15 Event/Travel/Party Planning Business Ideas You Can Start Today [2024]
Looking to dive into the event, travel, or party planning industry?
Starting a business in this vibrant sector can be both exciting and lucrative.
But, what are the best business ideas for event and party planners?
We've gathered some of the top event, travel, and party planning business ideas you can start today.
For each idea, we'll include real examples to help you understand what’s involved and how to succeed.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a virtual events business ($257K/month)
Starting a virtual events business could be a lucrative extension to your current role as an Event/Travel/Party Planner, especially given the rising trend of online engagements. The shift towards virtual interactions, spurred by the 2020 global pandemic, is here to stay, with corporates and the entertainment sector increasingly prioritizing virtual events. This shift opens up new revenue streams with minimal overhead costs, as you can manage many aspects remotely.
In this business, you could leverage your organizational skills, creativity, and expertise in crafting memorable experiences to create unique and engaging virtual events. Virtual events can range from corporate meetings and conferences to social gatherings and entertainment shows, offering a versatile portfolio. Broadcasting and audience psychology skills, along with a willingness to adapt to new technologies, could set you apart and make your events stand out.
By tapping into current trends and utilizing online platforms effectively, you could diversify your services and attract a broader clientele. This not only boosts your income but also keeps you ahead in an industry that is increasingly blending physical and virtual experiences.
How much you can make: $20,000 — $897,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Entire Productions is a fast-growing event and entertainment production company with an emphasis on experience design, primarily working with corporate clients including many Fortune 500 companies in the tech and pharma industries, boasting a growth of 148% and a goal of reaching $20M annual mark.
2. Start a party planning business ($164K/month)
If you are an Event/Travel/Party Planner, leveraging your organizational, creative, and client-focused skills to start a party planning business could be a lucrative side venture or a full-time career shift. You could utilize your expertise in budgeting, establishing timelines, and coordinating venues, catering, and transportation to bring clients' party visions to life. Your existing skills in multitasking, salesmanship, and diplomacy would be invaluable in ensuring smooth events and satisfied clients.
By embracing entrepreneurial opportunities in party planning, you could offer specialized services that cater to different themes and client needs, expanding your market reach. This business could allow you to engage more deeply with clients, creating tailored experiences that make memorable events. Whether it's stepping in for a one-off celebration or managing multiple parties simultaneously, a party planning business is a natural extension of your professional capabilities.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 6 hours/week
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
3. Start an event management company ($131K/month)
Starting an event management company could be a natural extension of your existing skills and interests as an Event/Travel/Party Planner. With a growing industry and an estimated 10% growth rate in the coming years, there’s a substantial market for your services. Leveraging your basic understanding of events and your great communication skills, you could navigate conversations with C-suite executives, event attendees, donors, brand sponsors, and vendors with ease.
Event management offers a variety of avenues for specialization, whether you’re passionate about social and entertainment events or prefer the structure of corporate settings. This diversity allows you to carve out a niche that aligns best with your interests and strengths. Alongside your current profession or as a full business venture, starting an event management company presents an exciting and profitable business opportunity.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 160 days (?)
A successful ticketing platform that grew from a side project into a business that issues over 5 million tickets annually, using a combination of cold calling, word of mouth, and partnerships to attract and retain customers while navigating the challenges of COVID-19.
4. Rent party & events venue ($184K/month)
If you are an Event/Travel/Party Planner, starting a rent party and events venue could be a lucrative side hustle or full-time business opportunity. With the events industry growing rapidly, there’s an increasing demand for spaces where businesses can host meetings, conferences, product launches, and other marketing events, as well as where individuals can celebrate birthdays, weddings, and other milestones.
Leveraging your existing expertise in event planning, you could transform an unused space into a sought-after venue. By choosing a niche—whether for corporate events or social gatherings—you can carve out a specialized market. Marketing your space to the right audience can amplify your current planning business, creating synergies and opening doors for additional revenue streams.
How much you can make: $3,500 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Akshay Patel's event rental and decor business, Simply Decor, Tents, and Events, saw an average ticket price of $2,000, as their advertising budget decreased from $20k to $5k, leading to 40% of their clients coming through social media advertising, 30% from expos, and 30% online in google, yahoo, and other platforms.
5. Start a travel agency ($178K/month)
Starting a travel agency could be a natural extension of your skills as an Event/Travel/Party Planner. By leveraging your existing network and expertise in logistics, you could tailor travel packages that fit seamlessly with your clients' needs for destination weddings, corporate retreats, or family reunions. This would not only expand your current offerings but also provide an additional income stream.
You could easily transition into this role by starting an online travel agency, which is more straightforward than you might think. With some market research, necessary certifications like an IATA number, and a well-designed website, you could soon be linking travelers to a variety of services such as accommodation, transportation, and local tours.
