Events Manager
What is the work like?
As an events manager, you would be responsible for organising and running all kinds of promotional, corporate and social events. You would control the whole project, from initial planning, making sure that all elements come together on schedule, to running the event on the day.
Your job would typically include:
- discussing what the client wants
- coming up with original ideas for events
- agreeing budgets and timescales with the client
- researching venues, contacts and suppliers
- negotiating prices with suppliers and contractors
- booking venues, entertainment and any necessary equipment and supplies
- hiring and supervising contractors such as caterers and security
- marketing and publicising the event
- making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day
- ensuring that health and safety and insurance regulations are followed.
You might specialise in organising a particular type of event, such as parties and weddings, exhibitions and conferences, advertising product launches, or fundraising events.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could come to events management from a range of backgrounds. You often do not need particular qualifications, because employers will look for relevant experience or strong transferable skills.
However, you may have an advantage with a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in events management, as courses often include work experience placements. See the Association of Exhibition Organisers' website for a list of events management courses. Other useful subjects include hospitality management, marketing, public relations or business studies.
Whatever qualifications you have, you should ideally have practical experience in organising events. This could be from a related industry like hotel conference and banqueting, travel or public relations. Alternatively, you may have organised events as part of your role in another job such as personal assistant, marketing executive or human resources officer.
You could also start as an administrator or assistant in an event management company or an organisation's marketing department, possibly through temporary work ('temping'). You could then progress to organising your own events as your experience grew.
You could gain useful experience by organising events and activities in your personal or social life. Paid or unpaid work as a steward at large events or exhibitions can also be a good way of building contacts in the industry.
You may be able to get into the industry through an Apprenticeship in events or hospitality. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. To find out more about Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
What further training and development can I do?
You would do most of your training on the job. Some employers may give you the opportunity to attend short in-house or external training courses if necessary.
Once you are working in the events industry, you may also be able to gain the following work-based qualifications:
- NVQ levels 2, 3 and 4 in Events
- NVQ Level 3 in Events (Temporary Structures).
You could also choose to study for a part-time HNC in Event Management, or qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).
Joining a professional organisation such as the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO) or the Association for Conferences and Events (ACE) may help your career by providing training and networking opportunities. See their websites for more details.
Where can I go for more information?
Moor HallCookham
Maidenhead
Berkshire
SL6 9QH
Tel: 01628 427500
148-149 Great Charles Street
Birmingham
B3 3HT
Tel: 0121 212 1400
High Street
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE18 6SG
Tel: 01480 457595
Berkhamstead
Hertfordshire
HP4 2DJ
Tel: 01442 285810
Armstrong House
38 Market Square
Uxbridge
Middlesex
UB8 1LH
Tel: 0870 060 2550
http://www.uksp.co.uk/ (careers information)
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries can be around £16,000 to £21,000 a year.
- With experience, earnings can reach £25,000 to £40,000.
- Management salaries in some high-profile companies can reach £50,000 to £80,000 a year.
Salaries may include bonuses and commission, particularly if the job involves sales and marketing responsibilities.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would generally work standard office hours, Monday to Friday, although you might work shifts in the hotel industry. Your hours would often become long and unsocial as events approach. You may also attend events in the evenings and at the weekend, particularly in wedding and party planning.
You would be office-based and spend a lot of your time on the phone. You would also spend time visiting clients, suppliers and venues.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent organisational skills and 'multi-tasking' ability
- good communication and 'people skills'
- customer focus
- 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
- budget awareness
- administrative and IT skills
- the ability to work as part of a team and also on your own initiative
- enthusiasm, motivation and a positive attitude.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for event management companies, hotels and leisure facilities, conference and exhibition venues or charities. You could also organise events in-house for large companies, universities or local authorities.
Jobs may be advertised in the local, national and events industry press, and specialist recruitment agencies.
With experience and a good track record, you could run events with larger budgets and eventually progress to management within a company. Alternatively, you could choose to work freelance or set up your own events management business.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
Event Magazine
AEO Recruitment Centre
TSNN
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