What Does an Event Manager Do?

Event managers are responsible for the planning and execution of events. They work with a wide range of clients, from individuals to corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. Their job is to ensure that each event runs smoothly from start to finish. This often includes managing all aspects of the event—from booking venues and vendors to coordinating guest lists and entertainment.

Event managers may also be tasked with developing marketing strategies for their company or organization. They may create advertisements, write press releases, or develop social media campaigns to promote upcoming events.

Event Manager Job Duties

Event managers typically have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Coordinating with other staff members to ensure that event details are kept up to date
• Creating marketing campaigns to promote events and selling tickets to increase awareness of the event
• Managing budgets to ensure that expenses do not exceed revenue generated from ticket sales
• Determining the venue for the event, securing contracts with vendors, and hiring staff for the event
• Directing all aspects of an event, including preparation, staging, and cleanup
• Planning the event timeline and making sure it is followed closely during the event
• Collaborating with vendors to select entertainment and speakers that suit the event’s purpose or theme
• Coordinating with security personnel to ensure they are prepared to handle any issues that may arise at the event
• Coordinating with other staff members to ensure that event details are kept up to date

Event Manager Salary & Outlook

Event managers’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and type of event they are managing. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of bonuses or commissions.

• Median Annual Salary: $52,500 ($25.24/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $87,500 ($42.07/hour)

The employment of event managers is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Employment growth will be driven by the increasing popularity of special events, such as festivals and food truck rallies, which require planning and coordination. In addition, the popularity of destination weddings and other events that combine travel with a celebration should lead to increased demand for event managers.

Related: Event Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Event Manager Job Requirements

Event managers typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Event managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in hospitality, event management or a related field. Some of the coursework these programs offer includes hospitality management, event planning, business management, marketing and sales.

Training & Experience: Many event managers gain the training they need for their role while working in other positions. For example, an entry-level event planning position can provide the training necessary to become an event manager. Entry-level event planning positions often require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and some event planning experience.

Some event managers may also work as coordinators or assistants before advancing to a management role. As an assistant or coordinator, you can gain experience in the areas of event planning, such as marketing, budgeting and logistics.

Certifications & Licenses: While event manager certification is not often required, it can be a great way to increase your qualifications and make you a more appealing candidate for employers.

Event Manager Skills

Event managers need the following skills in order to be successful:

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information to another person. Event managers communicate with many different people throughout the planning process, including clients, vendors, colleagues and suppliers. Effective communication is crucial to the success of an event, as it allows the event manager to convey their ideas and instructions to others.

Organization: Organization is another important skill for event managers to have. You might be responsible for planning and executing an entire event, including all the details. Being able to stay organized can help you keep track of all the different aspects of an event and make sure everything runs smoothly.

Leadership: Event managers often have to lead a team of other event managers, assistants and other staff members. Leadership skills can help you motivate your team and encourage them to work together to achieve your event’s goals. You can also use leadership skills to delegate tasks and motivate your team to complete them.

Problem-solving: As an event manager, you may be responsible for planning and executing an event from start to finish. This means you may be responsible for every aspect of the event, including any potential issues that may arise. Being able to solve problems quickly and effectively can help you maintain a positive attitude and keep the event running smoothly.

Marketing: Marketing skills allow you to create and implement marketing campaigns for events. You can use marketing skills to create advertisements, develop a social media strategy and create a website for an event. You can also use marketing skills to promote ticket sales and increase attendance.

Event Manager Work Environment

Event managers are responsible for the successful planning and execution of special events, such as conventions, conferences, and trade shows. They work closely with clients to determine their needs and objectives and then develop a plan that will ensure the event is successful. Event managers typically work full time, and their work hours may include evenings and weekends to accommodate the event schedule. They may also travel to the event site to oversee the set-up and operation of the event and to ensure that all details are taken care of. The work of an event manager can be stressful, as they must often deal with last-minute changes and unexpected problems. However, most event managers find the work to be exciting and rewarding, as they get to see the successful outcome of their hard work.

Event Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how event managers work. Event managers will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Corporate Events

The growth of corporate events is a trend that event managers should be aware of as it presents many opportunities for them to grow their businesses.

As corporations become more interested in hosting events, they will need the help of professionals who can manage everything from planning to execution. Event managers can capitalize on this trend by becoming experts in corporate events and developing relationships with potential clients.

More Focus on Branding

Branding has always been important for businesses, but in recent years it has become even more important. This is because customers are increasingly looking for products and services that reflect their personal values and beliefs.

Event managers can capitalize on this trend by creating events that reflect the values of their client’s brand. This can include everything from the theme of the event to the food that is served. In addition, event managers can also focus on creating an atmosphere that reflects the values of the brand.

A Greater Emphasis on Employee Engagement

Employee engagement is becoming an increasingly important factor in the workplace, as employers are realizing the value of having employees who are passionate about their work.

As event managers, you can capitalize on this trend by creating events that are engaging and fun for your employees. This can include things like team-building activities or social events where employees can connect with each other outside of the office.

How to Become an Event Manager

A career as an event manager can be incredibly rewarding. It offers the opportunity to work in a variety of industries, meet new people, and see different parts of the world. However, it’s important to consider all aspects of this career before jumping in.

First, you need to decide what type of events you want to manage. Do you want to focus on corporate events, trade shows, or festivals? Or do you want to specialize in a certain area, such as sports or entertainment? Next, think about where you want to live. Some event managers travel extensively, so if that’s something you’re interested in, make sure your job allows for it.

Finally, consider your personal goals. Do you want to climb the corporate ladder or start your own business? Do you want to stay in one place or move around? There are many ways to become an event manager, so find the path that’s right for you.

Advancement Prospects

There are many different paths to advancement for event managers. One common path is to start out as an event coordinator or assistant and then move up to a managerial position. Another option is to specialize in a particular area of event management, such as weddings, corporate events, or festivals. Event managers may also advance by taking on additional responsibilities, such as marketing or sales. With experience, event managers may eventually become independent consultants or start their own event planning businesses.

Event Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we believe that events are opportunities to create lasting memories. We’re looking for an experienced event manager to join our team and help us turn our client’s visions into reality. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in event planning and management, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. He or she will be responsible for managing all aspects of the event planning process, from start to finish, including budgeting, vendor management, logistics, and on-site execution.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all assigned events, including but not limited to: weddings, corporate functions, social gatherings, and private parties
• Work with clients to understand their needs and develop a comprehensive event plan that meets their expectations and budget
• Source and secure all necessary event vendors, including but not limited to: caterers, florists, photographers, videographers, musicians, and transportation providers
• Manage event logistics, including but not limited to: venue selection, contract negotiation, guest list management, RSVP tracking, and on-site coordination
• Develop and manage event timelines, ensuring all deadlines are met and all details are accounted for
• Oversee event set-up and breakdown, working closely with event staff and volunteers to ensure everything runs smoothly
• Handle all event-related communications, both internally and externally
• Serve as the main point of contact for all event-related questions and concerns
• Monitor event progress and make necessary adjustments as needed in order to ensure the successful execution of the event
• Evaluate event post-mortem and develop recommendations for future events
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices
• Maintain strong relationships with existing clients and cultivate new business opportunities

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field
• 3-5 years experience in event planning and management
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, hospitality, or related field
• Certification in event planning or management
• Experience with budget development and management
• Familiarity with event-planning software, including Cvent, Social Tables, and Eventbrite
• Creative problem-solving skills