Moreover, negotiating discounts with industry service providers and offering competitive rates to travelers could maximize your earnings. This venture could allow you to capitalize on your event planning skills while adding a valuable service to your business repertoire.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Marissa Daniels runs a successful travel agency, Spread Your Wings Travel, that hit $100,000 in sales within a year of launch and provides payment plan options for its all-inclusive vacations, and she hopes to help 100 families supplement their income through the business.
6. Start a travel guide website ($14.2K/month)
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner, starting a travel guide website could be a natural extension of your expertise, allowing you to share your wealth of knowledge on destinations, transportation options, and tips for seamless travel experiences. By creating detailed content about various travel options and destinations, you could attract a dedicated audience who trusts your insights and recommendations, ultimately helping them plan their perfect trips.
Your travel guide website could serve as a valuable resource for travelers looking for insider tips, itineraries, and recommendations. Whether you focus on a specific niche like train travel or a popular destination like Kenya, leveraging your planning skills could set your website apart from more generic sites.
Additionally, an SEO strategy and effective online marketing could ensure that travelers find your site easily, while building links with other relevant websites could boost your site's visibility. This endeavor could not only supplement your income but also establish you as an authority in both event planning and travel guidance.
How much you can make: $50 — $30,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
TravelMamas.com founder Colleen Lanin shares how she turned a family travel blog into a business that generates $15K in monthly revenue through ad network sales, affiliate sales, sponsored posts, book sales, public speaking appearances, and media campaigns.
7. Start a travel blog ($124K/month)
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner, starting a travel blog about tropical island destinations could be a lucrative way to supplement your income. You could share your expert insights on the best venues, unique experiences, and perfect itineraries, attracting an audience eager for detailed, insider knowledge. By showcasing your planning skills, you could position yourself as a go-to resource for travelers looking to organize unforgettable parties or events in exotic locations.
Additionally, monetizing your blog through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, or offering personalized planning services could provide a steady income stream. This not only diversifies your revenue but also builds your brand and credibility in the travel and event planning industry.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)
How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)
Learn how Jessica started a niche travel blog and quit her 9-5 job, earning a living wage through Instagram advertising, sponsorships, and affiliate income, while traveling 3-4 times a month and increasing her website traffic from 400 to 25k page views in a year with Pinterest and Instagram growth tactics.
8. Start a travel company ($276K/month)
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner, starting a travel company could be a natural extension of your current skills and network. You could leverage your expertise in organizing and coordinating to plan seamless travel experiences for individuals and groups. Whether you focus on corporate retreats, destination weddings, or luxury getaways, your attention to detail and knack for creating memorable experiences would be a significant asset.
By choosing a niche that aligns with your strengths and passions, such as adventure travel or cultural tours, you could create tailored packages that cater to specific interests. This approach not only supplements your income but also diversifies your service offerings, making you a one-stop solution for clients looking for both event planning and travel arrangements.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)
Under30Experiences is a travel company for people aged 21-35 that runs small group trips around the world, with over 800 five-star reviews on Facebook, Google, and Yelp combined, and nearly hitting $5M in revenue before the COVID-19 pandemic.
9. Start a therapy business ($74.8K/month)
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner, you could leverage your strong interpersonal skills and keen understanding of client needs by branching into a therapy business. Planning events often requires exceptional emotional intelligence and empathy, traits that are highly valuable in a therapy practice. By becoming a licensed therapist, you could offer your existing clients additional support through stress management and emotional well-being services, particularly during high-stress events and travel experiences.
Additionally, having experience in handling complex logistics and various personalities will serve you well when developing customized therapeutic plans. This could not only supplement your income but also offer a fulfilling way to help others in more profound ways. Start by determining the type of therapy you wish to offer and obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Professional cuddler, Sam Varnerin, developed her successful one-to-one cuddle service, Snuggle with Sam, as a result of recognising the universal human need for connection and touch, which also led to her opening Sam’s Snuggle School, a course for aspiring professional cuddlers.
10. Start a meal prep business ($185K/month)
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner, diversifying your services to include a meal prep business could be a lucrative addition to your portfolio. Leveraging your existing expertise in time management, organization, and client relations, you could offer clients a seamless, all-encompassing experience. By providing prepared meals tailored to dietary preferences and event themes, you could save them time and effort, adding significant value to your services.
With the global rise in demand for convenient meal solutions, highlighted by recent surveys, there is a clear market opportunity to tap into. By ensuring efficient meal preparation, punctual delivery, and excellent communication, you could establish a reputable side business that complements your primary career. This endeavor not only supplements your income but also enhances your brand's versatility and appeal in the competitive event planning industry.
