Find Your Event Planning Niche

In an article by Entrepreneur PRESS, authors explain how you can get started in the event planning industry, whether you want to work part or full-time in the planning industry, from a first-birthday party, bar mitzvah or wedding to political fundraisers and product launches. They talk about the two most recognized types of markets you can target as well as why choosing a niche is a smart move.

Broadly speaking, there are two primary markets for planning services: corporate and social. In my thesis, I wrote a lot about how each was defined and distinguished from one another. This separation played a role in the history of planning and why there has become so many more opportunities for planners in the industry, like the different niches listed in this article.

By finding you niche, in corporate or social environments, you are able to generate a focus. It makes it easier for a market customer to find you. Specializing in one or two types of events will also make your job easier. You can become an expert in one type of event faster than you can in multiple events. It will also save you time because you’ll soon be familiar with all the elements of, and vendors required for, the type of event you choose. These are crucial abilities to have in the industry.

They suggest the following possible niches for social event planners:

• Weddings
• Hospitality suites (events held in the “party” room of a retirement home or a business)
• Parties away from home (events hosted by hotel guests)
• Surprise parties
• Progressive parties (events at more than one venue, usually involving transporta­tion from one location to another, such as tours or scavenger hunts)
• His and hers showers, both wedding and baby
• Birthday parties for one-year-olds
• Theme parties
• “Golden” parties (50th anniversaries, 50th birthdays, etc.)
• Milestone birthdays
• Weekend event guest services (events to entertain out-of-town guests over the weekend, such as tours or barbecues)
• Kids’ parties
• Kids’ event areas at grown-up parties

The niches listed above all have a social focus, even though your client might also be a corporation. The following are some additional possibilities for finding your niche in business-related events:

• Mall events (fashion shows, store grand openings, department-store promotions)
• Meetings and conferences
• Awards events
• Fundraisers
• Corporate retreats or picnics

Read the whole article to find your niche and start devouring the details!