It was 2002. I was young and never missed anyone's party invite list. Being in so many parties and gatherings, I realized that there is a huge potential for big paydays and local popularity boosting in planning social events. I started co-planning with fellow socialite eventologists then eventually became a social event planning enthusiast myself. Even though, I foresee the big prize up ahead, I didn’t dive into the game right away. During that time, I was the new gal on the scene who was tapping a new prospective market.

Honestly, if not for the avid support of my mentors, I would have withdrawn. My mentors taught me everything that I needed to know about organizing successful social events. With a twist of my BOLD style, I knew I was going to ROCK the event planning world with class. I heard a lot of people say that you will either break even or lose on your first event. I hate to disagree, but I have proved them wrong.

At my first event, a gala with an all-white theme, I have drawn a pretty decent crowd and raked in $2500. Hey, not bad for a newbie. As the years passed, I perfected my craft and eventually multiplied my earnings. Here is how I design events that bring in thousands of dollars.

#1 Plan and coordinate ahead of time and aim only for SUCCESS.

A highly effective events manager should have excellent time management skills. For a typical social event, I recommend a minimum of 4 months prior. This would give ample time to clearly lay out early phase event design ideas, related budgeting and backup plans. Always be one step ahead of your list. Be aware of team member or event partner’s schedule and functions, not just your own. You must be sharp to recognize time-saving opportunities, like taking advantage of connections, knowing the best person to approach when you want to cut through corporate red tape. The success of your event also depends on your confidence level in dealing with all people directly and indirectly connected with your planned event. Superb people skills are a must for event planners.

#2 Select the MOST SUITABLE VENUE

Skilled event planners carefully match the selected venue to the type of purpose the event serves.
If the social function is intended for business or formal gatherings, then select a place best suited for formality. Aside from budget, also to be considered is size of expected attendees. Seating 150 people to a 500 seat location may give the impression that the event is low in attendance. To attract more participants, I usually book an event at an establishment that is known for holding top notch events. Knowing other locations and price comparisons is important, if outside catered food is allowed, building regulations, as well and the possibility of securing your own liability insurance bond.

#3 Create an EVENT CHECKLIST

An event checklist not only serves as a list of items and materials essential to your event plan, but this also provides a step by step guide to organizing and executing a fabulous event. Must include in your checklist are the people in your planning committee, the Master Plan and the event date, subcommittee assignments and volunteers, media contacts, program copies and printed materials, schedule of event-related meetings, permits, food, invitations, sound system, decorators, giveaways, special guests or event VIPs, tour guides, ushers, refreshments, budget, badges, etc.

#4 Design your ITINERARY

Just like a battleship at sea, your event plan must be armed to the tooth and geared to reach its ultimate destination which is none else but SUCCESS. I have seen poor planning on this end and usually leads to a disaster. For every event, you should set two goals: what you hope to accomplish, and what you hope your attendees will accomplish. Go for quality planning, any bungle in your itinerary will usually lead to disaster.

#5 Get your MARKETING on

Get the word out. Market actively by promoting proactively. Little marketing efforts will lead to a sad night. Depending on the event budget or available free marketing platforms, the more promotional means you apply, the better the chances to increase awareness, encourage attendance and fill seats at your event. Get public as soon as your event’s information drive is ready. Use word of mouth, social media, an event specific website, press releases, radio, TV and print media, eventbrite.com, etc. Be ready to get more aggressive with promotions as the day to event closes in because the critical point will be 30 days prior to the event. This is the time where you will really need to pump up the volume. A unique theme, a well defined event plan of action and a strong marketing plan will work in your favor every time.

Organizing a social event is one of the most challenging tasks in the world. It takes a unique mix of special skills and talent to successfully manage an event. A successful event manager should have desirable leadership abilities, has excellent time management skills, a good communicator, pays attention to detail, a creative problem solver, flexible, have a calm demeanor at all times, has a trustworthy level of experience that allows the client to sleep soundly at night and above it all, has superb people skills.

Once your first event is successful, people usually follow and continue to support everything that you do.

Organizing a social event is one of the most challenging tasks in the world. It takes a unique mix of special skills and talent to successfully manage an event. A successful event manager should have desirable leadership abilities, has excellent time management skills, a good communicator, pays attention to detail, a creative problem solver, flexible, have a calm demeanor at all times, has a trustworthy level of experience that allows the client to sleep soundly at night and above it all, has superb people skills. Once your first event is successful, people usually follow and continue to support everything that you do.