Corporate event planner
Plan team days, conferences and client events for local businesses and organizations.
- C$800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
Organizing business events such as staff parties, workshops, product launches, fundraisers and small conferences. You handle venue, catering, schedule, suppliers and on-site running.
Your first three steps
- List 20 local businesses and organizations that hold regular events and contact the people who organize them
- Put together a simple proposal template and a sample budget for a typical 50-person event
- Build relationships with a few venues, caterers and AV suppliers you can trust and get their trade rates
Who pays
Small and mid-sized businesses, offices, associations, charities and sometimes local government bodies.
How it makes money
Project fees or monthly retainers for planning, sometimes with a management fee added on top of supplier costs.
Skills that help
- Project management and attention to detail
- Budgeting and supplier negotiation
- Professional communication with business clients
Watch out for
- Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether clients or venues ask for specific cover limits
- Payment terms: ask for deposits and avoid paying large supplier bills out of your own pocket
- Alcohol at events usually needs a special occasion permit from your provincial liquor regulator, check who is responsible
- Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold (check with the CRA)
- Corporate budgets can change quickly, so write cancellation terms into your contracts
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a corporate event planning business?
Startup costs are typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on your website, software, insurance and marketing. These are estimates, so start lean and let client deposits cover supplier costs rather than your own money.
How much can a corporate event planner earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $6,000, depending on how many events you run and your fees. Corporate budgets can change quickly, so write cancellation terms into your contracts.
What permits and insurance should I check for corporate events?
Check commercial general liability insurance and whether clients or venues ask for specific cover limits. Alcohol at events usually needs a special occasion permit from your provincial liquor regulator, so check who is responsible. Also check when to register for GST/HST.
Other ways to run this business
Similar events ideas
Event and wedding video editor
Edit highlight reels and full-length films for wedding and event videographers and for couples who filmed their own day.
- C$800-4k
- Side hustle
- From home
Corporate event magician
Entertain guests with close-up and stage magic at company events, weddings and private functions.
- C$800-4k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Weekly pop-up comedy night
Run a regular stand-up night in a local bar or hall, booking comics and selling tickets.
- C$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile karaoke host for parties
Bring a karaoke setup and a friendly host to birthdays, family gatherings and house parties.
- C$1.2k-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Singles events and speed dating nights
Run themed mixers, speed dating and activity nights where local singles meet in person.
- C$500-4k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Event airbrush tattoos and T-shirts
Set up at fairs, markets and parties to airbrush temporary tattoos, T-shirts and keepsakes on the spot.
- C$800-3.5k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Photo: u_8fkpeigjkp on Pixabay