This interview profile for an Event Planner gives you an idea of what to look for in candidates and a range of good interview questions. Similar job titles include Event Coordinator, Meeting Coordinator or Planner, Conference Coordinator, Special Events Coordinator and Exhibition Coordinator.
Nikoletta holds an MSc in HR management and has written extensively about all things HR and recruiting.
Make sure that you are interviewing the best Event planner candidates. Sign up for Workable’s 15-day free trial to hire better, faster.
Finding the right conference planner is crucial for ensuring a successful and memorable event. This guide provides you with a comprehensive list of interview questions categorized to help you assess the candidate’s skills, experience and personality.
Conference planners play a vital role in the success of any event. They are responsible for everything from venue selection and budgeting to logistics and vendor management. Choosing the right planner for your conference can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful event.
This guide provides you with a comprehensive list of interview questions to help you assess the candidate’s qualifications and find the perfect fit for your conference We’ll also offer tips on how to analyze their responses and make an informed decision.
Hard Skills Interview Questions
These questions assess the candidate’s technical knowledge and abilities related to conference planning
- Tell me about the most successful conference you’ve planned. What was it, and how did you pull it off?
- What questions do you ask a client during your initial intake conversation?
- What technology or software do you use to plan conferences? What tools do you use to stay organized?
- Describe your experience with budgeting and managing conference expenses.
- How do you handle unexpected challenges or problems that arise during a conference?
Tips
- Look for candidates who have experience planning conferences similar to yours in terms of size, scope, and budget.
- Assess their ability to manage complex projects and meet deadlines.
- Evaluate their knowledge of relevant software and technology tools.
- Pay attention to their problem-solving skills and ability to handle unexpected situations.
Behavioral Interview Questions
These questions explore the candidate’s past experiences and how they handled specific situations
- Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle while planning a conference.
- Describe a situation where you had to work with a difficult client or vendor.
- How do you handle stress and pressure when deadlines are tight?
- Give me an example of a time when you had to make a quick decision under pressure.
- Tell me about a time when you went above and beyond to ensure a successful conference.
Tips:
- Look for candidates who demonstrate strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Assess their ability to handle stress and pressure effectively.
- Evaluate their communication and interpersonal skills, especially their ability to work with different personalities.
- Pay attention to their initiative and willingness to go the extra mile.
Soft Skills Interview Questions
These questions assess the candidate’s personal traits and cognitive skills.
- What are your strengths and weaknesses as a conference planner?
- How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?
- How do you prioritize tasks and handle multiple deadlines?
- Tell me about your experience working as part of a team.
- How do you handle conflict or disagreements within a team?
Tips:
- Look for candidates who are self-aware and can identify their strengths and weaknesses.
- Assess their organizational skills and ability to manage their time effectively.
- Evaluate their ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Pay attention to their teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively with others.
- Look for candidates who can handle conflict constructively and find solutions that benefit everyone involved.
By using these interview questions and tips, you can effectively assess the qualifications of potential conference planners and choose the best candidate for your event. Remember to look for a candidate who possesses the necessary hard skills, behavioral skills, and soft skills to ensure a successful and memorable conference.
How would you react to technical problems during an event? What are the most common/serious problems you have encountered during an event and what did you do about them?
This question gauges the candidate’s problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations.
“I always have a backup plan for technical issues, like extra microphones. The most serious issue I’ve faced was a power outage, for which we had backup generators. ”.
How would you choose the location/venue for an event? What are your priorities after choosing a location/venue?
This question checks how well the candidate can choose the right venue and what they think is important once the venue is chosen.
“I choose a venue based on the client’s vision, budget, and the logistics like accessibility. After choosing a venue, my next priorities are securing the date and beginning vendor outreach. ”.
EVENT MANAGER Interview Questions & Answers! (PASS any Event Manager or Event Planner Job Interview)
FAQ
What is the role of a conference planner?
What is the star method when interviewing?
What interview questions do event planners ask?
Employers ask these general event planner interview questions to get to know your personality and interest in an event planner role: Tell me about your professional background. How would your previous employer describe you? What are your interests outside of work? What televised events do you look forward to watching every year?
Why is interviewing important for event planners?
Interviewing is an important step in the hiring process for event planners, as it allows the hiring manager to evaluate a candidate’s interpersonal skills and professionalism. Event planners must be comfortable communicating with potential and new clients and vendors, so strong interpersonal and communication skills are critical.
How do I know if I need an event planner?
Since every event has different elements, situational questions are the best to assess the eligibility of an event planner. Find out if they have experience in managing large or small scale events as well as what type of events (corporate, social etc.).
What do hiring managers look for in an event planner?
Hiring managers want to learn about your experience and the range of events you’ve worked on to gauge your versatility and adaptability in the event planning field. Your answer can demonstrate your ability to handle various event sizes, themes, and complexities, showcasing your skills and creativity as an event planner.
