Event managers can work on a whole range of different events which is what makes being an event manager such an exciting, challenging and fun industry to work in.
A typical week might involve visiting a venue for an event, meeting with a client to discuss their plans, doing a food tasting session, meeting with the entertainment for the event…the list can go on!
Working as an event manager is fast-paced and varied – every day is different from the last and event managers are always on the move.
Event managers oversee the whole process of creating an event which can include some or all of the following activities:
There are many different areas within the event industry that you could work in.
Event managers organise all sorts of events from large-scale corporate or business events to weddings and private parties. They can work within a particular venue or organisation, or an agency working for a range of different clients who employ them specifically to organise and run events for them.
There are lots of different types of event agencies. Click on the links below to explore:
Party planning agencies – work on everything from private parties to corporate, Christmas or summer parties: GSP, Bentleys, Smart Group
Boutique agencies – these are high end, high profile events with big budgets: Quintessentially, Bespoke Events, The Admiral Crichton, The Department
Experiential Marketing agencies – work to promote brands through engaging customers with experiences like sampling of products and events: WRG, Concerto, Imagination, Jack Morton
Production agencies – deal with all things relating to the sound, audio and visuals for events, as well as stage setting: Made up, This is BD, We Are Amplify
PR agencies – use events for the launch of products and services or to create a buzz about something by working with the media: Inca PR, Modus Publicity, Surgery PR
Internal communications agencies – work with a corporate organisation to help deliver a key message throughout the company: First Protocol, Involve, Unspun
Relationship building agencies – help companies maximise their existing or new relationships through organising engaging events: CTN, Adoreum
Fashion agencies – focus on the delivery of new fashion lines: Blonstein, Negarin, INCA
Sporting agencies – work on the delivery of sporting events: CSM, PSG, Soul Sports, Octagon
Festival agencies – deal with organising and delivering festival events: Get Involved, Vision Nine,Brand Events
Exhibitions – can cover anything from art exhibitions to corporate exhibitions: Clarion Events Ltd, Montgomery Events
Big companies like Starbucks, Facebook, Topshop, BMW (to name a few) have event teams within their marketing departments and will either organise events themselves or hire an event agency (like the ones above) to help create events. They are often involved in creating their own company parties and company conferences.
Many venues hire event managers to deal with enquiries to hire their event spaces. Venues include clubs, arenas like the O2, sporting venues such as Wembley Stadium, hotels such as The Savoy, and historical buildings such as Hampton Court Palace and museums like the Science Museum.
Different venues lend themselves to different types of events. For example, hotels can be perfect venues for weddings, private parties, conferences and meetings but not so good for a festival or sporting event. Event managers working in venues can help with the selling of their event spaces to customers. Depending on the customers’ needs, they may also get involved in all areas of running the event.
Most charities have event teams. Charity events are mainly focused on fundraising to raise money for their cause. These events can range from sporting or challenge events, galas or balls. They help to organise new and innovative fundraising events.
Here are some of the skills that event managers use. Think about your skills. Are you any of the following?
These are just some of the skills that event managers use. But remember, it is all about figuring out what your strengths are and how you can overcome your weaknesses – after all, we all have them!
A career in event management can be varied, exciting and fast-paced.
Perks like being able to travel, get involved with wine and food tastings, meeting celebrities and seeing behind the scenes at glamorous top venues can all make for an exciting career.
Events are a team effort and being an event manager is all about working with people, your team, your suppliers and your clients.
If you enjoy being creative, there’s loads of opportunity for that and you get to have the satisfaction of seeing your ideas come to life in the events you create.
Events are very NOW…you have to be on or ahead of the trends!
Every job comes with its challenges.
In event management, you rarely work 9 – 5 hours. This suits lots of people who want variety and don’t want every day to be the same, but it might mean you work some long or unsociable hours.
As with any job working with people you may have tricky or demanding clients to work for and often people only see the glamorous part of your job and not all the hard work that goes behind it…but we think it’s worth it!
Pay for event managers varies depending on your role and level but salaries start from £18,000 and can reach as much as £100,000+.
It is worth noting that it is not difficult to progress quickly in the event industry if you are hard-working and motivated.
Yes! The event industry in the UK is growing and there are expected to be 193,000 more event manager jobs by 2022. The Event Academy is also unique as our student support team actively place students in the industry at the end of certain courses.
If you’re thinking about a career in event management you’ll be looking at all the options. The events industry is more interested in your skills and your ability to do the job than how many qualifications you have.
It is, however, really important to feel confident in your abilities and to have the knowledge you need to know what you are doing, which is why we recommend doing an accredited event management course.
When choosing a course, bear in mind that courses that are accredited (recognised by an awarding body) are valued most by employers because they can trust that your qualification is of a high standard.
At the Event Academy, we offer a variety of courses to suit all levels and you can learn online or live. All our courses are fully endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, a globally recognised body.
