Creating the Perfect Event Planning Portfolio
Job hunting isn’t just about having a resume anymore. You need a cover letter and any resources to provide proof of your work; most event planners show their skills through an online portfolio.
The portfolio serves a variety of purposes and helps keep everyone on the same page while simultaneously providing examples of an applicants work when applying for jobs or seeking out future clients.
Keep reading to discover why an event planning portfolio can be a great asset and how to create the perfect one!
Why do you need an event planning portfolio?
An event planning portfolio can help professional event planners secure new clients while showing off their talents and previous events.
It is an effective method for showing how skilled and capable you are while providing examples of your previous accomplishments; basically proof you can do what you say you can.
An event planning portfolio can be created as a physical document, but the most popular way is to host it on a website; this way it’s easy for people around the world to access it.
In addition, the event planning portfolio can be customized from a template as part of a quick presentation to individual clients using many online resources we will mention below.
Where can you host your portfolio?
Having an online portfolio is an excellent way to show people that are interested in your services what you have to offer in a convenient and timely manner.
This can be the first step in successfully creating interest from potential clients and making your work searchable.
Having an online event portfolio dramatically increase your chances of getting an inquiry and potential jobs. Some top platforms that host event planning portfolios include:
Give clients what they want to see
When potential clients view your event planning portfolio, make sure you provide all the details they will want to help them select you for their planning needs.
Be as translucent as possible;
What your services include, different pricing packages, background experience, education and certificates, previous events you have planned, etc.
Display all the information and questions they may have so everything can be answered online, saving you time when they approach you about a possible job.
A properly executed portfolio will include all the benefits of hiring your event planning service and help instill greater confidence in your abilities. The following are very important points to address in the portfolio that clients will look for.
Client reviews and testimonials
We all look for reviews before purchasing to see whether something is true to its testimony or not.
Make a point to provide these client reviews on either the landing page, a dedicated page or section that viewers can easily find and review. Include client quotes or even insert a short video, photos highlighting customer satisfaction. 
Add any media about previous events
Stay updated on any media outlets that might cover events you worked on such as TV coverage, newspapers or magazine articles, blogs, reviews, any radio air time, etc. that covered your events and add these pieces to your portfolio.
In addition, you can also insert any relevant news clips or video segments to add emphasis. This conveys you as a more trustworthy candidate that the event you planned was indeed as successful as you stated.
Before and after photos
Clients love to see before and after photos. This can give them an idea of what you are capable of producing for their event from beginning to the end.
Make sure the photos are clear, capturing all the improvements you've made.
Enlisting the help of a professional photographer may be worth the investment if you are producing a huge event or looking for more high-end clients. A nice, polished portfolio never hurts! 
Include specs
Potential clients are looking for details to help them get a better understanding about what you can do for them, how much it will cost and if it will work for their type of event.
Include information related to budgets, ticket sales, potential costs, cutting costs, service fees, venues and vendors you work with frequently to help them get a better idea of their budget and how you would fit in.
Include a personal statement, profile, and your background
A personal statement is like your mission statement;
- Why are you an event planning?
- Why do you do what you do?
- What can you provide for a client that is different from all the other event planners? (personal statement example below)
In addition, include a personal profile picture, background information and any experience or education beneficial to this industry. Don’t be shy and don’t hold back! The more potential clients know about you, the more likely they will consider your event planning company.
Examples of problems you have faced or solved and solutions you have implemented
Many job interviewers ask job candidates about a problem they have faced in the past and how they solved it, be prepared to answer this or make it easier for everyone and put it on your portfolio!
The reasoning is that it gives the interviewer an idea of your ability to solve problems effectively.
Show clients what you have experienced in the past, all the bumps and hiccups, and how you got past them. They know no event goes perfectly, and they want to see that you have the right knowledge on how to correctly handle these obstacles.
Creating a well-planned and thorough event planning portfolio that showcases your talents and accomplishments is one of the best ways to attract new clients. Consider including this information both online and in any physical copies you present in the future.
