Last Updated on July 24, 2025 | 10 : 40 pm by Fiestasline
Definitive Guide to Building Your Clientele
As a corporate event planner, your business thrives on securing clients. If you’re just stepping into this industry, finding those first few clients might seem intimidating. However, with the right mix of strategy and creativity, you can begin attracting a steady flow of bookings. Below, you’ll find expert guidance on how to find clients as a corporate event planner and grow your event business over time.
How to Pursue Corporate Event Planning With No Past Experience
Before you start seeking out event planning clients, it helps to understand how to begin your journey even if you’re new to the industry. Fortunately, there’s a comprehensive guide that covers all the basics for aspiring corporate event planners.
In that guide, you’ll explore:
- The core responsibilities of a corporate event planner
- Salary expectations
- Necessary skills and qualifications
- Recommended education and certification
- Six steps to getting trained, certified, and employed in this role
Be sure to review that resource before diving into the 22 practical tips below.
How to Find Clients as a Corporate Event Planner: 22 Smart Strategies
1. Define Your Ideal Client Base
To successfully find clients as a corporate event planner, you need to identify your target audience. Are you catering to large corporations for conferences? Or do you prefer smaller local businesses hosting retreats or internal meetings? Knowing who your ideal client is helps you tailor your marketing approach and speak directly to their needs.
2. Establish a Memorable Brand Identity
First impressions count, especially when attracting new clients. Your brand identity should convey your professionalism, style, and values. From your logo and color palette to your messaging and tone, make sure everything aligns and presents you as the professional event planner you are.
Expert Resource: Not sure where to start? This beginner’s guide to event planning branding can help.
3. Clarify Your Event Planning Services and Unique Value
To stand out from competitors, it’s vital to know exactly what you offer and communicate what makes your services exceptional. Whether it’s virtual event expertise, a flair for creative design, or knowledge of niche industries, define what sets you apart—and promote it effectively.
4. Enroll in Formal Training and Certification
Clients want to work with qualified professionals. By obtaining proper certification, from an accredited Event School’s Event Planning program, you’ll prove your expertise and credibility in this space. Certification also boosts your confidence when pitching to potential clients.
5. Showcase Your Work with an Online Portfolio
Your portfolio is your digital resume. Display high-quality visuals of past events, highlight your range of services, and provide testimonials. This online asset shows potential clients what you’re capable of and sets the tone for what they can expect.
6. Build a Professional Event Planning Website
Your website is often a client’s first point of contact with your brand. Be sure your site is visually appealing, mobile-responsive, easy to navigate, and provides clear calls to action. Include pages for services, testimonials, portfolio, a bio, and contact information. Optimize it for SEO to increase visibility.
7. Maximize the Power of Social Media
Create professional social profiles across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Regularly post updates, share event tips, and highlight your projects. Leverage social media ads to widen your reach and attract new leads.
8. Launch Email Campaigns to Connect With Potential Clients
Email marketing is a low-cost yet effective way to build relationships with leads and clients. Send out updates, exclusive offers, or event planning tips. Use engaging subject lines and relevant content to improve open rates.
Resource Corner: Brush up on your skills with this email marketing guide.
9. Ask for Client Referrals and Testimonials
Word-of-mouth marketing is powerful. Reach out to previous clients and encourage them to recommend your services. You can also offer referral incentives for every confirmed client they send your way.
10. List Your Business on Directories and Event Planning Platforms
Boost your online presence by registering with popular local directories like:
These platforms help you get reviews and make it easier for local clients to find and contact you.
11. Support Local Communities and Events
Getting involved in your community allows you to naturally connect with potential clients. Attend business mixers, sponsor local events, or volunteer your event planning services. Exposure like this boosts your profile and builds trust.
12. Collaborate With Fellow Event Planners
Reach out to planners who focus on other niches—such as weddings or festivals—and offer to assist with corporate events. You can exchange referrals, share resources, and even work together on larger-scale projects.
13. Participate in Styled Events or Photo Shoots
Styled shoots are collaborative photoshoots that showcase everyone’s professional skills. As a planner, you can coordinate the shoot and gain high-quality photos for your portfolio. These shoots are marketing gold and offer great networking opportunities.
Learn More: How stylized shoots help event planners grow
14. Test Out Paid Advertising Options
Paid ads on Google, Facebook, or LinkedIn allow you to reach a highly targeted audience. Begin with a small budget, A/B test your ads, and track performance closely to ensure a positive return on investment.
15. Start a Corporate Event Planning Blog
Content marketing is a proven method for establishing authority. Post articles about industry insights, event trends, planning checklists, and FAQs. This builds trust and improves your SEO rankings, which leads to more organic client inquiries.
16. Simplify and Align the Language in All Your Content
Keep all copy clear, concise, and consistent with your brand voice. Your tone should be confident and professional, while remaining easy to understand for readers of varying backgrounds. Aim for a middle school reading level to improve approachability.
17. Offer Attractive First-Time Client Incentives
Encourage prospects to try your services by offering discounts, free consultations, or bonus services. These introductory deals lower the barrier to entry and can turn one-time clients into lifelong repeat customers.
18. Attend Industry Conferences and Trade Events
Conferences provide opportunities to network, showcase your services, and connect face-to-face with potential clients. You can also gather inspiration, learn new trends, and grow professionally by attending workshops.
Bonus Tip: Learn how to network effectively at conferences.
19. Collaborate With Influencers in the Industry
Partnering with influencers can get your brand in front of large or niche audiences. Choose someone with a relevant following—such as a business coach or event industry expert—and offer a service in exchange for exposure or cross-promotion.
20. Run Digital Marketing Campaigns
Drive traffic to your website by implementing SEO strategies and launching pay-per-click (PPC) ad campaigns. SEO ensures long-term organic growth, while PPC allows you to drive immediate traffic to landing pages or sales offers.
21. Use Your Personal Network to Spread the Word
Don’t underestimate your own connections! Let family, friends, and acquaintances know about your services. Even if they don’t need a planner today, they might know someone who does—and personal recommendations carry more weight than ads.
22. Combine New and Traditional Marketing Methods
Blend old-school tactics like direct mail, radio ads, and community bulletin boards with modern marketing strategies. For audiences who prefer print or live media, these channels still pack a punch—and can complement
