Top 25 Event Planning Skills to have in 2024

As the events industry continues to evolve, it's crucial for hosts keep up with the latest trends and keep their event planner skills up to date. There is an increased demand for quality experiences in 2024, especially at live events, so event planners must strive to improve their skills to meet the expectations of attendees. 

Some of the key event management and planning skills in 2024 include some that are obvious, like problem solving and negotiating abilities, and other skills like proficiency in data analytics and the capability to lead a team. 

One essential area in which event planners should focus is identifying new technologies to implement. The rapid evolution of digital platforms, apps, and AI tools has led to various new possibilities for enhancing in-person and virtual events.

Connect Space’s platform is just one example of technology that any event planner can benefit from. Our platform is available on a mobile friendly app for hosts and attendees to use personalized matchmaking for B2B networking so they can spend more time connecting with the people they actually want to meet. 

Make your event memorable by providing personalized matchmaking so attendees can network with other business professionals they actually want to meet. Schedule a free demo of the Connect Space platform today. 

What is B2B Event Planning?

B2B event planning is the process of organizing and managing events, ranging from business conferences to private functions. This involves using various event planning tools to conceptualize an event, decide on the type and scope of activities, select venues, and manage budgets. Event planners must also coordinate with other service providers such as caterers, entertainers, decorators among others to ensure everything runs smoothly during the event. The ultimate goal of corporate event planning is to create a memorable experience that meets all stakeholders' objectives while exceeding attendees' expectations.

Popularity of B2B Events in 2024

B2B (business-to-business) events have become increasingly popular way to meet new people that have the potential to grow your business or vice versa. According to a survey conducted by Bizzabo, 41% of event professionals are putting on more events in 2023 than they originally planned. There are several factors driving this trend.

Firstly, businesses are looking for new and innovative ways to connect with their target audience. B2B events provide a platform for companies to showcase their products or services and engage with potential clients on a personal level, which can help build lasting relationships.

Secondly, event technology has made it easier than ever for businesses to organize and promote events online. With the rise of social media and mobile apps, companies can easily reach out to contacts and generate interest in upcoming events.

Thirdly, many businesses have recognized the value of launching hybrid events to ensure the maximum number of attendees. In fact, Skift Meetings (former EventMB), 90% of event marketers plan to host hybrid events in 2023, and 81% believe that hybrid events will become the norm in the future. Interestingly, 88% of event organizers plan to incorporate Virtual Reality (VR), while 87% intend to leverage Augmented Reality (AR) in their events, reflecting a significant shift towards immersive technology to enhance the attendee experience.

Finally, virtual events have also played a significant role in driving popularity for B2B events due to the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak that temporarily forced gatherings to be entirely online. What companies learned was that by hosting a networking event virtually or in a hybrid format, they could reach a wide audience while reducing costs associated with in-person events such as venue rental and travel expenses.

Event planning, incorporating skills needed to be an event planner, plays a critical role in driving business growth by creating strategic platforms for business networking, brand promotion, and customer engagement. In today's competitive landscape, 52% of business leaders agree that event marketing delivers greater ROI than other marketing channels. Events offer a unique platform to showcase your offerings, engage directly with potential clients, and build strong, lasting relationships.

Furthermore, events serve as powerful lead generation and customer acquisition engines. According to a 2023 report, 70% of event attendees convert into paying customers. This statistic underscores the direct impact of well-planned events, a testament to the skills of an event planner, on business growth. Additionally, events provide an invaluable information hub for gathering feedback, understanding market trends, and gaining insights into customer preferences, all of which are crucial for product development and strategic decision-making.

By effectively planning and executing events, businesses can leverage these opportunities to expand their reach, strengthen their brand, and ultimately drive sustainable growth and profitability, showcasing the pivotal role of a B2B event planner.

Top Event Planning Skills of 2024

It's clear that B2B events are not only here to stay but will continue to grow in popularity in the coming years.

Here are the top 25 event planning skills you need to have in 2024:

1. Client Communication

Communicating event planning priorities, timelines, and goals to the team and client are essential for the job. 

2. Data Analytics

Analytics is required when planning a budget for events, monitoring attendee engagement, and for reporting of the success of an event. 

