17 Event Production Manager Interview Questions and Answers

An Event Production Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of events. They work with a variety of vendors to secure event space, book talent, and coordinate all aspects of an event. Event Production Managers also create and manage budgets, and develop marketing and promotional materials.

If you’re looking to become an Event Production Manager, you’ll need to ace your interview. In this guide, we’ll give you a list of Event Production Manager interview questions, so you can prepare for your interview and get one step closer to your dream job.

Are you familiar with the event planning process?

Event production managers need to be familiar with the event planning process. This question helps employers determine if you have experience in this role and how much you know about it. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of the event planning process, including what steps are involved and which ones you enjoy most.

Example: “I am very familiar with the event planning process. I’ve been working as an event production manager for five years now, so I’ve seen many different types of events. In my previous position, I worked on a variety of events from large-scale festivals to small corporate parties. Each event has its own unique elements that make them fun to plan. My favorite part of the process is coming up with creative ideas for each event.”

What are some of the most important skills for an event production manager to have?

Event production managers need to have a variety of skills. Employers ask this question to make sure you know what those skills are and how they can benefit their company. In your answer, list the top three or four skills that you feel are most important for event production managers. Explain why each skill is important so the employer knows you understand its value.

Example: “Event production managers need to be organized, detail-oriented and able to work well under pressure. These are all skills I possess, which is one reason I am excited about this position. As an event production manager, it’s my job to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day of the event. Being organized helps me keep track of all the tasks I need to complete. Detail-oriented allows me to notice any problems before they become major issues. Finally, working under pressure means I can handle unexpected situations with ease.”

How would you handle a situation where a vendor doesn’t deliver what they promised?

Event production managers often work with vendors, so employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills necessary to manage a team of people. In your answer, explain how you would handle the situation and what steps you would take to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Example: “I would first try to contact the vendor myself to see if there was anything I could do to help them get the job done. If they still didn’t deliver on their promise, I would immediately call my supervisor or event producer to let them know what happened. They would then decide whether we should find another vendor or if we can use someone else from our company to complete the task.”

What is your process for managing budgets for different events?

Event production managers need to be able to manage budgets for their events. Employers ask this question to learn about your budget management process and how you handle financial responsibilities. In your answer, explain what steps you take when managing budgets for different events. Explain that you will use the information they provide to create a plan for staying within the event’s budget.

Example: “I have experience working with many different types of budgets for events. I always start by asking my client what their budget is for an event. Then, I look at the venue options we have available and compare them based on price. Next, I consider any additional costs like catering or entertainment. After looking at all of these factors, I can determine which option would work best for staying within the budget.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult client or customer.

Event production managers often work with clients and customers, so employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with people. Use your answer to show that you can be diplomatic when a client or customer is upset. Explain how you used your communication skills to resolve the situation.

Example: “I once had a client who was very demanding. They would constantly change their mind about what they wanted for the event, which made it difficult to plan. I always remained calm and polite when speaking with them. I explained why some of their requests were not possible and offered alternatives. Eventually, they understood my reasoning and stopped changing their mind so much.”

If you had the opportunity to plan one event from start to finish, what would it be and why?

This question is a great way to show your passion for the industry and how you would plan an event from start to finish. It also allows employers to see what types of events you have planned in the past, which can help them determine if you are qualified for their open position. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a specific type of event that you would like to plan or one that you have already planned.

Example: “If I had the opportunity to plan any event from start to finish, I would choose to plan a large music festival. I love music festivals because they bring people together who enjoy similar things. I think it’s important to create spaces where people can feel comfortable being themselves and expressing themselves through art.”

What would you do if you noticed that one of the main attractions at an event wasn’t working properly?

Event production managers are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of an event run smoothly. If you’re asked this question, it’s likely because the interviewer wants to know how you would handle a challenging situation if it arose during the event. In your answer, demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.

Example: “If I noticed one of the main attractions wasn’t working properly at an event, I would first try to fix the issue myself. If I couldn’t get it working, I would immediately alert my supervisor so they could take over. Then, I would find out what the backup plan was for the attraction in case we weren’t able to fix it before the end of the event.”

How well do you work with other members of a production team?

Event production managers often work with a team of people to ensure an event runs smoothly. Employers ask this question to learn more about your interpersonal skills and how you collaborate with others. In your answer, explain that you enjoy working as part of a team. Explain that you are willing to take on any role in order to help the team succeed.

Example: “I have always enjoyed working as part of a team. I find it motivating to see other members of the team succeed. At my last job, I worked as part of a large team for several events. I took on many roles during these events, including stage manager, lighting designer and even performer. I am comfortable taking on any role within a team to help everyone else succeed.”

