17 Business Ideas For Event Planners [2024]
Interested in starting a business as an event planner in 2024?
If managed well, building a business as an event planner could be more lucrative than employment. So, which are the best business ideas for Event Planners?
We put together 17 of some of the best event planner business ideas you can start in today.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other event planner businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a virtual events business ($185K/month)
The rise of virtual events in the wake of the 2020 pandemic has created a significant opportunity to expand your event planning business into the digital space. With corporates and the entertainment sector increasingly opting for virtual events, you could leverage your existing skills in ideation, organization, and execution to create engaging and memorable online experiences for your clients.
Starting a virtual events business could allow you to tap into this growing market, supplement your income, and even scale your operations more efficiently. With expertise in broadcasting and audience psychology, and a willingness to adapt to new technologies, you would be well-positioned to thrive in this burgeoning industry. This shift not only diversifies your service offerings but also opens up new revenue streams and enhances your professional footprint in the evolving landscape of event planning.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $897,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 179 days (?)
Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community.
2. Start a party planning business ($164K/month)
As an event planner, diving into the world of party planning could be a seamless and lucrative side business or full-time endeavor. Your organizational skills and creativity would come into play while budgeting, establishing timelines, and selecting ideal party sites, ensuring every event is memorable. The comprehensive nature of party planning, including acquiring permits and coordinating catering and transportation, allows you to leverage your existing expertise and expand your service offerings.
Moreover, your client-focused approach and multitasking abilities are essential in handling the intricate details of theme décor and other personalized touches. With a desire to help people enjoy themselves, you could cultivate a strong client base, as satisfied clients are likely to refer your services to others. Pursuing this path could diversify your income streams and present numerous entrepreneurial opportunities within your current profession.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 6 hours/week
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
3. Start an event management company ($131K/month)
Starting an event management company could be a lucrative venture for an experienced event planner. Leveraging your existing skills in communication and understanding of event dynamics, you could capitalize on the rapidly growing industry, which is expected to see a 10% growth rate in the next few years. This provides an ideal opportunity to supplement your income or even transition into a full-time entrepreneurial career.
You could choose to specialize in social and entertainment events, corporate gatherings, or offer a wide range of services as a general event management company. Engaging with C-suite executives, event attendees, donors, brand sponsors, and vendors puts you in a unique position to create memorable events while establishing a profitable business. With the industry's growth trajectory, the demand for skilled event management professionals is likely to increase, offering endless possibilities for success.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
4. Rent party & events venue ($184K/month)
Starting a rent party and events venue could be an excellent way to supplement your income as an event planner. Given the rapid growth of the events industry, there is an increasing demand for event spaces for various purposes—from corporate meetings and tradeshows to birthdays and weddings. This demand presents a lucrative opportunity to utilize any unused space you might have to generate additional revenue.
By opening a venue, you could offer comprehensive packages that include both the space and your event planning services, creating a streamlined and customized experience for your clients. Focusing on a niche, whether it be corporate events, social gatherings, or versatile general venues, would allow you to tailor your marketing strategies effectively and capitalize on specific market needs.
Establishing a rent party and events venue not only diversifies your income streams but can also enhance your reputation as a well-rounded event planning professional. This dual approach could attract more clients, providing you with more opportunities for growth and success in the rapidly expanding events industry.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
5. Start a video production company ($156K/month)
As an event planner, starting a video production company could be a seamless and profitable extension of your existing services. You already understand the intricacies of executing events and capturing the essence of those moments on film could be highly marketable. You could offer clients high-quality video content such as event recaps, promotional videos, and live streaming services, adding significant value to your event planning packages.
Moreover, with your networking skills and established client relationships in the event industry, you could quickly build a client base that trusts your expertise. Diversifying your services with a video production agency allows you to supplement your income and perhaps even transition into a full-time, high-demand business model.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 72 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
6. Start a fitness equipment company ($327K/month)
As an event planner, you could leverage your organizational skills, network, and marketing expertise to start a fitness equipment company. Since you're adept at coordinating large events and managing logistics, transitioning to sourcing, selling, and possibly assembling fitness equipment could be a natural fit. The fitness equipment business could benefit from your existing vendor relationships and marketing prowess, allowing you to efficiently set up either a storefront or an online service.
Additionally, your understanding of client needs and event trends could help you identify profitable opportunities in schools, gyms, or even for personal use. You could cross-promote your fitness equipment at events you plan or potentially bundle services, offering fitness equipment along with event planning packages. This could not only supplement your income but also broaden your professional reach and diversify your portfolio.
How much you can make: $9,300 — $1,200,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Serena Jenkins-Hannah created a fitness brand, Serena Hannah Athletics, that has generated over $100,000 in sales over a year and a half, with $70,000 of those sales coming during COVID-19, through selling their #1 item, the Hannah Booty Band System, on Amazon, and has now expanded to Shopify to add cash flow.
