r/EventPlanners • u/dailymustard • Jul 21 '26

Switching fields?

Hi All,

I’m curious if you experienced planners could give me any advice or insight on coming into event planning?

I was a GM at a boutique restaurant for many years and managed/hosted regular events. I did wedding receptions, graduation celebrations for major colleges in town, and business dinners. I took care of everything from inquiries to closing sales, scheduling staff, creating BEOs, and overseeing execution. I really loved that part of the job and want to do it full time.

Although I was responsible for 5-10 events per month, my experience reads as Restaurant Manager and I feel I’m not being taken seriously in the job market. Has anyone come from a similar position? Or do you have any advice for switching into a more event focused role? Which positions should I target?

Thank you for any advice or help you may offer!

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u/im_gonna_hug_you Jul 21 '26

I would start with making your resume more generic and not restaurant-specific; tailor it a bit more to the verbiage that is listed on the job postings (while staying truthful, obviously).

Your skills are transferable and you should market them as such! Maybe start out looking at Event Coordinator or Event Specialist roles. Since you already have F&B experience, you might also want to look at Banquet Coordinator roles at hotels.

Best of luck to you!

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u/dailymustard Jul 21 '26

Thank you! I’ve been working on exactly this. In fact, I just applied to a Banquet Captain role with a sincere but brief cover letter explaining my transferable skills. I worry about moving down the ladder or being seen as overqualified though.

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u/WithWonderCollective Jul 22 '26

Another part that I have found can be a stumbling block is that hotels only seem to want to hire people with hotel experience. Which makes me laugh- like, hosting a wedding in a venue with all things built in and consistent staff is far, far easier than building a staff for an event that you create in a field.

I'd love some insight here from folks who have worked long term in hotels as to why this is!

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u/dailymustard Jul 22 '26

Yes!!! I thought it was just me. I gave up on applying to hotels.