What is an Event Manager?
You should consider an event management role if you are highly organised, can demonstrate great interpersonal skills and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
Event managers are responsible for planning and organising promotional, business and social events for an organisation or agency. They are liable for marketing the event properly to ensure the attendees are the target audience and the smooth running of the event on the day. Events are critical to establishing a brand name.
Events come in various forms, from conferences and seminars to exhibitions and parties – you will need to know how to organise them in whichever form they take. You will need to manage and oversee the entire process right from the planning stage, through to the execution and post-event evaluation. You will usually be a part of a team and will be responsible for delegating responsibilities.
Responsibilities
As an event manager, you’ll need to:
- Understand clients’ event requirements and produce proposals
- Research venues, suppliers, and contractors and negotiate prices
- Coordinate suppliers and manage logistics for the event
- Collaborate with sales and marketing teams to promote the event
- Manage pre-event planning, delegate packs, and guest speakers
- Troubleshoot on the day of the event and manage a team of staff
- Ensure legal, insurance, health, and safety obligations are met
- Oversee the removal of the event and clear the venue efficiently
- Evaluate the event and identify areas for improvement
- Research new clients and opportunities for events.
Salary
For an entry-level events role, you can expect to earn between £18,000 to £22,000.
As you become more experienced, your salary will increase to between £22,000 to £25,000 . Once you progress to a manager role, your salary can be between £30,000 to £40,000. However, you will need to demonstrate extensive experience and an impressive track record.
Your salary will vary depending on the size of the company, location and sector. You will be eligible for additional benefits such as performance-related pay, commission and bonuses. According to Glassdoor the average salary for an events manager in the UK is £34,073.
Working hours
Events managers should expect to work normal office/working hours prior to an event. However, you may be required to work evenings and sometimes weekends closer to or during the event. You may also be required to travel.
What to expect
Travelling to visit clients, partners, sponsors, venues and suppliers is required.
Work may take place outside of the office, especially for outdoor events.
Jobs are available throughout the UK, often places with large conference and event venues.
Self-employment and freelance work are possible after gaining experience and establishing a network of contacts.
Depending on the event, there may be a need to travel domestically or internationally.
Qualifications
You do not need a degree to enter the events industry however, having a degree may help you stand out against other candidates. Employers will mostly be concerned with if you are able to demonstrate the relevant experience, capabilities and personal qualities to succeed in events management.
You will usually learn on the job and will naturally work your way up the ladder. However, if you would like additional experience and qualifications, you may be interested in sitting for the Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning.
Skills
must have skills:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Negotiation skills to get the best deals from suppliers and contractors
- Time-management skills and ability to work well under pressure
- Project management experience
- Problem-solving skills and diplomacy
- Marketing skills to promote the event
- Budget management skills
- Flexibility, proactive approach, and target-driven mindset
- Administrative and IT skills
- Self-motivation and enthusiasm
Work experience
The events industry is highly competitive therefore, having relevant experience from either paid or voluntary work where you are able to demonstrate your skills will enhance your application.
You may even want to consider taking a placement year between your second and third year of university to gain this experience and make industry contacts. There may also be opportunities at university to help with the organising of events for student societies, charities or local organisations. Experience in verticals such as hospitality, marketing or sales will also show you have transferrable skills.
Employers
There are a variety of sectors and industries in which event managers can find employment. These include public, private and not-for-profit sectors, and they can work for event management companies, in-house organisations or as freelancers. Some typical employers for event managers are:
- Charities
- Conference and exhibition centres
- Events venues
- Hotels
- Large commercial organisations
- Local authorities
- Music, literary and theatre festivals
- Public attractions
- Public relations (PR) agencies
- Specialist event management consultancies
- Universities.
The sector and employer will influence the type of events you work on, as well as the size, complexity and budget. The location and size of the event will also be a factor in determining the kind of skills and experience required.
Career prospects
As mentioned previously, the events industry is very competitive and the opportunity for promotion will depend on a variety of factors such as:
- The size and sector of the company you are employed by
- Your ability to develop the skills and qualities needed to succeed
- The network of industry contacts that you have built
- Your performance as far
Related Courses
You’ll learn about managing projects, budgets and risk management and other operational skills needed to stage events and will develop your understanding of the important role that events have in communities at a local national and international level. You will learn ways that events can be managed to achieve sustainability goals and have a positive impact on society.
Other related courses include:
- BA (Hons) Marketing Management
- BA (Hons) Leisure and Tourism
- BA (Hons) Hotel Management
FAQ Summary
You should consider an event management role if you are highly organised, can demonstrate great interpersonal skills and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
For an entry-level events role, you can expect to earn between £18,000 to £22,000.
You do not need a degree to enter the events industry however, having a degree may help you stand out against other candidates. Employers will mostly be concerned with if you are able to demonstrate the relevant experience, capabilities and personal qualities to succeed in events management.
