Becoming a Wedding and Event Planner in Arizona
Hosts need to coordinate many aspects of an event, including the food, music, decorations, seating and vendors. These aspects become more complicated with a large-scale event like a wedding or corporate affair. Many people entrust the event planning to a professional who effortlessly handles these occasions. An event or wedding planner can take much of the burden from the host and ensure the event goes off without a hitch.
This career choice might be right for you if you are good at planning, managing people, organizing and handling details. It helps to be able to think on your feet, be social and have a creative eye. If this career path sounds interesting to you, here is more information on becoming an event planner in Arizona.
Guidelines for Becoming an Event Planner in Arizona
You may need to obtain a bachelor’s degree if you plan to pursue employment with a company or event firm. Otherwise, there are no schooling or certification requirements in Arizona for becoming an event planner. You could own your own company contracting for events. Nonetheless, it can be helpful to gain training and hands-on experience in the field. This experience improves your chances of being hired and gives you knowledge of planning and executing complex events.
Educational Options in Arizona
If you plan to work for an employer that requires a bachelor’s degree, Arizona colleges offer ones that fit this industry. a degree in hospitality and event management is most relevant. Yet, you could also gain relevant experience in this field through degree programs in business, marketing or public relations. One degree program option in the state is the hospitality degree with a Certificate in Hospitality Event Management from Northern Arizona University.
Another way to get started in this career is to complete a program through a local trade school or community college. Some Arizona programs include:
- Arizona State University: This recognized school offers a Special Events Management certificate designed for people who hold a bachelor’s degree or those currently enrolled in the school. It includes 18 credit hours and hands-on training. The focus is on all types of events, including weddings.
- Arizona Western College: The continuing education part of this school offers an online Certified Wedding Planner program that includes 340 course hours over nine months. It teaches about planning and carrying out weddings, as well as other parties. It leads to certification and has an internship opportunity.
- Maricopa Community Colleges: This school offers a Certificate of Completion in Hospitality: Meeting and Event Management. It focuses on corporate, hospitality and non-profit meetings and events. Additionally, the program includes 18 credit hours and leads to certification. This school also offers an online Corporate Event Planner program with 240 course hours over six months.
Salary and Job Growth in the Field
As of May 2020, Arizona had 1,800 people working as meeting, convention and event planners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The annual mean wage for this occupation in the state was $57,070.
This career is an excellent field to be in, as the BLS predicts job growth of 18 percent in the period from 2020 to 2030. This outlook is considered significantly faster than the average.
What It’s Like to Work as an Event Planner in Arizona
As an event planner, you get the chance to arrange the many details of an event, whether it’s a social occasion, a corporate event, a wedding, a meeting or something else. Whether working for yourself or a company, you could contract with clients or plan conferences and events directly for your employer. You can find various employers in Arizona for this occupation, including those in foodservice, organizations, administrative services or arts/recreation.