A planning coordinator manages events or meetings for individuals or companies, from selecting a location to coordinating vendors and completing the event. Formal education is not always necessary, but degrees in public relations, hospitality management, communications, or marketing can be helpful. Time management and organizational skills are essential, and successful coordinators may work on multiple events simultaneously.
A planning coordinator essentially manages an event or meeting for an individual or company, sometimes on a large scale. Common coordinator job titles include wedding, business, convention, and meeting types, among other coordinators that may exist in various industries. These people see an event from start to finish, involving just one customer when a major decision or change of plan is needed. Some common tasks of a planning coordinator include selecting a meeting location, sketching out the client’s needs and environment, and procuring food and beverages, as well as coordinating all activities between vendors and completing the event for the client. Not all events are created equal, making this career rewarding for anyone who enjoys variety in their work.
Formal education isn’t always necessary for a planning coordinator, though that doesn’t mean this career isn’t qualified. Although a large organization that hires coordinators for clients may require a college degree, many people work as contractors with little formal education. Common degrees applicable to this career include public relations, hotel and hospitality management, communications or marketing. In some cases, an individual who chooses to work with corporate clients may find a college degree helpful in putting their skills above those of another planning coordinator. Training may also be required when an individual finds employment with an organization that hires various types of coordinators.
When a planning coordinator engages with a client, he or she tries to find out the type of event and what the client wants. Experienced coordinators often have portfolios of past meetings or events that can be used as examples for new clients. Common decisions for events include location, level of formality, type of food, duration of certain activities, and a variety of others. Most meetings and events can take weeks or months to plan, depending on their size and scope. For example, wedding coordinators can take nearly a year to plan an event based on the client’s needs and wants.
Most events that the planning coordinator works on require excellent time management and organization skills. Extremely successful coordinators often find their talent pulled in multiple directions, with multiple clients and events happening at the same time. While some coordinators may find this physically and emotionally draining, others may find it energizing to see a big event come to fruition. Many planning coordinators can also join the event and oversee various activities, allowing them to work directly with attendees. It can also be gratifying to see a large-scale production at the height of perfection.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
