Do you have a flair for throwing a great party or organizing the company celebrations? If so and…you're organized with an eye for details you could earn a great living managing special events.

Your event planning services will be useful to companies who cannot spare the man power to put together celebrations and special gatherings. There are also the unique events such as a product launch, community relations and marketing and promotion events.

If you have the passion but not much experience many universities offer certificate-training courses in becoming a certified event specialist. The courses usually last six to twelve weeks and may even provide continuing education credits. For more information visit the website of your local university. If you don’t see the course listed, it’s a good idea to give them a call. Sometimes the course will be added if there’s enough interest. Training and resources are also available through the International Special Events Society.

In the meantime check out Special Events: Best Practices in Modern Event Management by Dr. Joe Jeff Goldblatt, CSEP. It is an extensive resource book and a must read for anyone in or considering going into the special event business.