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Some of the best managers I’ve had during my career were the ones who gifted their teams books—usually self-help titles. The first book I ever received from a boss was Who Moved My Cheese. It was given to our team right before we transitioned from having individual offices to working in cubicles (we consolidated from five buildings on a campus to just two). A couple of years later, the team was given a copy of Dale Carnegie’s famous book, How to Win Friends and Influence People. Another memorable gift was a book on emotional intelligence. My son, who was in middle school at the time, chuckled when he saw it and asked, “What the heck is emotional intelligence?” The last book recommended to me was about five years ago, during my first tenure at Smart Meetings. Marin Bright suggested Words That Sell to help improve my copywriting skills. I still have that book—it’s under my bed with a stack of old Smart Meetings magazines.
With that in mind, I decided to search Amazon for event planning and management books with at least 100 reviews and a rating of 4 stars or higher. It turns out there are a ton of options. If you’ve ever done a similar search and felt a bit overwhelmed by all the choices, here’s a list of the top six event planning books on Amazon with more than 125 reviews and ratings of at least 4.2 stars. Who knows? You might find something useful for yourself or your team.
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The Art of Event Planning: Pro Tips from an Industry Insider by Gianna Cardinale Gaudini
“The Art of Event Planning: Pro Tips from an Industry Insider” by Gianna Gaudini is an excellent book for anyone interested in learning how to plan and manage events. Gaudini, who has worked for major companies like Google and Amazon Web Services, shares her insights through practical advice and personal stories, making the book both informative and enjoyable. It covers everything you need to know about event planning, including finding venues, building a team, negotiating contracts, and even measuring success after the event is over. Her real-life examples and relatable style make the topics easy to understand and engaging for readers of all levels.
Readers have praised the book for its clear instructions and actionable tips, saying it’s an inspiring and motivating guide for both beginners and experienced planners. While some wish the book gave more advice on dealing with last-minute challenges, most agree that it’s a valuable resource for mastering event management. At just 204 pages, it’s packed with helpful information without being overwhelming. If you’re looking for a mix of inspiration and hands-on strategies for planning amazing events, this book is definitely worth checking out.
Event Planning: Management & Marketing For Successful Events by Alex Genadinik
“Event Planning: Management & Marketing For Successful Events” by Alex Genadinik is a great introduction to planning and promoting events, particularly for beginners. The book offers clear and practical advice that can help readers organize successful and profitable events. It covers essential topics such as marketing, management, and planning, and includes a handy checklist to guide readers through the process. The author’s personal experiences and strategies make the book engaging and relatable, which is especially helpful for new event planners or business owners looking to promote their services in creative ways.
While the book is insightful, it has some limitations. At just 74 pages, it may feel too basic for experienced professionals, and some readers have pointed out grammar mistakes. Additionally, the content seems more suited for planning niche events rather than large-scale occasions like trade shows or weddings. Despite these drawbacks, many readers find it a useful starting point for understanding the fundamentals of event planning, thanks to its concise and straightforward approach.
You Should Become an EVENT PLANNER: How to Start a Home-Based Event Planning Business Step-By-Step from Scratch – Get Paid to Plan Weddings, Birthdays, Parties & Gatherings by Rebecca Nowak
“You Should Become an EVENT PLANNER” by Rebecca Nowak is an excellent guide for anyone interested in starting their own event planning business. The book breaks everything down into simple steps, covering topics like market research, creating a business plan, and managing finances. It also highlights the challenges of the industry while encouraging readers with practical tips and resources, such as lists of certifications, helpful websites, and loan programs. The author’s honest and relatable style makes it easy for beginners to follow and feel inspired.
Readers appreciate how the book emphasizes finding your niche and ideal clients to stand out in this competitive field. While acknowledging the hard work and high stress that come with event planning, the book encourages readers to turn their passion for organizing into a fulfilling career. With clear explanations and plenty of guidance, it’s been described as both informative and encouraging. This 216-page resource is a must-read for aspiring event planners who are ready to take the leap.
Event Management For Dummies by Laura Capell
“Event Management For Dummies” by Laura Capell is an excellent guide for anyone looking to learn about planning events, whether professionally or as a hobby. The book takes readers through all the essential steps, like creating a budget, choosing a venue, and navigating health and safety regulations. Written in a simple and friendly style, it’s great for beginners and even includes helpful checklists and tips to stay organized and avoid common mistakes. The advice it offers on how to make events unique and successful is especially useful for aspiring event planners.
Readers enjoy the book’s straightforward approach, practical advice, and even its funny tone, which makes learning enjoyable. One review described it as a “great starting point” for those entering the field. However, some financial information might not apply to all regions, which is something to keep in mind. Still, at 336 pages, this book is packed with helpful information and is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to plan stress-free events.
Professional Event Coordination by Julia Rutherford Silvers
“Professional Event Coordination, 2nd Edition” by Julia Rutherford Silvers is a must-read for anyone interested in event management. The book covers every step of planning successful events, from choosing a venue to coordinating food, entertainment, and vendors. It provides practical advice, checklists, and real-world examples that make event coordination easier for beginners and professionals alike. The author, an experienced event planner, ensures the information is clear and useful for readers at all levels.
Readers love the book for its attention to detail and its focus on modern event trends, including technology and sustainable practices. It’s been praised by students and seasoned professionals, helping both groups sharpen their skills. With a 4.6 out of 5-star rating from 141 reviews on Amazon, this comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for anyone looking to plan events of any size, from small parties to major corporate gatherings.
The Event Manager’s Bible 3rd Edition: The Complete Guide to Planning and Organising a Voluntary or Public Event by D.G. Conway
“The Event Manager’s Bible” by D.G. Conway is a highly detailed guide for event organizers, covering everything from planning and health and safety to audience engagement and financial management. With 336 pages, the book provides practical advice for both large and small events, but it seems to focus more on complex, large-scale events. Readers have praised its thoroughness and the author’s 30 years of experience in event management, though some sections, like those on cash transactions, might feel a bit outdated since the book was published in 2020.
This book is an excellent resource for those who want comprehensive event planning advice, including details on traffic management, security, and insurance. However, with changes in the industry over the years, readers may need to supplement it with more current resources. Despite its age, “The Event Manager’s Bible” is still a well-regarded tool for aspiring and experienced event organizers alike.
Your Next Chapter in Event Planning Success
Books can be a powerful source of inspiration and knowledge for both personal and professional growth. The six books highlighted here offer a variety of insights, from practical tips and motivational guidance to strategies for starting your own event planning business. So, why not pick one up?