7. Start a film production company ($305K/month)
As an Event Planner, you possess exceptional organizational skills and a keen eye for detail, making you an ideal candidate to start a film production company. With your expertise in logistics, location scouting, and managing various components of an event, you could seamlessly transition these skills to the realm of video content production. By scripting and overseeing video shoots, you could provide high-quality corporate promotions, social media content, and even television programs to a broad range of clients.
This venture would not only allow you to supplement your income but also provide an innovative service to your existing clients. Imagine offering a comprehensive package that includes both event planning and professional video content that captures the highlights of the occasion. With a solid business plan, the right equipment, and a well-thought-out marketing strategy, you could position your film production company as a sought-after enterprise in the media-related field.
How much you can make: $5,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)
Lemonlight CEO, Hope Horner, co-founded an on-demand video production company that has produced over 7,000 videos for more than 3,000 brands, generating over $6 million in sales and growing to a 45-person team, all without taking any outside capital and being recognized in Inc 5000 and Entrepreneur 360 for three years in a row.
8. Start a wearable blanket
As an event planner, you could diversify your offerings and tap into the trendy market of wearable blankets. These cozy, functional items are perfect for outdoor events, late-night gatherings, and even as unique promotional merchandise for your clients. By offering branded or custom-designed wearable blankets, you could provide attendees with a memorable experience that keeps them warm and comfortable, potentially increasing client satisfaction and repeat business.
Moreover, selling or renting these wearable blankets at various events could open an additional revenue stream. You could leverage your existing vendor relationships and event planning skills to efficiently source, market, and distribute these products. This venture complements your current profession, allowing you to combine your expertise in event logistics with a popular, client-centric product.
9. Start a photoshoot tips business
As an event planner, you could leverage your industry expertise to start a photoshoot tips business, supplementing your income or even transitioning into a new venture. Your deep understanding of event aesthetics, lighting, and atmosphere would be invaluable in guiding clients on how to create stunning photoshoots for personal or corporate events. You already possess the skills to coordinate seamless visual experiences, making you well-equipped to advise others on achieving photogenic setups.
Additionally, your existing network of photographers, venues, and other vendors could provide a solid foundation for building and marketing your photoshoot tips business. You could offer personalized consultations, online courses, or even eBooks outlining best practices. This business not only has the potential to generate extra revenue but also enhances your brand as a versatile event professional.
10. Start a calligraphy business
Starting a calligraphy business could be a natural extension of your skills as an event planner. You could offer bespoke lettering for invitations, place cards, and seating charts, adding a personalized and luxurious touch to your client's events. This niche service could set you apart in a competitive market, appealing to clients looking for unique and high-quality event details.
Additionally, you could market your calligraphy creations for wedding signage, menus, and even corporate event materials. By combining your event planning expertise with calligraphy, you could create cohesive and visually stunning event aesthetics, thereby enhancing your service offerings and potentially increasing your income. This side business could seamlessly integrate with your primary career, leveraging your existing network and client base for additional revenue opportunities.
How much you can make: $35,000/month
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Haiku Guys & Gals is an entertainment service that writes personalized free haiku for guests at events; since launching in 2013, they've written over 60,000 haikus at over 600 events for a total income of over $600,000.
11. Start an educational blog ($63K/month)
As an event planner, starting an educational blog could be a lucrative way to supplement your income by sharing your expertise and insights into the world of event planning. Imagine creating a niche blog where you offer tips on budget management, creative event themes, or logistics planning, leveraging your professional experience to educate others. By committing to quality content and engaging with your audience consistently, you could build a loyal following interested in your practical advice and industry secrets.
Promoting your blog on social media and optimizing it for search engines would attract visitors who are eager to learn from an experienced professional. As your blog gains traction, you could monetize it through affiliate marketing, offering event-related products and services, or by selling your own digital products like e-books or templates. This venture not only provides a potential revenue stream but also positions you as an authority in your field, opening doors to further opportunities and expanding your professional network.
How much you can make: $50 — $830,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $170 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
A one-man business teaching people how to use Microsoft Excel effectively has gone from getting ~15k pageviews a month in 2014, to more than one million pageviews every month as of today, generating an average monthly revenue of ~$10,000, with the majority of the money coming from online course sales and a newsletter, which has 40k+ active subscribers.
12. Start a lawyer training company
As an event planner, starting a lawyer training company could be a lucrative side business or even a full-time venture. Your expertise in organizing and managing events can seamlessly transition into designing and coordinating professional development programs for legal professionals. By developing a specialized curriculum that enhances both technical and soft skills, you'll tap into the growing demand for continuous education in the legal field.
