Freelance corporate event planner

Small and medium businesses, office managers, marketing teams, associations and not-for-profits.

A project fee, an hourly or day rate, or a monthly retainer for regular events. Repeat clients bring steadier income than one-off jobs.

• Budgeting and project management
• Confident negotiating with venues and suppliers
• Clear written communication and reporting

• Public liability insurance, and check whether professional indemnity cover makes sense for your work
• Get an ABN, and check GST registration once turnover reaches the threshold
• Late payment from clients, so use deposits and clear payment terms
• Check event permit and venue rules with your local council for public or outdoor events
• Check requirements if you serve alcohol or run events with children

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $2,500, depending on your insurance, software and how you market your services. Treat this as a guide and check actual prices for what you need.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many events you run, their size and the services you provide. This is revenue before costs, so plan for expenses too.

Check public liability insurance and whether professional indemnity cover makes sense for you. Also check ABN and GST registration, council event permit and venue rules for public or outdoor events, and requirements if you serve alcohol or run events with children.