Becoming a Festival Planner
Festival planning can be hectic, sure, but it can be a fun and exciting way to spend your work hours. If you enjoy the entertainment industry in all forms, love social contact, and can keep a lot of balls in the air, you may want to consider a career in festival planning.
Of course it requires some education, training, experience, and certification to be at your absolute best. The certifications also provide assurance to potential clients, giving a competitive edge in your field. Here are some of the details about becoming a festival planner.
Business Training
You will need some business training, and you may want to get a bachelor’s degree in business for the best background. In addition you will want to have communication courses, leadership experience, management, project coordination, and marketing.
Experience
You can get experience in any number of ways. Try getting employment at event centers, theaters, cities where planners are used for municipal festivals, and state fair committees. If you want to stay in the performing arts, try entertainment agencies, auditoriums and coliseums, and booking agencies.
Certifications
There are lots of certifications available for event planners of all kinds, but you will want to check out the programs at the International Festivals & Events Association. They have outlines of required training and experience, sponsor their own conferences, and give you the support you need to plan successful festivals, parades, celebrations, and more.
There are also other certificate programs that can help you, such as general planner diplomas, training through Meeting Professionals International, the Convention Industry Council, and many more.
Check with your local college or university, and ask to speak with a college counselor on the best course of action for a career in festival planning.
