Becoming a Wedding and Event Planner in Vermont
Planning a wedding or any other significantly large event requires hours of hard work and meticulous organizing. It’s so much more than just writing down a list of suppliers and needs. to plan a successful event, you need to canvas and connect with vendors, arrange everything down to the minutest detail, and have a contingency plan ready for unexpected situations as they arise. These are the reasons why people would much rather entrust their special events to professional wedding and event planners instead.
In Vermont, wedding and event planners are tireless individuals who make sure that all the aspects of the day go smoothly. They take on multiple roles so that their clients can enjoy their event without a worry in the world. If you find yourself enjoying the hustle and bustle of diligent planning, then event planning might be perfect for you.
What You’ll Need to Become a Wedding and Event Planner in Vermont
There are currently no specific educational requirements needed to become an event planner in Vermont. However, attending university courses and learning about the field would be a helpful tool in your journey. a degree in one or more of these courses can be a valuable asset in becoming a successful planner:
- Hospitality Management
- Event Management
- Communication
- Public Relations
- Human Resources
- Marketing
Event Planner Certifications
Aside from those degrees, event planner certifications are another way you can earn credentials and valuable insight into the world of event planning. Although these are not a requirement to work in the field, becoming certified will undoubtedly help you learn more about your work and give you a well-deserved edge, among others. Here are a few event planning certifications that you can apply for:
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) – a globally-recognized certification administered by the Events Industry Council (EIC). This shows that you have the right experience and knowledge to conduct meetings according to their specific standards.
- Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) – a certification awarded by the International Live Events Association (ILEA). This is given to those who have been proven to have the essential skills needed to design and bring together exceptional special events.
- Certificate in Meeting Management (CMM) – a certification administered by the Meeting Professionals International (MPI). This was designed to strengthen key meeting management and leadership abilities for professionals to level up their careers.
Relevant Education in Vermont
A number of colleges and universities in Vermont offer some of the courses listed above in varying degree levels. Here are some educational institutes around the area:
- Champlain College in Burlington, VT, offers degrees in Hospitality Management, Event Management, Communication, Marketing, Public relations and an online undergraduate certificate in Human Resources.
- Castleton University in Castleton, VT, offers degrees in Resort and Hospitality Management, Media and Communication, Marketing, Public Relations and a graduate certificate in Human Resource Management.
- The University of Vermont in Burlington, VT, offers degrees in both Public Communication and Public Administration
Aside from these institutions, various online-based programs offer lessons and courses teaching the fundamentals of event planning, such as The QC Event School or the Quincy College Event Planning Program.
Salary and Career Growth
A convention and event planner in Vermont earns an average annual pay of $51,420, about the same as the national average of $51,560 per year. The highest-earning planners in this state, however, have reported annual wages amounting up to $87,430.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are currently only about 250 event planners employed in Vermont. Although this is a relatively low number compared to the rest of the country, it is still 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 Vermont
After deciding to pursue a career in wedding and event planning, there are a couple of divergent paths you can take. You can establish your own business and provide direct services to clients, or you can work for another company.
Since there are only a few convention and event planners employed in the state, professionals are in very high demand. Several companies are now looking to hire competent events coordinators and managers in Stowe, Peru and Bolton Valley.