Event Planning

Hello,

I am a recent college graduate ( mass comm - public relations). I live in the Maryland, DC area and I was wondering how to get into the event planning or children`s party planning industry. I have no experience but have always dreamed about having a job in event planning. How would I go about gaining experience to help obtain a job in this field? At one time I was a party coordinator/instructor at a local gymanstics facility. This is about as much experience as I have. Does anyone have any ideas? I would love some input. Thanks!