What Does an Event Planner Do?
An event planner designs, organizes, and executes events that meet specific business, social, or nonprofit objectives. From venue selection to vendor negotiation and day-of logistics, they manage every aspect of the planning process to deliver seamless experiences. Their work combines strategic planning, budgeting, project management, and creative problem-solving.
Event planners work across many industries, including corporate, hospitality, healthcare, entertainment, and nonprofit. They may handle anything from executive retreats and trade shows to weddings and fundraisers. Whether coordinating internal teams or working directly with clients, they balance big-picture vision with operational precision to create memorable, well-run events.
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Event Planner Core Responsibilities
- Develop event concepts and goals based on client or organizational objectives
- Create detailed timelines, budgets, and logistical plans
- Select venues, negotiate contracts, and manage vendor relationships
- Coordinate design elements including layout, décor, signage, and branding
- Oversee guest registration, communications, and RSVP tracking
- Ensure all permits, insurance, and compliance requirements are met
- Supervise setup, execution, and breakdown of events on-site or virtually
- Troubleshoot challenges in real-time and ensure a smooth guest experience
- Evaluate event success through feedback, metrics, and reporting
- Maintain detailed documentation for repeatable planning processes
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Project and budget management
- Proficiency in planning platforms (e.g., Cvent, Bizzabo, Asana)
- Vendor sourcing and contract negotiation
- Understanding of audio/visual requirements and event production
Soft skills
- Strong organization and multitasking ability
- Creativity in event design and experience planning
- Excellent communication and client relationship management
- Flexibility and problem-solving under pressure
- Team collaboration and vendor coordination
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality management, public relations, marketing, or related field
Certifications
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
- Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
These certifications are not required but preferred for more senior or competitive roles.
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5+ years of experience planning corporate, nonprofit, or social events
- Experience managing large-scale events or multi-day programs
- Familiarity with hybrid and virtual event technologies
- Bilingual capabilities for international or multicultural audiences
National Average Salary
Event planner salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Event Planner is:
$47,579
Sample Job Description Templates for Event Planners
Corporate Event Planner
Position Overview
A corporate event planner manages internal and external business events such as executive offsites, product launches, leadership summits, and employee recognition events. This role requires strategic planning, brand alignment, and seamless execution of professional gatherings that reflect company values and goals.
Responsibilities
- Plan and manage corporate events from concept through execution
- Align event strategy with business objectives and brand standards
- Coordinate with stakeholders to define scope, goals, and budgets
- Source and manage vendors, venues, and catering
- Oversee event production including signage, presentations, and technology
- Track expenses and report on event ROI and performance
- Support executive teams with logistics, travel, and speaking schedules
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with event budgeting, registration systems, and corporate travel logistics
- Familiarity with event marketing and communications
- Proficiency in tools like Cvent, Splash, or Monday.com
Soft skills
- High-level professionalism and attention to brand tone
- Stakeholder management and internal communication
- Time-sensitive problem-solving
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, hospitality, or related field
Certifications
- CMP preferred
Wedding Planner
Position Overview
A wedding planner guides clients through every stage of wedding preparation—from budgeting and vendor selection to on-the-day coordination. This highly personal role balances logistics with creativity, ensuring the couple’s vision is executed with professionalism and care.
Responsibilities
- Consult with clients to define wedding vision, style, and budget
- Coordinate venues, vendors, timelines, and contracts
- Manage rehearsals, ceremonies, and receptions
- Serve as primary contact for vendors, guests, and staff
- Create detailed wedding day timelines and floor plans
- Address last-minute changes and emergencies with poise
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in venue sourcing, catering, floral design, and décor
- Budget and contract management
- Familiarity with event timelines, etiquette, and traditions
Soft skills
- Compassionate, client-centered service
- Strong multitasking and adaptability
- Creativity in design and theming
Education
- Degree in hospitality, communications, or a related field
Certifications
- Certified Wedding Planner (CWP) or CSEP preferred
Nonprofit Event Planner
Position Overview
A nonprofit event planner organizes mission-driven events such as donor galas, awareness campaigns, and fundraising initiatives. This role involves balancing community impact with logistical execution and donor engagement.
