social networks to alert your friends that you have an event planning business or have become an event planner. Advertise your business through press releases, business cards and brochures. And always, build on success. One recommendation will lead to another.

References

• “Arkansas.gov:” Business and Commercial (UCC) Services
• “DegreeDirectory. Org:” Event Planning: 5 Steps to Becoming an Event Planner