09/23/2026
Today’s blog
What services do you offer in the event space? Catering, Decorating, Designing, Entertaining, Performing or other services? Do you use contracts or invoices? Do you have templates? What's been working for you? I'd love to address this with greater insight to participants during The Anatomy of An Event virtual workshop on October 17th or at the live conference on November 9th. See below for sign up information and reach out at DaRonda.com for details.
Starting an event-planning business begins with more than a love for beautiful décor and memorable celebrations—it begins with vision, purpose, and preparation.
Strategy One: YOUR NICHE! Define the type of events and clients the business will serve. Whether the focus is weddings, conferences, nonprofit events, faith-based gatherings, or signature experiences, CLARITY creates confidence. When the vision is clear, it becomes easier to develop services, communicate value, and attract IDEAL clients.
Strategy Two: Establish a professional business foundation. Select a business name, register the business, open a business bank account, create CONTRACTS (service) agreements, and determine pricing. This may not feel like the exciting part, but strong systems protect both the planner and the client. Remember, successful events do not happen by accident, and neither do successful businesses. Preparation creates confidence, credibility, and room for future growth.
Strategy Three: Build a portfolio and become visible. New planners do not have to wait for a long list of paying clients before showing what they can do. Create a styled event, assist with a community program, volunteer for a nonprofit gathering, or document an event planned for family and friends. Capture quality photographs, collect testimonials, and share the planning process. People cannot hire a business they do not know exists, so consistently show the creativity, professionalism, and problem-solving skills behind every experience.
Strategy Four: Develop relationships while continuing to learn. Connect with venues, caterers, photographers, decorators, speakers, entertainers, and other event professionals. Strong partnerships provide resources, referrals, and support when managing the many moving parts of an event. At the same time, continue strengthening skills in budgeting, timelines, contracts, marketing, and client communication. Start with what is available, remain teachable, and keep moving forward. The goal is not simply to plan events — it is to create meaningful and memorable experiences, serve clients with excellence, and build a business that turns great ideas into unforgettable moments.
If you're interested in starting and serious about growing your event planning business, "The Anatomy of An Event" is the perfect workshop covering several business strategies for behind-the-scenes tips, tools and techniques of event planning. REGISTER now before all the spots are gone. Visit DaRonda.com and click the prompt to receive a registration form, for the October 17th virtual and in person training taking place online, the link will be sent once you register. It's also going to be an in person option at The Opulent Lady Business Association suite in Edgewood, Maryland.
DaRonda McDuffie, CEO of Quad Creations events, has planned Signature Events in the nonprofit and faith-based settings and more, working behind the scenes in all phases and stages, for 20 plus years. Providing insight on the bts aspects of events for up and coming Planning professionals for the past 9 years, as well as creating information products for their resources, hosting Signature Events or Co-Hosting with clients for stellar outcomes remains her motivation for equipping new event professionals who are serious about their future in the event industry. Her first year in business, she made the Baltimore Business Journal's Book of Lists for the Top 14 Signature Event businesses.
Speaker/Writer/Coach. A Logistics Liaison working behind-the-scenes to move your vision forward by creating Signature Events for new Event Planners, Entrepreneurs, Coaches, Authors, Speakers and Celebrities to add one-of-a-kind events to your business model. S.O.A.R. in your industry.
