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 Careers in Event Planning Highlights from Panel, January 30, 2003 Panelists Antonia Quagliariello, Vice President of Programs and Events, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce Antonia worked her way up from a customer service position to be where she is today. Making it happen. Event Planning is a combination of education, networking, and a marketing vehicle. Customer service is a great deal of the job. Balancing the needs of the business industry and the community is a delicate issue. The opportunity to become an Event Planner is all about timing and networking. It is a niche field in which the human element has not gone away. Each panelist recommends the “Informational Interview”. The best way to gain experience is through volunteering in the non-profit area. Experience does matter; this is where internships become very important. Fell into the business by default and owns her own small business on the side. SEI Investments, a leading global provider of outsourced investment business solutions. Working in the corporate world is much different than working in the non-profit area. Jennifer never had to turn in a budget for her events until recently. All other panelists laugh with disbelief. Her company demands a certain level of expertise for the approximately 325 events she and her 12 staff members are responsible for each year. A benefit of the event planner is that the result is worth all the work that went into the planning of the event. To see the reactions of the clients is the ultimate reward. Not including the time and money, but traveling and eating great food can be a benefit of the job. However, the hours are not that typical when it comes to events. When the planning is at hand the hours will exceed the 9-5 daily grind. “It’s fun, I enjoy seeing it all come together, and the detail work that goes into everything.” As Antonia stated, networking is the most important aspect of finding a career in Event Planning. “You have to enjoy making people happy.” Asking the right questions within the industry helps you to get your foot in the door. Loves to see a party come together. Brynne attended the Cornell Hotel School. As Conference Manager, Brynne handled corporate affairs, weddings, and anniversary parties. After 9/11, the hotel business drastically diminished. The base of business disappeared and most hotels had to develop a resilient and creative way to find new business. The motto in the hotel business, “Service is #1”. Once you recognize that you can’t do it all on your own, you must understand and communicate your ideas to others. “You must keep your eye on the ball, work ahead, and be extremely patient.” Informational interviews are critical. Taking an interest in what a person does for a living makes an indelible impression, which can lead to further exposure in your field of interest. It’s all about service. Serving the needs of the client and going beyond that. In the past, Jake has worked in Public Affairs for the Please touch Museum, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and in the Development office at University of Pennsylvania. Jake’s duties now include, commencement, receptions, and events to help promote Penn’s image. To exceed a client’s expectations from beginning to end you must develop the necessary skills to succeed. Having the ability to do it all and knowing your audience are both important steps to a career in Event Planning. Networking times three. Debby started out her career knowing she wanted to be in the entertainment field. Her first job was as a receptionist for a radio station. Using all of her skills and the opportunities available to her, she discovered ways to advance her career, luck and timing. Her next position as an assistant to in Independent record promotions helped her to gain skills and learn about the industry. After that, she worked for a national music trade magazine. Ten years passed, learning about the world of printed publications, graphic design, writing, promotions, deadlines, problem solving, and relationship building. To begin her new career Debby began by volunteering for the Philadelphia AIDS walk as logistics coordinator. She participated in freelance event work at WXPN, Gay Bingo, and ended up as the Events Planner for WXPN. Volunteering is another route to begin a career in event planning. By becoming a volunteer, you can build relationships, meet emerging professionals, and see what is available in your area that is of interest to you. Debby believes that the informational interview is an excellent way to get started in the Business. Writing an informal letter, e-mail, or a phone call to ask for an appointment to learn about the field. Tell them how you know them, the connection, and how you singled them out to contact. Summer Internships @ WXPN Qualities and tips for a career in Event Planning. Always compliment the Event Planner. If you are at a party and you find the event pleasing, seek out the person or persons responsible and inform them of your opinion. This is a first connection · Networking Volunteering Possibilities Figure out what you are interested in and volunteer for an organization or an event with that in mind. AIDS walk Welcome America Program |
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