Becoming a Wedding and Event Planner in New Hampshire
Those who have experienced planning a significantly large event know how daunting and tedious the task is. Communicating with suppliers, organizing every detail, and taking charge of the program flow during the event would take its toll on anyone. These reasons are primarily why this important task is often handed over to the professionals: wedding and event planners. They usually have a dedicated team whose members know what they are doing and are always up to the task.
If you are outgoing, enjoy being around other people, and think fast on your feet, then event planning might be perfect. Although it is hard work, it results in a rewarding and fulfilling career.
Requirements and Certifications
As of this writing, there are no specific educational requirements to become an event planner in New Hampshire. However, going to school and learning about the trade would be a helpful tool in your journey. a degree in one or more of these courses can be a valuable asset to become a successful planner:
- Hospitality Management
- Event Management
- Communications
- Public Relations
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Event planner certifications are another way you can earn valuable insight and good credentials in the field. Although not a requirement to practice in this profession, becoming certified will undoubtedly help you learn more about your work and give you an edge. Here are a few event planning certifications that you can apply for:
- The Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC). It is a globally recognized certification that aims to promote learning and improve performance among professional planners and establish high standards for the field.
- The Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) is a certification administered by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). It is awarded to professionals who have the necessary skills and abilities to design and bring together outstanding special events.
- The Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) is a certification administered by the Meeting Professionals International (MPI). It was designed to reinforce crucial meeting management and leadership skills for professionals to excel in their careers.
Relevant Education in New Hampshire
Several colleges and universities in New Hampshire offer some of the courses listed above in various degree levels. Here are some educational institutes to get you started:
- Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH, offers degrees in Communication, Marketing and Human Resources.
- The University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH, offers degrees in Hospitality Operations, Communication, Marketing and Human Resources.
- NHTI-Concord’s Community College in Concord, NH, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Communications and Human Services. This college also administers relevant certification programs such as Event and Conference Management and Wedding Planning Management.
Aside from these degrees, there are also various online courses you can take to learn how to be an event planner, such as The QC Event School or the Quincy College Event Planning Program. These institutes specialize in teaching courses directly related to planning special events like weddings and corporate meetings.
Salary and Career Growth
A convention and event planner in New Hampshire earns an average annual pay of $51,380, which is around the same amount as the national average of $51,560 per year. The highest-earning planners in this state have reported annual wages amounting up to $77,730.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently only about 400 event planners in the state of New Hampshire. This number is subject to change as the average growth rate for this profession is at a high national average of 8 percent.
Working as a Wedding and Event Planner in New Hampshire
There are a couple of paths you can take after deciding to pursue a wedding and event planning career. You can choose to establish your own business or work for another company. Because there are not many event planners practicing in New Hampshire, they are currently in very high demand. Multiple companies are now looking to hire competent event planners and coordinators in Portsmouth and Milford.