Are you an aspiring event planner? Do you wish to plan meetings, business conventions, educational conferences, etc., with perfection? If yes, then before beginning your journey, you need to do some homework, i.e., read some books!
To become a successful event planner, you must have a broad skill set. You need to be creative & strategic. Moreover, you must understand how to manage and analyze data & logistics.
Well, there are numerous ways to boost your knowledge, i.e., attending business conventions, networking with different planners, enrolling in specialized courses, or simply curling up with a book.
Well, there are a number of books that can help you become a better event planner. And today, we will discuss the same.
Thus, make sure to stick till the end!
Significance Of Reading Books
Books are a vital part of our lives, irrespective of what we do. So whether you are an entrepreneur, a student, or an aspiring event planner, books offer some brilliant ideas that can help you in the long run!
Here are some pointers that represent why reading is essential!
- Reading regularly can help you gain invaluable knowledge regarding different topics.
- It is an excellent way of exercising your brain and improving your memory and focus.
- Reading enhances our ability to empathize and reduces stress as we delve deep into our own world!
- Lastly, reading improves our communication skills and lets us enjoy the present moment.
Well, that’s a gist of how reading can benefit you eventually.
So, let’s come back to our topic – event planning! If you are an aspiring event planner, there are some books that you need to read. The following section talks about the same! Take a look!
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Book To Read If You Are An Aspiring Event Planner
Books are our best friends. Do you agree with us?
Well, if not, then you will now! Here is the list of the best books an aspiring event planner must read to gain knowledge and implement it in their work!
- Into The Heart Of Meetings
This is an excellent book by two leading voices in leading design. It is a must-read book for every aspiring event planner. Mike Van De Vijver and Eric De Groot rightly approached the topic as a fundamental human experience.
The book stresses the fact that meetings are not excuses to share information. Instead, they are opportunities for people to connect with one another in a profound and meaningful way.
In addition, this book presents an emotional and psychological approach for event planners. It allows planners to begin thinking about event customization and personalization – a concept that drives today’s experiences.
Finally, the book offers some real-life examples that will give you numerous ideas to spark your next project!
- Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide To Successful Meetings, Fundraising Galas Corporate Events, Conventions, Conferences, & Other Special Events
The previous book, i.e., ‘Into The Heart Of Meetings,’ explored the human elements of meetings. Similarly, this book is also a terrific read as it focuses on how to make events happen. Judy Allen, the author of this book, is one of the top event planners worldwide. Thus, this book covers everything that an aspiring event planner must know!
From planning to the end of the event, the author addresses each and every piece of an event planner’s journey in depth. Her sample event planning checklists and budget worksheets are amazing.
In addition, the book also mentions some questions you can ask from your clients and vendors – the ones you couldn’t have even thought to ask!
Grab this book for complete, comprehensive knowledge!
- Creativity, Inc.
Ever wondered what it’s like to run a beautiful & creative studio? Ed Catmull (author) can tell you! The president of Pixar has steered the studio to an unprecedented series of successes, both financially & critically, as he has done for his team!
Event planners can’t do it all. They rely on so many other collaborators for project execution. This book will inspire you to lead with humility & invest in the people around you. After all, trust is the first thing that an event planner should build with their clients!
- Getting Things Done: The Art Of Stress-Free Productivity
David Allen’s book focuses on organizational productivity that can change your life. Interestingly, this book isn’t just about work but also about home.
‘Getting Things Done’ is a way of approaching every aspect of your life with a simple idea – is my idea/ opinion actionable?
The best characteristic of this book is that it focuses on eliminating stress. After all, we juggle thousands of details, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed. The author counteracts those tendencies, providing steps to make your event planning journey easy and manageable.
If you go on to buy a recent edition of the book, you will find tons of great tips on enhancing productivity!
So what are you waiting for? Go grab a copy now!
- Return On Investments In Meetings & Events
This is a data book that every aspiring event planner needs to read. It’s absolutely necessary!
It is vital to note that events are marketing efforts and must be measured – not just for an individual client but for the organization at large!
In addition, planners must be able to justify the significance of their work in real, tangible ways that can positively affect the bottom line.
Jack Phillips and his co-writers have offered a simple, step-by-step methodology that explains measuring the return on investments and how as an event planner, you can do it.
Applying this book methodology will change your perception of how to make decisions regarding your projects.
- Special Events: Creating & Sustaining A World For Celebration
Few authors do a great job of introducing readers to the world of event management. But there is no one better than Dr. Joe Goldbatt. His book is an excellent companion for every aspiring event planner.
He stresses on the statement – ‘every event planner is a leader’. Therefore, the better the leader, the more likely you are to foster deeper relationships and deliver extraordinary results on time and on budget!
Irrespective of being a beginner or a professional, this book is a great resource that addresses new challenges arising within the industry, ranging from technology to marketing to increased risk & event security!
Well, we would suggest you think before skipping this book!
- Meeting Architecture
As an event planner, do you see yourself as an architect in the near future? Maarten Vanneste suggests that the future of meetings might demand a new role with new skills to help drive better ROI. And he presents a strong case for this!
The best characteristic of this book is that it encourages event planners to make logistical choices not out of necessity but by design! It is an interesting way of creatively planning your events instead of designing around your limitations.
It’s Time To Begin Reading!
Event planning is not as easy as some people might suspect. It has many aspects, including branding, safety, problem management, team management, etc. However, the key to throwing extraordinary events lies in preparation, attention, and care.
One must know that great event planners are master multitaskers who have contingency plans and are flexible according to situations. However, planning a great event depends upon the thought and effort put into the process. And in this journey, books can be of great help!
They can offer tips on every aspect that an event planner might require to create one-of-a-kind experiences for clients!
So, tell us, what book would you begin with? Also, if you have any books to add on, do let us know in the comments below!
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