No doubt, the coronavirus pandemic has a lot of dark sides, as people get ill and die, schools close, the healthcare system overloaded, people losing their jobs, companies facing bankruptcy and countries have to spend billions on bailouts and medical aid, it also brought about opportunities.
One of such opportunities is in virtual business, where companies resort to having their meetings through zoom and subscribe to webinar that enable virtual meetings.
Yes!, the COVID-19 pandemic may have subsided a bit, but virtual events still happen on a daily basis as companies still organise conferences, meetings, webinars, networking event and virtual trade shows, among others.
For companies to have a successful conference for instance, they need a virtual event planner to organise the conference. Part of the duties of a virtual event planner is to help their clients plan meetings, events, or celebrations.
ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team, revealed that, virtual event job is a remote position in which the virtual event planner’s responsibilities depend on the type of events he is planning and the needs of each client.
Duties of a virtual event planner
A virtual event planner provides an initial online consultation with clients to determine their needs and budget. He then design the party, wedding, meeting, or celebration, and coordinate with vendors to provide services. You handle schedule planning. Some virtual event planners work online but go to the venue during the event, while others work solely online. He also stream live the programme in different social media platforms and create a hashtag to ensure visibility of the programme.
Becoming A Vrtual Event Planner
The first thing to do is to learn how to operate different virtual platform or applications including their capabilities and limitations. Thereafter, he needs to learn how to stream live and he should have knowledge on how to use and set up lighting, videography equipment and he must have a good internet and a good camera to capture the conference or event.
He should also have knowledge on how best to host a live conference. According to the Ventry Memo, “Big or small, you must know what it takes to hold your customer’s attention. Like any in-person event, basic event planning skills come into play at a virtual event, too. You must know how to design an environment that is flexible and creative, one in which participants are equally welcomed to listen and engage.”
ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team also added that, “the qualifications and skills you need to start working as a virtual event planner include training or equivalent job experience, connections with vendors, and organizational skills. You also need to ability to listen to clients and ensure you meet their needs.
“A virtual event planner must be adept at communicating online. You can prepare for this career by earning a degree in hospitality or obtaining a postsecondary certificate in event planning. Some planners learn skills by working as an assistant to an event planner. You can also become a Certified Special Event Professional (CSEP) through the International Live Events Association.”
Tip To Excel As Virtual Event Planner
You need to market yourself and one best way to do that is through social media. Display some of your jobs on your various social media platforms. Ensure you have a phone number for someone to call when he/she needs your services.
You can take a step further, by visiting various companies and organisations who would need your services. Make sure your pitch has all the necessary details.
Make sure you give your clients the best, to retain them. They will sing of your praises to their friends as well.
Profitability
LEADERSHIP learnt that annually, one can make millions of naira as a profit. However, your connection and marketing prowess will determine the quality of businesses that comes to you.
