Conference and event management is an exciting and rewarding job; developing a concept and transforming it into a tangible experience that delivers results for the client, key stakeholders and attendees is absolutely satisfying. My favourite part of a conference and event is being onsite and absorbing the enormity of what the Eventful Projects team have achieved through our meticulous design, management and execution.
Dreaming of becoming an event manager and being part of this amazing industry? Read on to learn what it takes!
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Whilst there are no requirements for event managers to hold formal qualifications it is certainly desirable. Look into qualifications offered at Tafe or university as these are favoured by industry and can also provide opportunities such as work placements, volunteer roles and links to industry.
Conference and event managers typically have prior experience in hotels, food and beverage, venues, banqueting, public relations, marketing, travel, tourism etc. Any experience in these fields are beneficial in building your career.
Need to build your portfolio? try obtaining practice and technical experience through paid or volunteer work.
SKILLS REQUIRED
The main skills you will need to succeed include:
^ Excellent organisation skills
^ The ability to carry out a number of tasks at the same time (multi-tasking)
^ Good communication and people skills
^ A creative approach to problem-solving
^ High level of attention to detail
^ The ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
^ Good negotiation, sales and marketing skills
^ Finance and budget awareness
WHAT WILL YOU DO AS AN EVENT MANAGER?
Event managers are responsible and accountable for entire projects, from planning at the start to running the event on the day and all post event activities.
Your day-to-day duties might include:
^ Client meetings to determine what the client wants
^ Creative event design and strategy
^ Budgets and timelines
^ Researching venues, contractors and suppliers
^ Negotiating prices with suppliers and contractors
^ Booking venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
^ Hiring and supervising contractors such as caterers and security etc.
^ Marketing and promotion
^ Onsite event management
^ Ensuring that health, safety and insurance regulations are followed
^ Managing a team
WORKING HOURS, PATTERNS AND ENVIRONMENT
Event managers usually work standard office hours, although you may work long and unsocial hours in the run up to events and during the event. You may also be required to attend events with clients in the evenings and at the weekend. Depending on where you run the events, you may need to spend time travelling and staying overnight.
If you manage outdoor events, you’ll have to work in all weather conditions.
At Eventful Projects, we believe that if you have passion, determination and a positive attitude you can make your dream a reality!
Wishing you all the best with your career!