3. Flexibility

Event planners must be flexible and prepared for the unexpected. 

4. Contracts

A signed contract is necessary to ensure all parties are paid the expected amount and on time. 

5. Planning

Creating a detailed plan of how the different aspects of a B2B are to be executed is at the core of what event planners do. 

6. Patience

Event planners must be patient with the demands of a client. 

7. PowerPoint

PowerPoint presentations are effective in conveying the vision of a proposed event. 

8. Public Speaking

Public speaking comes in handy whether you’re leading a team of event specialists or providing updates to attendees on stage. 

9. Creative Thinking

You need to be creative if you’re going to turn an ordinary event into extraordinary. 

10. Technology Savvy

Technology like mobile apps and audio/visual equipment are a key part of the job. 

11. Growth Mindset

They must embrace disruption and innovation to boost event registration. 

12. Budgeting

Budgeting is essential to ensure expenses and revenue are on target. 

13. Resilience

Event planners must stay calm under pressure, even when others are not. 

14. Negotiating

Events must stay on budget, so negotiation is usually required to get the best deal. 

15. Interpersonal Skills

Interpersonal skills are required to ensure everyone on the event planning team understands their role. 

16. Goal Setting

Goals ensure targets are met in the lead up to the event, during the event, and after the event. 

17. Teamwork

Event planners can’t solve all problems themselves, they must be able to work well with others. 

18. Detail-oriented

Often, it’s the small details that make all the difference when hosting an event. 

19. Time Management

The event needs to run on schedule, so effective time-management is a must. 

20. Multitasking

Event planners must be able to juggle multiple responsibilities in the lead up to the B2B event. 

21. Leadership

It “takes a team to make the dream work,” but somebody has to lead and motivate them. 

22. Business Networking

Event planners must be able to confidently communicate and network with executives and other high-level professionals. 

23. Customer Service

They must have a pleasing demeanor and the ability to withstand pressure when dealing with clients. 

24. Problem Solver

They must be solution-oriented to tackle any unforeseen challenges that arise. 

25. Organizational Skills

Event planners must be organized when it comes to preparation and planning.

How does Connect Space enhance event networking opportunities?

Connect Space revolutionizes event networking by offering personalized matchmaking, a game-changer for B2B event planners where connecting with the right people matters most. Its advanced algorithms analyze your profile and preferences to suggest relevant business contacts, ensuring every interaction is meaningful and potential-filled. This targeted approach, a key skill of an event planner, eliminates wasted time, allowing you to connect with individuals directly aligned with your business goals. The user-friendly mobile app facilitates seamless communication and meeting scheduling, maximizing your networking efficiency. By providing these tailored opportunities, Connect Space ensures your event experience is highly valuable, leading to successful business outcomes and lasting professional connections.

Do you want to take your events to the next level with personalized matchmaking for your attendees? Schedule a Demo with Connect Space Today.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Event Planning and Management?

Event planning and management involve orchestrating every aspect of an event, from conception and budgeting to flawless execution. This includes tasks like venue selection, vendor management, logistics coordination, marketing promotion, and post-event engagement strategy and evaluation. Skilled event planners ensure successful execution, client satisfaction, and effective crisis management.

Why are Event Planning Skills Important?

Exceptional event planning and management skills are critical for delivering events that achieve their intended goals and leave a positive impression. They ensure smooth execution, budget adherence, client satisfaction, and a positive return on investment (ROI). Poorly planned events can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and negative impacts on the brand image.

How Can Connect Space Help with Event Planning and Management?

Connect Space streamlines event planning, especially for B2B events, with tools like personalized matchmaking and data analytics, enhancing networking and decision-making.

What are Effective Strategies for Marketing a Business Event?

Effective business event marketing in 2024 includes hybrid formats, immersive technologies, sustainability focus, gamification, user-generated content, values-based marketing, strategic partnerships, and quality content, all integral parts of event marketing ideas and strategies.

How Can I Measure the Success of My Business Event?

Measure business event success through attendance rates, engagement metrics, lead generation, attendee satisfaction, ROI analysis, social media impact, and follow-up actions.

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Book a demo with Connect Space to find out how to promote attendee networking with our matchmaking app.

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