Corporate Event Planning, Your Event Career
Corporate Event Planning: Internal Events
As part of your corporate event planning courses, you’ll learn the two main types of events you’ll be responsible for organizing throughout your career: internal and external. But what exactly are internal and external events? How do they differ? Do they share any similarities?
In this two-part series, we’ll explore these questions and provide you with all the answers! We’ll also share the key secret to become a true corporate event planning pro. If you want to discover this Holy Grail piece of knowledge, you’re just going to have to keep reading!
What are ‘Internal’ Events?
These are the types of private events that you put together within the company itself. Unlike external events, internal events are not open to the general public. Your clients will include corporate businesses, their private clientele, etc. We’ll touch on potential career opportunities as an internal corporate event planner shortly!
Types of Internal Events
There’s a misconception that corporate event planning is ALL about putting together board meetings, training sessions, and other work-related functions. To a certain extent, this is partially true. For the record, these types of internal corporate gatherings are known as business events.
Here are just a small handful of other types of business events you could be in charge of organizing:
- Employee orientations
- Employee workshops
- Management meetings
- Idea-generation meetings
- Problem-solving meetings
- Webinars
- And so much more!
That being said, the corporate world likes to have fun, too! There will be times where you’ll also be called upon to plan internal corporate social events as well. These types of functions provide an opportunity for the business’s staff to relax, unwind, and strengthen as a team.
These are all examples of common social events you’ll encounter in your career:
- Office and/or holiday parties
- Employee retreats
- Company picnics
- Incentive travel programs
- Retirement parties
- And more!
Career Opportunities for Internal Event Planners
There are TONS of awesome job paths out there for those of you interested in pursuing internal events as part of your event planning career! You’ll get a much more detailed breakdown in your corporate event planning courses, but here are just 3 exciting possibilities at your disposal…
1 – Start Your Own Corporate Event Planning Business
This is an extremely attractive option for anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit. If your goal is to be your own boss, generate your own leads, build your own clientele, and make an independent name for yourself in the industry – this is your answer!
Just know, though, that starting your own business is no walk in the park. Such an endeavor requires endless dedication, passion, and drive. Not to mention, we strongly recommend proper corporate event planning training, business education, and a reputable certification to add to your resume.
After all, you want to tackle this goal with as much chance for success as possible, right? How can you possibly hope to do that if you have no idea what you’re even doing?
2 – Join a Corporate Event Planning Company
Running a business may not be appealing to everyone, and that’s totally okay! Another popular choice is to work for an existing corporate event planning company. An obvious perk is that you’re guaranteed a stable income, as well as access to an existing roster of loyal clients.
If you want to start your own business someday, but want to get experience under your belt first? Joining a team like this can definitely help you achieve that. Chances are, you’ll start out as a junior planner and learn the ropes by assisting senior planners on corporate projects. As your qualifications, skill-set, and hands-on experience grows, so too will your ranking within the company!
3 – Become a Business’s Resident Internal Event Planner
Many companies like to hire an in-house event planner to work exclusively for their business. Since you’ll be working only for this specific company, they will be your primary client. Additionally, they’ll likely have you organizing events for their private clients as well.
You’ll grow to learn their business policies, brand, goals, and guidelines inside and out. This way, you can always ensure that the functions you put together align with their values, and ensure the continued growth and prosperity of their business.
All of the following professional industries are examples of potential employers who may be seeking an internal event planner:
- Tourism and hospitality – e.g. Hotels, resorts, cruises, convention centers, museums, party supply companies, caterers, tourist organizations, etc.
- Colleges and Universities
- Non-profit organizations and charities
- Community institutions – e.g. Libraries, municipal recreation departments, community centers, etc.
- Health institutions and care homes – e.g. Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, retirement homes, nursing homes, hospices, etc.
- Corporations and government departments – e.g. Advertising agencies, unions and trade associations, sporting and music associations, political parties, local and national governments, etc.
Want to Learn More?
Stay tuned for Part 2 later this week, where we’ll delve into external corporate events. Together, we’ll explore their characteristics, the similarities they have in common with internal events – AND we’ll reveal the secret to becoming a truly successful corporate event planner!
It becomes a major responsibility in your corporate sector when you are planing your corporate event internal events. Thank you for sharing the article with us with so much helpful information. Keep sharing more such articles with us in the future.