Events manager
Event managers organise and run conferences, exhibitions, promotions and business and social events.
Also known as: Conference and exhibition manager
- Starter salary£23,000 a year
- Experienced£40,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
As an events manager, you'll:
- agree the type of event, budgets and timescales with the client
- research venues, contacts and suppliers and negotiate prices
- book venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
- hire and supervise contractors like caterers and security
- oversee the design of publicity material and promote events
- sell exhibition stand space and arrange sponsorship deals
- follow health, safety and insurance regulations
- make sure everything runs smoothly for the duration of the event
Working environment
You could work in an office, at events, at a venue or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- customer service skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- the ability to work well with others
- to be flexible and open to change
- leadership skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- maths skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become a events manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
University
You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Relevant subjects include:
- events management
- marketing
- communications
- hospitality management
- leisure and tourism
- business management
University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You can gain relevant skills and knowledge that might help you get started in the industry by taking a course like:
- event planning
- event management
- live events and promotion
- T Level in Marketing
Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do one of the following apprenticeships:
- Event Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Hospitality Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Work
You could start as an admin assistant or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.
Conference management, marketing and public relations companies would be useful to work for.
Volunteering
Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.
To find volunteering opportunities:
- follow conference and events organisations on social media
- look out for news of events in your local area
- search Do IT
Direct application
You can apply directly for jobs if you can show you have experience of working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.
Career path and progression
With experience and a good track record, you could run events that have larger budgets and eventually move into senior management.
You could also work freelance, or set up your own conference or events management business.
Career tips
Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills, like organising, budget management and marketing.
You can get skills like these from working in industries, such as:
- hotel conference and banqueting
- travel
- sales
- PR
- fundraising
Professional and industry bodies
You can find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like:
- Association of Event Organisers
- Eventia
- Association of British Professional Conference Organisers
- The Chartered Institute of Marketing
Guides for this industry
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