How to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Kansas
Most people want to host elaborate events without stress or issues. However, even planning a small get-together takes effort and coordination. Instead of taking on the task by themselves, most people nowadays turn to event/wedding planners to get the job done right.
Event planners have to carry out numerous tasks such as working within a budget, meeting with clients, and booking venues. in addition, as an event planner, you are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that everything runs smoothly without a hitch.
As a wedding or event planner, you must be decisive and definitive about your goals and objectives. Also, you must be fully attentive to every minor detail and have the ability to communicate effectively.
Requirements for Working as an Event Planner in Kansas
Large-scale events such as weddings will require that you handle several organizational and management roles. As such, you should possess great cognitive strength and problem-solving skills. Although Kansas does not have clear-cut requirements for wedding and event planners, you need some essential skills like:
- Passion and commitment
- Strong organizational skills
- Networking skills
- Creativity and innovation
- Interpersonal skills
To acquire these skills, you may need to get formal education or training in event planning. It will enhance your intelligence and also shape you into a professional event planner.
In addition to university and college degrees, it is also advisable to acquire professional certifications and industrial training. Doing so will increase your knowledge about event planning and also give you first-hand experience.
Kansas Training Opportunities for Wedding and Event Planners
Kansas Universities and Colleges offer different courses like hospitality management, professional ethics, Human Resources Management and risk management. Below are popular options to consider:
- Kansas State University in Manhattan offers a degree program in Hospitality Management.
- Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Wichita, offers a program in Hospitality and Event Management.
- Mid-American Nazarene University, Olathe, offers a degree in management and leadership.
- Emporia University, Emporia, offers a 3-year study in management.
- Donnelly College, Kansas, offers a degree in business leadership.
Relevant Professional Qualifications to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Kansas
Professional bodies can help you build your network and connect with other event planners in and out of state.Here are some relevant certifications from event planning bodies to consider in Kansas.
- Certified Meeting Professional: The Kansas Society of Association Executive (KSAE) offers this certification to recognize event planners. Only event planners who have achieved the meetings/conventions criteria and exhibit industry standards of professionalism are eligible.
- Certified meeting planner: The Events Industry Council awards this certification. You must work for 36 months (3 years) and take a rigorous exam before you can qualify for this certification.
- Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP): This is majorly for event planners working under government jurisdiction. to be considered for this certification, you must have an active SGMP membership and at least a year of experience in the hospitality industry.
- Meeting Professionals International: This association provides certification to event planners and gives them a platform to connect. They have a chapter in Kansas.
Salaries and Career Outlook
An event planner in Kansas makes approximately $22.13 per hour and averages $46,030 per year. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), top earners in Kansas earn over $67,970 annually (annual 90th percentiles wage).
However, if you’re just starting out, you can expect an average annual pay of $19,820. There are currently around 970 event planners in Kansas.
Opportunities in Kansas
As a new event planner, there are lots of opportunities ahead of you. Most event planners prefer to start their company independently, while some may affiliate with larger organizations.
Gaining experience is vital to understanding the working principles of the business. Consider hotels, universities, colleges, and big institutions if you’re looking for internships to get some experience. in addition, cities like Wichita, Kansas City, Olathe and Topeka are great places to start your career.