Do you have experience managing multiple projects at once?

Event production managers often have to manage multiple projects at once. Employers ask this question to make sure you can handle the responsibilities of this role. In your answer, share a time when you managed multiple projects and how you did it. Explain what strategies you used to keep track of everything.

Example: “In my last position as an event production manager, I had to oversee five different events at once. While this was challenging, I found that using project management software helped me stay organized. I also scheduled weekly meetings with each team leader to check in on their progress. This allowed me to give feedback and help them solve any problems they were having.”

When planning an event, what is your process for determining staffing needs?

Event production managers must be able to plan staffing needs for events. This question helps employers understand your process and how you make decisions that affect the success of an event. Use examples from past experiences to explain your thought process when determining staffing needs.

Example: “When planning staffing needs, I first consider the client’s budget and what they expect from our team. Then, I look at the venue and determine if we need additional staff or equipment to support the event. For example, a large outdoor festival may require more security than a smaller indoor event. In my last role, I planned for a music festival with over 10,000 attendees. We needed extra security, medical staff and cleanup crews to ensure the safety of all attendees.”

We want to improve our customer satisfaction rates. What ideas do you have for improving our event experiences?

Event production managers are responsible for ensuring their clients have a positive experience. Employers ask this question to see if you can improve the quality of their events and make them more enjoyable for attendees. In your answer, share two or three ways you would improve customer satisfaction at their events.

Example: “I think one way we could improve our event experiences is by making sure all of our staff members are friendly and helpful. I also think it’s important that they’re knowledgeable about the event so they can answer questions from guests. Another thing we could do is provide better food options. If we offered healthier meals, people might be happier with their overall experience.”

Describe your experience with using event management software.

Event production managers use software to organize their events and delegate tasks. This question helps employers learn about your experience with using event management software and how you might fit into their company culture. In your answer, describe the type of software you’ve used in the past and what benefits it provided for you as an employee.

Example: “In my last role, I used a software called Eventbrite that helped me manage all aspects of our events. It was helpful because I could create multiple calendars within the platform so I could separate different types of events we hosted. For example, I had one calendar for client meetings and another for networking events. The software also allowed me to assign tasks to other team members, which made delegating responsibilities easier.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates for this position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their company. Before your interview, make a list of the skills and experiences that qualify you for this role. Focus on what makes you unique from other candidates and highlight any transferable skills or certifications you have.

Example: “I am passionate about event production and I’m excited to work in an environment where I can continue to grow my skills. In my previous position as an event producer, I was responsible for managing budgets, hiring staff and overseeing all aspects of event planning. This experience has given me valuable insight into how to manage large-scale events and I look forward to applying these skills at your company.”

Which industries do you have the most experience working in?

Event production managers often work in a variety of industries, so employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working in their industry. Before your interview, read through the job description and highlight any skills or qualifications that are specific to the company. In your answer, explain which industries you have experience working in and what skills you have that would help you succeed in this role.

Example: “I’ve worked primarily in the entertainment industry, but I also have some experience working in corporate events. My background in both areas has given me valuable skills for managing large-scale productions. For example, I know how to create an effective budget for each type of event and how to manage my team effectively no matter the industry.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of an event’s setup?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of event production. It also gives you the chance to explain how you prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of any event’s setup is safety. I always make sure that all equipment is in good working order, and I have a team of qualified staff members who can help me set up the venue. Safety is my top priority because it ensures that everyone involved in the event—from guests to employees—is safe. This means we don’t have to worry about anything going wrong during the event, which allows us to focus on providing excellent service to our clients.”

How often do you plan and execute events?

Event production managers often plan and execute events. Employers ask this question to learn more about your experience with planning and executing events. Use your answer to explain the types of events you have planned in the past. Explain how these events helped you develop your skills as an event production manager.

Example: “I plan and execute at least one event per month. I usually work on multiple projects at once, so I am always planning or executing an event. In my last role, I was responsible for planning and executing a variety of different events each month. These included large-scale conferences, small networking events and company celebrations. Each event required its own unique set of plans and execution. This prepared me for working as an event production manager.”

There is a problem with the venue and it won’t be ready for the event. What do you do?

This question is a great way to see how you handle unforeseen circumstances. It’s important for an event production manager to be able to adapt and solve problems quickly. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure the venue was ready in time for the event.

Example: “If there were any issues with the venue, I would immediately call my team together to discuss our options. Depending on the issue, we may have to move the event to another location or change some of the elements of the event. If that were the case, I would work with the client to find a new venue and make sure they are happy with the changes. Then, I would get back to work making sure everything else was ready for the event.”