Conference and Exhibition Organiser
What is the work like?
Conference and exhibition organisers plan and run events such as trade shows, exhibitions and conferences. These can range from major events such as the Ideal Home Exhibition or party political conferences, to smaller local events.
As a conference/exhibition organiser you would deal with three main areas of work – marketing, operations and sales. In some jobs you may specialise in one of these, or you might deal with all three aspects.
In marketing, your work might include:
- researching the level of interest in an event
- publicising events
- finding suitable venues and dates
- overseeing the design and printing of tickets, posters and promotional items.
Operations work involves making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day. Working in operations can include:
- planning timetables
- booking venues
- supervising and paying contractors and suppliers such as exhibition designers and caterers
- working closely with venue staff during events
- handling enquiries from exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and visitors
- supervising health and safety issues and ensuring venues are cleared safely.
Your work in sales would involve selling stand space to exhibitors by telephone or face-to-face, and arranging sponsorship for events.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You could come to conference and exhibition organising from a range of backgrounds. You often do not need particular qualifications, but employers will look for relevant experience or strong transferable skills.You may find it useful to take 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 will find it useful to have experience of organising events or a background in a related industry, such as hotel conference and banqueting, travel, sales, marketing or public relations.
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 you gain more responsibility and experience.
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 scheme 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 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.- 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).
You could join a professional organisation such as the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO) or the Association for Conferences and Events (ACE), for 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
High Street
Huntingdon
Cambridgeshire
PE18 6SG
Tel: 01480 457595
148-149 Great Charles Street
Birmingham
B3 3HT
Tel: 0121 212 1400
Berkhamstead
Hertfordshire
HP4 2DJ
Tel: 01442 285810
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
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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.
- Managers and exhibition directors can earn up to £50,000 to £70,000 a year.
Salaries often include bonuses and commission, particularly in exhibition sales jobs.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.What are the hours and working conditions?
You would be mainly office-based and spend a lot of time on the telephone. You would also travel to meet potential sponsors and exhibitors, and to visit venues and contractors.
Just before and during an event, you would work long hours and have strict deadlines, particularly if you work in operations.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- excellent organisational skills and 'multi-tasking' ability
- good communication and 'people skills'
- the ability to build good working relationships with all kinds of people from clients to contractors
- creative problem-solving ability
- a high degree 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.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for exhibition management or event management companies, major exhibition venues, or in-house marketing departments of large organisations such as universities.
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 progress to management within a company, or you could choose to work freelance or set up your own 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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