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- Plan, organise and deliver all kinds of events like exhibitions, concerts, and celebration events
- You'll need to be really organised, calm under pressure and great at managing people and resources
- Opportunities to travel and work on major events, and to run your own business
As an Events manager you'll oversee the whole project, from planning at the start to running the event on the day.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- Discuss what the client wants
- Come up with original ideas for events
- Agree budgets and timescales with the client
- Research venues, contacts and suppliers
- Negotiate prices with suppliers and contractors
- Book venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
- Hire and supervise contractors such as caterers and security
- Publicise the event
- Make sure that everything runs smoothly on the day
- Ensure that health, safety and insurance regulations are followed
- Manage a team
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll generally work standard office hours, although you may work long and unsocial hours in the run up to events.
If you manage outdoor events, you'll have to work in all weather conditions. You may also go to events in the evenings and at the weekend. Depending on where you run the events, you may need to spend time travelling and staying overnight.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent organisational skills, the ability to carry out a number of tasks at the same time, good communication and people skills, a creative approach to problem-solving, a high level of attention to detail, the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, good negotiation, sales and marketing skills, and budget awareness.
Events managers often have a variety of backgrounds.
There is no set entry route to become an events manager but it may be useful to do a relevant course like a Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning and Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Event Management. Some courses in travel and tourism may include an events planning option.
You can also take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in events management, marketing or communications or you could do an events assistant advanced apprenticeship.
Paid or unpaid work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience and build contacts in the industry. You could also gain experience of organising events and activities in your social life.
You could start as an admin assistant in a marketing or public relations department and work your way up through training and promotion.
Alternatively you can apply directly if you have 2 to 3 years' experience of working in public relations, marketing or hospitality.
It may help to join the Association of Event Organisers and Eventia for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience and a good track record, you could run events that have larger budgets and eventually progress to management. You could work freelance or set up your own events management business.