How can you use professional development to improve your event planning skills?

1 Identify your goals

Before you invest in any professional development opportunity, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and why. Do you want to learn new tools and technologies for event planning? Do you want to improve your communication and collaboration skills with stakeholders and vendors? Do you want to explore new trends and best practices in event design and management? Do you want to earn a certification or a credential that demonstrates your expertise and credibility? By setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, you can focus your efforts and track your progress.

2 Seek feedback and mentorship

One of the best ways to improve your event planning skills is to seek feedback and mentorship from others who have more experience and knowledge in the field. You can ask your supervisor, colleagues, clients, or attendees for constructive feedback on your performance and areas of improvement. You can also find a mentor who can guide you, coach you, and share insights and tips with you. You can look for mentors within your organization, your network, or online platforms and communities for event planners.

4 Join professional associations and networks

Joining professional associations and networks can help you expand your knowledge, connections, and opportunities in the event planning industry. You can benefit from the resources, events, publications, and discounts that these organizations offer. You can also network with other event planners, exchange ideas and experiences, and learn from their successes and challenges. Some of the professional associations and networks that you can join are the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP), the International Live Events Association (ILEA), and the Event Planners Association (EPA).

5 Attend industry events and conferences

Attending industry events and conferences can help you stay updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in event planning. You can also learn from the experts, speakers, and panelists who share their insights and perspectives on various aspects of event planning. You can also showcase your work, meet potential clients and partners, and gain inspiration and motivation from other event planners. Some of the industry events and conferences that you can attend are the Event Planner Expo, the Event Tech Live, and the Cvent Connect.

6 Practice and apply your skills

Finally, the best way to improve your event planning skills is to practice and apply them in real situations. You can volunteer for event planning projects within your organization or in your community. You can also create your own events, such as webinars, workshops, or podcasts, and invite your audience to join. You can also use online tools and platforms, such as Eventbrite, Zoom, or Canva, to plan, promote, and execute your events. By practicing and applying your skills, you can gain confidence, experience, and feedback that can help you grow and improve as an event planner.