How to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Nevada
Planning a wedding or any other large event means hours of hard work and organizing. It’s certainly no easy feat for just anyone. Imagine having to think of innovative ways to bring out a concept, juggle calls from several vendors and suppliers, and make quick, unexpected decisions to accommodate your client’s requests, all in one day. These responsibilities, and more, fall on the wedding and event planner’s capable shoulders.
Despite the tedious work assigned to professional event planners, however, the rewards can be lucrative and fulfilling. If you can work under pressure and have a passion for helping people achieve their dreams, then this career might be perfect for you. to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from this line of work, here is a list of an event planner’s regular workday responsibilities:
- Connect and communicate with clients to visualize the overall concept and purpose of their events
- Arrange and plan the primary details of the event, starting with the date and location
- Organize the services and products that would be needed, such as suppliers, decorations and food
- Keep the client updated and in the loop throughout the planning process
- Keep track of all the expenditures to make the invoicing and payment process easier
- Be present during the event to make sure that all the components are present and working smoothly
Requirements and Certifications for Becoming an Event Planner in Nevada
There are currently no educational requirements to become an event planner in the state of Nevada, but going to school and learning about the trade would be helpful in your journey to becoming a professional planner. Having a degree in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Communications, Public Relations or Human Resources would also be a great advantage.
Event planner certifications are another way to earn credentials and valuable insight to continue your career as a planner. Although not a requirement to practice in this profession, you can apply for a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certificate administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC) or a Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) certificate issued by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). These globally recognized accreditations will undoubtedly help you learn more about the field and set you apart from others.
Where to Get Relevant Education in Nevada
Some colleges and universities in Nevada offer several of the relevant courses listed above in various degree levels. Here are some educational institutes around the area:
- The University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV, offers various degrees in Hospitality Management with specialized options such as Event Design Management and Human Resources Management. This university also offers degrees in Communication and Marketing.
- College of Southern Nevada (South) in Henderson, NV, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Marketing and Communication.
Aside from these institutions, online courses are also readily available for you to learn how to be an event planner. Online schools like The QC Event School and the Quincy College Event Planning Program specialize in teaching courses directly related to planning special events like weddings and corporate meetings.
Career Growth and Salary
An event planner in Nevada earns an average annual pay of $48,330, which is a little lower than the national average of $51,560 per year. The highest-earning planners in this state have reported annual wages amounting up to $75,530.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently about 940 convention and event planners practicing in Nevada. This is still expected to change as the average growth rate for this occupation is at a high national average of 8 percent.
Working as a Wedding and Event Planner in Nevada
There are a couple of paths you can take after deciding to become a wedding and event planner. You can choose to establish your own business and provide event planning services to your own clients, or you can work for another company. a number of companies are now looking to hire competent event planners and coordinators, especially in Las Vegas.