Events Manager Career Profile

The Work

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.

Hours

You would generally work standard office hours, although 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.

Income

Starting salaries can be around £17,000 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.

Skills and Knowledge
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.

Opportunities

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

END