An event consultant's primary duty involves planning special events for individuals and businesses. They also work with wedding planners, party promoters and venue managers to organize events. An outgoing and friendly personality is a key requirement in order to become an event consultant.
Education
While there are no required educational requirements to become an event consultant, many clients prefer to hire consultants who have at least a bachelor's degree in business, art and design and entertainment fields. Potential candidates should be able to read and write effectively and have good grammatical skills. Candidates who have good mathematical skills are more likely to be hired by clients due to their ability to stay at or under budget.
Responsibilities
Event consultants envision, plan and execute birthday parties, weddings, receptions, meetings and conferences for clients. They secure locations where events will be held, help in the interior decoration of venues, contact catering companies, DJs and hosts and schedule timing for agenda and programming. They may also work with graphic designers to create fliers and invitations for upcoming events and contact public relations agencies to publicize events. Event consultants usually attend events they plan to ensure they go smoothly and handle any problems that may arise.
Requirements
Event consultants must work well with others and have excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills. They must have keen business ethics and work well under pressure. Event consultants must be able to pay close attention to detail and have good leadership abilities. Knowledge in interior and set design, floor planning, floral arrangement and entertainment is a plus.
Environment
Event consultants work in fast-paced work environments. During the initial days of planning, event consultants are on the phone or computer communicating with public relations representatives, catering companies, DJs and venue owners. The days leading up to an event may become extremely hectic, and they may have to work under stressful conditions. Event consultants also visit venues frequently to design floor plans, move furniture and decide on color schemes and aesthetics.
Salary
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in May 2009 that the average salary of employees in arts, design, entertainment, sports and media occupations was $51,720. Some event consultants, however, are paid per event.