Responsibilities
- Plan and coordinate fundraising events, luncheons, and campaigns
- Collaborate with development teams to meet donor engagement goals
- Manage volunteer involvement and community outreach
- Oversee event marketing and public relations efforts
- Track event donations, budgets, and ROI
- Facilitate sponsor communications and fulfillment
Requirements
Hard skills
- Event planning experience in nonprofit or public service sectors
- Understanding of fundraising goals and donor stewardship
- Familiarity with platforms like Classy, DonorPerfect, or Salesforce
Soft skills
- Mission-driven, community-oriented mindset
- Ability to connect with diverse audiences
- Strong written communication and follow-through
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, PR, or related field
Certifications
- CMP or nonprofit event training preferred
Experiential/Brand Activation Planner
Position Overview
An experiential event planner creates immersive, interactive brand experiences such as pop-ups, product demos, or consumer events. This role merges event logistics with marketing strategy to deliver measurable brand engagement.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute branded activations that align with marketing goals
- Work with creative and production teams to bring concepts to life
- Manage vendor logistics, permits, and venue operations
- Track KPIs such as attendee engagement, social impressions, and lead generation
- Coordinate on-site teams and brand ambassadors
- Ensure brand standards are upheld across all event touchpoints
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with field marketing, guerrilla events, or product launches
- Proficiency in event tech, QR check-in, and experiential platforms
- Familiarity with event metrics, CRM integration, and ROI analysis
Soft skills
- High creativity and visual storytelling skills
- Agility in high-energy, public-facing environments
- Communication with creative and marketing teams
Education
- Degree in marketing, communications, or event production
Certifications
- CSEP or relevant brand marketing certifications preferred
Conference & Tradeshow Planner
Position Overview
A conference and tradeshow planner organizes industry-facing events such as expos, summits, and annual meetings. This role oversees everything from speaker management and exhibitor coordination to large-scale logistics.
Responsibilities
- Plan conference programming, speaker tracks, and session logistics
- Manage exhibitor registration, booth assignments, and sponsorship deliverables
- Coordinate A/V, signage, catering, and tech support for multi-day events
- Track registration, housing blocks, and post-event metrics
- Manage third-party vendors for production, decor, and staging
- Ensure compliance with venue, union, and health regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with tools like Cvent, Map Your Show, or ExpoPass
- Knowledge of conference budgets, floor plans, and production timelines
- Experience coordinating speaker outreach and exhibitor relations
Soft skills
- Deadline-driven mindset with attention to logistics
- Strong negotiation and vendor management skills
- Leadership in fast-paced environments
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, marketing, or related field
Certifications
- CMP or CTSM preferred
Virtual Event Planner
Position Overview
A virtual event planner designs and runs digital experiences such as webinars, hybrid summits, and live-streamed corporate events. This tech-forward role focuses on engagement, accessibility, and flawless technical execution.
Responsibilities
- Plan digital experiences using platforms like Zoom, ON24, or Hopin
- Coordinate speaker scheduling, tech rehearsals, and live facilitation
- Develop agendas, promotional emails, and branded visuals
- Manage audience registration, interaction, and post-event analytics
- Troubleshoot live-stream issues and manage attendee support
- Analyze event performance and optimize future programming
Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with live-stream platforms, virtual breakout tools, and webinar hosting
- Knowledge of video production workflows and digital presentation standards
- Proficiency in CRM integration and event analytics
Soft skills
- Tech-savvy and quick problem-solver
- Clear communication across remote teams and virtual audiences
- Focus on virtual user experience and engagement
Education
- Degree in digital media, communications, or event production
Certifications
- Digital Event Strategist (DES) or other virtual event credentials preferred