Event managers support a wide range of events such as conferences, product launches, corporate events, festivals, sporting events or award ceremonies. Often tech companies and some other industries as well hire an event manager as part of their marketing team. For this job you must be prepared to work on your own and have the ability to carry on many tasks at the same time. It is a rewarding career and often for those who do to want to be tied at a desk job.
This article outlines some important aspects on qualifications and responsibilities to help you make a decision on launching a career in event planning:
Desirable competencies
- Detail oriented with excellent communications skills
- Ability to work in a team and make decisions as a leader
- Experience working on events or tradeshows, comfortable with travel nationally or internationally
- Evaluate risk factors and be aware and knowledgeable on health and safety involved with events planning
- Good media relations or ability to work with media comfortably
Desired education or experience
- High school diploma or GED; 2 years experience in the event management or in related professional area.
Or
- Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Advertising or Journalism
Often experience is desirable but with a good degree and communication skills, there are lot of entry level jobs that can be pursued if you have a deep passion for event management. Often getting a degree gives you the confidence and preparation you need to start on a career in event management. A reputable college as Evocca helps develop student’s skills and knowledge that they need to plan and coordinate events.
But above all nothing beats the experience of organizing an event from scratch to finish, hands-on learning polishes the skills faster and more efficiently than bookish knowledge alone.
Expected responsibilities as an event manager
- Implementation of marketing plans, including product positioning, campaign strategies, and market strategy insights.
- Coordinating appointments and visits to see event space, scheduling and notifying on event planning
- Improves guest relations and services and serves as liaison with vendors
- Senior positions may require you to manage revenue and profitability associated with events, including keeping track of event finances including check requests, invoicing, and reporting
The responsibilities do not end with the event, an event manager is expected to be ready with post event action plan. Feedback from the event, evaluation of the expectations from the event and suggestions for amendment to the plan, program or event itself are just parts of the post event work that an event manager does.
Perks as an Event Manager
An event manager position can be highly stressful at times but rewarding and experience building when the work is all done. There are expectations from clients, your team to deliver highly and accurately without any glitches. With a set time-frame and budget tied to the event, it is not an easy job at all. But it comes with some perks that many desire:
- Travel and get to see new places around the world.
- Opportunity to network with professionals in and outside your industry.
- Enjoy and be part of the razzmatazz of the event!
- Win accolades for being the critical success factor of a well-planned event!
Salary
Event manager salary goes through a wide range depending on the industry and position you being hired for.
Check out some salary ranges from Glassdoor here.
Here are some tips in an infographic from Hubspot on tips on event planning:
