21 Event Manager Interview Questions and Answers

From weddings to trade shows, every event has a manager who is responsible for the planning and execution of the event. Event managers are responsible for the budget, the vendors, the guests, and the overall success of the event. Event managers also need to be skilled in marketing and public relations.

Before becoming an event manager, you will need to go through a job interview. In order to get the job, you need to be able to answer event manager interview questions. In this guide, you will find questions and answers that will help you get ready for your interview.

What drew you to the event management industry?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your background and motivations. They want to know what inspired you to pursue a career in event management, so they can understand how your personal experiences have shaped your professional development. In your answer, share the specific events or circumstances that led you to choose this career path.

Example: “Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated with organizing things. My parents say I would organize my toys by color when I was just two years old. When I got older, I started volunteering at local festivals and other community events. Eventually, I decided to pursue a degree in event planning because I wanted to make a career out of helping people plan their special occasions.”

What do you think sets successful events apart from unsuccessful ones?

Event managers need to understand what makes an event successful. This question helps employers see how you define success and whether your definition aligns with their company’s goals. In your answer, explain the factors that contribute to a successful event and how you would apply them in your role as an event manager.

Example: “Successful events are those that achieve their objectives while also exceeding expectations. I think it’s important for event planners to set realistic but challenging goals for themselves and their team so they can deliver on the event’s purpose. For example, if the goal is to increase sales by 20%, then we should plan out ways to make sure our event achieves this goal. We could do this by offering discounts or free samples at the event, which may encourage attendees to buy more than they originally planned.”

Describe a time when you had to manage a difficult or challenging situation.

Event managers often have to manage challenging situations. Employers ask this question to learn more about your problem-solving skills and how you react in high-pressure situations. Use your answer to explain a specific situation, the steps you took to resolve it and what the outcome was.

Example: “At my last event, I noticed that one of our vendors had not delivered all of their supplies. This meant we were missing some items for our guests. I immediately contacted the vendor to find out why they hadn’t delivered everything. They told me there was a mix-up with their delivery truck and they would be late.

I decided to rearrange the schedule for the day so we could serve our guests without any issues. The vendor arrived just as planned, and we served our guests without any problems.”

What strategies do you use to market and sell tickets for events?

Event managers need to be able to sell tickets for events. This question helps the interviewer determine your marketing and sales strategies. Use examples from previous experience selling tickets, including how you marketed them.

Example: “I use social media to market our events. I create a unique hashtag that people can use when they share photos of themselves at the event. This allows us to collect data on who attended the event and what they thought about it. I also use targeted ads to promote our events to specific audiences. For example, if we are hosting an event in San Francisco, I would target ads to users within 50 miles of San Francisco.”

How do you develop relationships with vendors and suppliers?

Event managers need to have strong communication skills and the ability to work well with others. Employers ask this question to see if you can collaborate with vendors and suppliers in a way that is beneficial for their company. In your answer, explain how you plan to meet with these individuals and what steps you will take to ensure they are happy working with you.

Example: “I find it important to get to know my vendors and suppliers as much as possible. I always try to be friendly and helpful when communicating with them. If I ever have questions about anything, I am sure to reach out to them so we can discuss it together. This helps me build trust with them and ensures they feel comfortable asking me questions or providing feedback.”

What methods do you use to stay organized when planning an event?

Event managers need to be organized and able to prioritize tasks. Employers ask this question to see if you have a system for staying on top of your work. In your answer, explain how you stay organized and give an example of how it helped you in the past.

Example: “I use several different methods to stay organized when planning events. I keep all my notes and ideas in one place so that I can refer back to them later. I also use a calendar app to schedule out important deadlines and appointments. This helps me make sure I’m meeting all my responsibilities and getting everything done on time. Finally, I use a project management software to assign tasks to other team members and track their progress.”

Describe a time when you had to solve an unexpected problem during an event.

Event managers often have to solve problems quickly and efficiently. This question can help interviewers understand how you handle unexpected situations during an event. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication abilities and time management skills.

Example: “At a recent event, the venue lost power for about 30 minutes. I immediately went into action by contacting the client to let them know what was happening. Then, I gathered my team members to discuss our options. We decided that we would continue with the event as planned but move some of the activities inside. The guests were understanding when we explained the situation, and we managed to complete the event without any further issues.”

What do you think is the most important factor in ensuring the success of an event?

This question is your opportunity to show the interviewer that you understand what it takes to be an event manager. Your answer should include a few factors, such as budgeting, time management and communication skills.

Example: “I think the most important factor in ensuring the success of an event is having a well-planned timeline. I always make sure to create a detailed schedule for each event with all of the necessary tasks included. This helps me stay on track throughout the entire process and ensures that we meet our deadlines. Another important factor is communication. I make sure to communicate any changes or updates to my team so everyone stays informed.”

What are some of the trends you are seeing in the event management industry?

Event managers need to stay up-to-date on industry trends. This question helps the interviewer determine if you are aware of what’s new in your field and how you might apply those changes to benefit their company. Use your answer to highlight your ability to adapt to change, learn quickly and implement innovative ideas.

Example: “I’m seeing more companies hiring event planners who specialize in corporate events. In my last role, I worked with a team of specialists who handled everything from venue selection to catering. The client loved this approach because they could hire one company for all their needs rather than working with multiple vendors.”

How do you think technology is impacting the events industry?

Technology is changing the way people interact with events. Employers want to know how you’re using technology in your role as an event manager and how it can benefit their company. Use this question to show that you understand how technology impacts the industry and how you use it to improve your work.

Example: “Technology has changed the way we plan, organize and execute events. I think it’s important for event managers to be tech-savvy because it allows us to better serve our clients. For example, I recently worked with a client who wanted to incorporate virtual reality into their event. Using my knowledge of technology, I was able to find a VR company that could provide the equipment needed for the event.”

What challenges do you see the events industry currently facing?

This question can help the interviewer understand your perspective on current issues in the industry. Use this opportunity to showcase your critical thinking skills and how you might approach solving these challenges.

Example: “One challenge I see is that event planners are often understaffed, which can lead to a lack of communication between departments. This can cause projects to take longer than expected or even fail completely. To solve this problem, I would implement an effective project management system that allows all team members to communicate with one another easily. This way, everyone has access to important information and updates so they can work efficiently.”

Since branding has become increasingly important, how do you make sure that your events reflect the values of your client’s brand?

Event managers must be able to understand the values of their client’s brand and incorporate them into their event planning. This shows that you have a strong understanding of branding and how it can affect an event. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure that your events reflect the values of your clients.

Example: “I always make sure to meet with my client before the event so I can get a better idea of their brand. Then, I will create a mood board for the event that includes colors, fonts and other elements that are important to the brand. From there, I work with the client to decide on vendors who fit the style we want to achieve. By doing this, I am able to plan an event that reflects the values of the client while also being unique and memorable.”

How do you create an atmosphere at your events that is engaging and fun?

Event managers are responsible for creating a fun and exciting atmosphere at their events. Employers ask this question to see if you have experience doing so in the past. Use your answer to share an example of how you created such an environment at one of your previous jobs.

Example: “At my last job, I was tasked with planning a company party that would be both fun and professional. I decided to plan a casino night where employees could play games like blackjack and roulette. We set up tables around the room where people could play these games. At each table, we had a dealer who explained the rules of the game and gave out chips. Employees could win prizes based on how well they did.”

Can you share a success story of an event you managed from start to finish?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience as an event manager. They want to know what you’re capable of, and they also want to see if you can share a story that highlights your skills and abilities. When answering this question, think of the most recent event you managed from start to finish. Share details about the event, including how long it took to plan and execute.

Example: “I recently planned a large corporate party for my current employer. The company wanted to throw a big holiday party for all their employees and their families. I started by meeting with the CEO to discuss his vision for the party. He told me he wanted something fun but professional. We decided on a winter wonderland theme.

After discussing the theme with him, I met with our marketing team to get some ideas for decorations. Then, I worked with our catering team to create a menu that fit the theme. Finally, I met with our entertainment team to decide which performers we would hire. After deciding on everything, I created a timeline for the event. It took us two months to plan the entire thing.”

Are you comfortable working with a wide range of clients, from individuals to corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies?

Event managers often work with a variety of clients, including individuals who are hosting their own events and corporations that host large-scale conferences. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with all types of clients and can adapt your style to meet the needs of each one. In your answer, share about some of the different types of clients you’ve worked with in the past and how you were able to successfully collaborate with them.

Example: “I am comfortable working with a wide range of clients because I enjoy meeting new people and learning about their unique interests and goals. Throughout my career as an event planner, I’ve worked with both individual clients who are planning weddings or other special occasions and larger companies that are hosting conferences for hundreds of attendees. I find that no matter what type of client I’m working with, I always try to learn more about them so I can better understand their vision for the event. This helps me provide valuable input and suggestions throughout the planning process.”

How do you evaluate the success of an event?

Event managers are responsible for evaluating the success of an event. This question helps employers understand your evaluation process and how you determine if an event was a success or not. Use examples from past experiences to explain what factors you consider when determining whether an event was successful.

Example: “I evaluate the success of an event by looking at several different factors, including budget management, attendance, client satisfaction and overall organization. I also look at the goals we set before the event and compare them to the results. If we met all of our goals during the event, then it’s likely that the event was a success. For example, at my last job, I helped plan a company picnic. We had three main goals for the event, which were to have fun, provide food and games and give out prizes. At the end of the day, we managed to meet all of these goals, so I would say that the event was a success.”

Are you involved in any industry associations or committees?

Event managers often join industry associations or committees to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in their field. Employers ask this question to see if you are already involved in these groups and how they can benefit from your experience. In your answer, explain which organizations you belong to and what value you have brought to them.

Example: “I am a member of the International Association of Event Planners. I joined because I wanted to learn more about event planning and meet other professionals in my area. Since joining, I have presented at two conferences and helped organize one of our local chapter meetings. The networking opportunities have been invaluable for me as an event planner.”

What is your experience with virtual events?

Event managers often have to plan events that are not in person. Virtual events can include webinars, conferences and other types of online gatherings. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience with planning these types of events. In your answer, explain what virtual events are and how you would approach them. Share a specific example of when you planned one of these types of events.

Example: “I’ve worked on several virtual events throughout my career as an event manager. I find that they’re great for reaching people who might not be able to attend the event in person. For example, I once organized a conference where the keynote speaker was unable to attend due to illness. We held a livestreamed presentation so everyone could hear from her.”

Do you have any questions for us about the role or company?

This is your chance to show the interviewer that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the position. It’s also a good time to ask about any information you may have missed from the job listing or company website, such as benefits or training programs.

Example: “I noticed that this event planning company has an excellent reputation for customer service. I’m curious how you ensure all of your clients receive top-notch service. What are some ways you measure success?” This question shows the interviewer that you’re looking for more than just a paycheck and want to be part of a team that values quality work.

If you can, try to relate your answer back to something you learned during the interview process. For example, if the interviewer mentioned they were looking for someone who was detail-oriented, you could say, “I am very detail-oriented and would make sure every client received the same level of service.”

How do you find talented staff to help you manage an event?

Event managers often need to find the right staff for their team. Employers ask this question to learn more about your hiring process and how you select candidates. In your answer, explain what steps you take when looking for new employees. Share any methods that have helped you find quality people in the past.

Example: “I start by searching online job boards and reaching out to local colleges. I also reach out to my professional network to see if anyone knows of good event planners or other professionals who might be a good fit for our company. When interviewing potential hires, I look for someone with experience managing events. I want them to understand our goals and show they can meet those expectations.”

Are you comfortable working with event budgets?

Event managers often need to work with budgets, so the interviewer may ask you this question to see if you have experience doing so. Use your answer to highlight your budgeting skills and how they helped you complete projects on time or under budget.

Example: “I am very comfortable working with event budgets because I’ve done it for several years now. In my last role, I worked with a client who had a strict budget for their events, so I needed to make sure that all of our costs were within that budget. I also wanted to ensure that we provided the best quality service while staying within the budget. To do this, I created a detailed timeline of when each cost would be due and what it was for. This allowed me to keep track of where money was going and ensured that we stayed within the budget.”