How much you can make: $50,000 — $600,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 6 days (?)
Healthy Chew is a profitable weekly meal preparation service that grew from 200 to 10,000 weekly bowls in just over 3 years, with an overall sales figure of $1.8 million, achieved through effective branding and personalised customer service.
11. Start an art business ($61.4K/month)
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner, starting an art business could be a fantastic way to diversify your income stream while tapping into your creative side. Your experience in planning and executing events gives you a unique edge in understanding current trends, audience preferences, and the intricacies of marketing, which could seamlessly translate into promoting and selling your artistic creations.
You could supplement your art business by offering bespoke event decor services, custom artwork for decorations, or even personalized souvenirs, all of which can be highly appealing to your existing clientele. Additionally, selling your artwork on platforms like Etsy, at craft fairs, or through galleries could provide you with multiple revenue streams, affording you the flexibility to grow your passion project at your own pace.
How much you can make: $876 — $415,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Innerglow Art is a successful custom abstract painting business that incorporates scripture and personable connection with buyers to produce beautiful and unique artwork.
12. Start a photography business ($21.1K/month)
As an Event, Travel, or Party Planner, integrating a photography business could allow you to diversify your income and add value to your services. With your existing network and understanding of creating memorable experiences, you could offer professional photography as an additional service during events, weddings, or travel engagements. Clients often seek high-quality, unique imagery to capture their special moments, and you could meet this demand directly.
By having a good camera and basic editing skills, you could seamlessly blend photography into your planning services, offering clients a one-stop-shop for both event management and capturing those memories. This could not only increase client satisfaction but also open new revenue streams. Marketing your photography services online or locally alongside your planning business could help solidify your brand and attract a broader clientele looking for comprehensive event solutions.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $100,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $6,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Product photographer Sepideh Maleki shares how she grew her business from scratch, generating an average of $10k per month through a focus on customer acquisition with a clear traffic and revenue plan, organic search optimization, and impeccable customer service.
13. Start a dry flower business
Starting a dried flower business can be a natural and lucrative extension of your career as an Event/Travel/Party Planner. You could leverage your existing skills in sourcing, arranging, and designing to create beautiful, long-lasting floral decorations that add a unique touch to events and parties. Imagine offering clients bespoke, sustainable floral arrangements that bring enduring beauty and reduce waste—elements that are increasingly in demand.
Furthermore, this side business could supplement your income by providing ecological and elegant decor options for weddings, corporate events, and themed parties. The timeless appeal of dried flowers means lower spoilage risk and longer shelf life, making it a low-risk venture. This business allows you to utilize your creative eye and attention to detail, potentially transforming a side project into a full-fledged and fulfilling enterprise.
How much you can make: $9,600/month
How much does it cost to start: $250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Milla Rose, a boutique online flower arrangement business based in Melbourne, Australia, started as a side project in a bedroom and has grown into a nearly $10k a month business, with monthly revenue doubling since last year, selling almost 3000 arrangements to all corners of Australia.
14. Start a green financial planning business
As an Event/Travel/Party Planner looking to diversify your income, starting a green financial planning business could be an excellent fit. Your organizational skills and ability to manage complex logistics translate well to financial planning, where attention to detail and project management are key. By helping clients align their financial goals with their values around environmental and social responsibility, you'd tap into a growing market of eco-conscious consumers.
Additionally, your existing network of clients and contacts in the event planning world could serve as an initial client base, allowing you to leverage these relationships for referrals. With a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation and a focus on sustainable investment options, you could carve out a niche that aligns well with your current skill set and interests. This new venture doesn't just supplement your income—it enhances your professional standing by showcasing your adaptability and commitment to sustainable practices.
How much you can make: $10,000/month
Third Eye Advisors is a boutique Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) providing customized financial planning and investment solutions to millennial business owners, founded by Arthur Robertson with start-up costs of approximately $10,000 to $15,000, recouping those costs within three months of serving clients, while the team is currently expanding and looking for Financial Advisors to come on board in Q4 2020.
15. Start a bag brand ($104K/month)
Starting a bag brand could be an excellent way to supplement your income as an Event/Travel/Party Planner. Considering that bags are a staple accessory, you'll find a steady market that's expected to surge in demand in the coming years, making this a timely investment. Additionally, offering stylish and functional bags aligns perfectly with the travel and event planning sector, where appropriate baggage is an essential part of the experience.
Your brand could include a variety of styles and sizes to cater to different needs— from travel bags for destination events to elegant clutches for parties. This diversification not only ensures there's something for everyone but also allows you to cross-sell these bags to your existing client base. By having a clear vision and consistent branding, you could create a memorable and easily recognizable brand that resonates with your audience.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 29 days (?)
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
