If you're starting your career or looking for a change of career, you might be curious to know more about event management. If you’ve ever attended an event like a conference, awards show or wedding, you may have seen event managers running around and dealing with issues as they arise.
It can be a fast-paced and glamorous job, but it isn’t always this way. There is a lot of work that goes into planning an event that isn’t fun or glamorous. You might be up against tight deadlines and dealing with lots of different suppliers. You might also have to deal with difficult clients.
While seeing the event come together can be hugely rewarding, event managers rarely get to enjoy their events. Instead, they will be working long hours to make sure that everything goes to plan. Event management is hard work, but it could be ideal for you if you enjoy a fast-paced work environment.
What is event management?
Effective event management is key to the success of any special occasion, whether it's a small private gathering or a large public event. Event management is the process of planning, organising, and coordinating all aspects of an event to ensure it runs smoothly and meets the client's expectations.
There are many different components that go into successful event management, including venue selection, logistics coordination, supplier management, budgeting, and more. By taking care of all the details, event managers can help to make any event a success.
Many event managers start as assistants and work their way up to coordinators, associates, managers and then directors. You can also choose the type of events you want to work on, including corporate or charity events.
What skills do you need in event management?
A successful career in event management requires a combination of organisational skills, creative vision, and attention to detail.
Event managers need to be able to think on their feet and solve problems quickly.
They must also be able to effectively communicate with a wide range of people, from venue staff to clients.
In addition, event managers must be able to work well under pressure and juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Events planners need good commercial awareness to be able to respond to wider industry demands and challenges.
You will need to demonstrate highly effective organisational skills.
You’ll need to be able to delegate effectively and manage a large team of staff and volunteers. Keeping volunteers motivated can be incredibly challenging on its own.
Event planners are highly creative problem solvers.
Employers might want to see your portfolio so it’s a good idea to document the events you work on for future reference. This information will also help to jog your memory when you are applying for jobs.
While some event managers may have a natural aptitude for the work, others may require formal training. However, regardless of educational background, all successful event managers share a passion for the industry and a commitment to making every event a success.
What training do you need to become an events manager?
Some people learn on the job while others will undergo training at university or college. Event management courses will give you a well-rounded education that includes everything you need to hit the ground running.
If you have worked in similar fields, you may be able to move into event management using the skills and experience you have gained elsewhere. It’s also possible to work your way up to the role of event manager by working as an intern or an assistant.
As you begin to build on your experience in event management, you might discover that your portfolio becomes a lot more important to employers than your qualifications. Consider setting up a website to showcase your work. This could even allow employers to find you rather than the other way around.
What does the day-to-day role look like?
Planning and executing a successful event requires careful coordination and attention to detail. The first step is to decide on the type of event, which will determine the venue, budget, and other logistics.
You will have to deal with a lot of stakeholders, including the client, sponsors and suppliers. This can mean a lot of time spent responding to emails and phone calls. You can also expect to have to travel between sites to view venues or meet with suppliers.
On the day of the event, it is important to make sure that everything runs smoothly. You will need to be on hands throughout the event, so evening and weekend work is often required.
After the event has finished, it is important to evaluate its success and learn from any mistakes that were made. You might also be involved in feeding back information to the client about attendance and attendee feedback.
What are the challenges and rewards of event management?
Working in event management can be both challenging and rewarding. On the one hand, it can be extremely stressful, as you are responsible for ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
There is often a lot of pressure to make sure that the event is successful, and you may have to work long hours to make this happen. However, on the other hand, it can also be very exciting and gratifying.
You get to see the fruits of your labour when the event comes together perfectly, and you receive positive feedback from those who attend. Working in event management can certainly be challenging, but it can also be a very rewarding experience.
How can you land a role in this competitive field?
The job market is competitive, but there are still plenty of great opportunities out there. If you're looking to land a job in a competitive field, here are a few insider tips to help you stand out from the crowd.
First, make sure your resume is tailored to the specific position you're applying for. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume a mile away, so take the time to customize your experience and skills to match the job requirements. They don’t want to know why you want to work for any events management company, they want to know why you want to work for their events management company.
Next, don't be afraid to network. Get connected with people in your industry and let them know you're looking for a job. Attend industry events and meet-ups, and be sure to stay active on social media. You want to make sure that your name is at the front of their minds when a new role crops up.
Finally, remember that persistence pays off. If you don't hear back from a company after an interview, follow up with a thank-you note or email. And if you don't get the job you want, don't give up. Keep applying and refining your strategy until you find the perfect fit.
How do you get started in event management?
When it comes to following your dreams, there is no time like the present. If you have a passion for events, then now is the time to start planning and pursuing your dream career.
The first step is to do some research and identify the type of event that most interests you. There are all sorts of events, from small intimate gatherings to large-scale expositions.
Once you have a better idea of the type of events you would like to work on, you can start to look for opportunities. There are many ways to get involved in the events industry, from interning with a professional planner to working as a volunteer at a local festival.
Pursuing your passion for events can be an immensely rewarding experience. Not only will you get to work on something you love, but you will also have the chance to meet new people and learn new skills.
Closing thoughts
A career in event management is perfect for people who are passionate about planning and executing memorable experiences. It requires a unique skill set that includes everything from creative problem-solving to communicating effectively with diverse teams.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in event management, be sure to check out our tips for landing a job in this competitive field. Pursuing your passion can be its own reward.