Education · 1 of 4

The path

A short credential, then a pile of real events. Nobody hires a planner who has not run something.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Run things: school dances, fundraisers, tournaments, a club. That is a portfolio and it counts.

2. 2

   Event or hospitality program

   1 to 4 years

   A 1-year certificate, a 2-year diploma, or a 4-year hospitality, tourism or business degree. Most include a work placement.

3. 3

   Volunteer and intern on real events

   During school

   Festivals, conferences and charity galas all take volunteers and hire from them. This is how most planners actually get in.

4. 4

   Coordinator job

   2 to 3 years

   Registration, vendors, timelines and setup for someone else's event. Two to three years here teaches you everything.

5. 5

   Planner, then senior planner

   Year 3 onward

   Owning the budget and the design of the event. Optionally add the Certified Meeting Professional designation.