Partnering with experienced legal educators and leveraging your logistical know-how, you could offer both online and in-person training sessions. This approach not only broadens your business scope but also provides flexible learning options for busy lawyers. If you're passionate about education and have an interest in the legal industry, this could be a meaningful way to diversify your career while contributing to the professional growth of the legal community.
How much you can make: $300,000/month
How a former attorney created a lucrative business model and system for re-training lawyers to transition from a traditional, transactional approach to law to a more relational one, resulting in high six- and seven-figure law practices, as well as more meaningful and fulfilling work for lawyers and better outcomes for clients.
13. Start a bedding company ($741K/month)
As an event planner, you already have a keen eye for creating memorable experiences, and this skill can seamlessly translate into a profitable side business or even a full-fledged bedding company. Given your expertise in attention to detail and aesthetics, you could curate a line of luxury sheets or high-quality, affordable linens that appeal to clients looking for comfort at their events or in their personal lives. Your network within the events industry could serve as a strong foundation for marketing your products, leveraging your existing relationships to promote your bedding brand.
Moreover, knowing the importance of comfort after a long day, you could emphasize this in your marketing strategy, highlighting how a good quality mattress, bedsheet, or pillow can make a significant difference. By sourcing quality products and partnering with reliable manufacturers, you could ensure your bedding line meets the high standards you would expect for any event you plan. Setting up a professional website and active social media presence will help you reach a broader audience, making the most of today's digital landscape to supplement your income and grow your new venture.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $3,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 100 days (?)
Sheets & Giggles, an eco-friendly bedding brand, earned nearly $500,000 and 6,000 orders in the first 6 months of business through Indiegogo, and utilizes pun-based marketing and a DTC model to tap into a fragmented, low brand loyalty market.
14. Start a personal finance blog ($219K/month)
As an event planner, starting a personal finance blog could offer an excellent opportunity to supplement your income while sharing valuable advice. You already excel at managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and balancing costs, which provides a natural segue into offering financial tips and strategies.
Your blog could cover topics like budgeting for events, saving for big occasions, or even financial planning for freelancers and small business owners. With your industry insights and a knack for research, you could build a loyal readership hungry for practical advice. Over time, you could monetize through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or even create eBooks and online courses, turning your passion for financial education into a profitable side business.
How much you can make: $2,500 — $2,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $350 (?)
How long does it take to build: 7 days (?)
DollarSprout.com, a personal finance blog geared towards millennials, went from zero to over $2 million in revenue in four years through a laser focus on affiliate marketing, constantly creating useful, keyword-oriented content that helps readers solve a problem, SEO, and diversifying income verticals.
15. Start an IT security company
As an event planner, you could leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail to offer specialized IT security services for events. With the increasing reliance on digital platforms and networks during events, the need for robust IT security has never been greater. Your expertise in managing large-scale events could seamlessly translate into ensuring the protection of sensitive data and preventing cyber threats, providing a unique and valuable service to your clients.
Additionally, starting an IT security company could supplement your income and offer a significant additional revenue stream. By offering IT security as an add-on service to your existing event planning business, you could enhance your marketability and cater to a niche market. This dual approach not only broadens your business portfolio but also sets you apart in a competitive industry.
16. Start a photography blog ($10.1K/month)
As an event planner, starting a photography blog could be a brilliant way to supplement your income and leverage your skills and experiences. You often work with photographers and have an eye for capturing beautiful moments, making you well-suited to creating compelling photography content. You could share tutorials on how to set up the perfect event photo shoot, behind-the-scenes stories from your events, gear reviews, and even interviews with the photographers you collaborate with.
By positioning yourself as an authority in both event planning and photography, you could build a strong online community and attract opportunities for monetization. Advertising, sponsorships, and offering paid content, such as ebooks or courses on event photography, could turn your blog into a profitable side business or even a full-time venture. With dedication and strategic marketing, you could create a niche that combines your passion for event planning and photography, offering unique insights that could attract a loyal following.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $27,400/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A software engineer turned founder started a digital camera review website as a side-hustle which turned into a successful online publication with up to 1.3 million unique monthly visitors, generating around $1,000 per month, attracting visitors through guest posts, focusing on desirable quality content, and through answering popular questions on Stack Exchange, providing helpful advice for other entrepreneurs.
17. Start a fiber spinning business
As an event planner, starting a fiber spinning business presents a unique opportunity to diversify your income while leveraging your creative skills. Your attention to detail, knack for aesthetics, and network within the event industry could provide a solid client base for custom hand-spun fibers used in decorations, bespoke event attire, or even creative giveaways.
Furthermore, your project management expertise and organizational skills would streamline the production process, ensuring a smooth operation from raw materials to finished products. By incorporating a fiber spinning business, you could not only supplement your income but also add a distinct, personalized touch to your event planning services.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
