What Does an Event Production Manager Do?

Event production 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.

Event production managers may be involved in every aspect of an event’s creation—from initial concept through final execution. This includes everything from sourcing vendors and equipment to managing budgets and timelines.

Event Production Manager Job Duties

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

• Managing staff and ensuring they have adequate training to perform their jobs
• Creating a budget for the event based on projected attendee numbers
• Reviewing contracts and making sure there are no problems with dates, locations, or other details
• Coordinating all aspects of the event, including choosing vendors and contractors, setting up decorations, and arranging catering
• Overseeing the production of materials such as brochures, invitations, catalogs, postcards, and other printed materials
• Managing the flow of people at events to ensure that lines do not form at food stations or other congested areas
• Managing security at events to ensure that guests are safe and that rules are followed
• Scheduling performers and speakers and making sure they arrive at the event on time
• Establishing standards for event staff uniforms, badges, and other details to create a professional atmosphere

Event Production Manager Salary & Outlook

Event production 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 overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $66,500 ($31.97/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $122,000 ($58.65/hour)

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

As the economy grows, demand for events and special occasions will increase, leading to more events and a greater need for event production managers. In addition, the popularity of social media has increased awareness of events and special occasions, which may lead to an increase in the number of events held each year.

Related: Event Production Manager Interview Questions and Answers

Event Production Manager Job Requirements

Event production managers typically need to have the following qualifications:

Education: Event production managers are typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as event management, hospitality or business. Some of the coursework that these programs include is marketing, business management, hospitality, public relations and sales.

Training & Experience: Production managers often start in entry-level positions in the entertainment industry, such as production assistant or production associate. These roles provide hands-on experience in the entertainment industry and often include training in basic production skills.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications can prove an individual’s qualifications to current and prospective employers. Event production managers can earn certifications to gain more practical knowledge of their responsibilities and further their career advancement opportunities.

Event Production Manager Skills

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

Leadership: Leadership skills can be an important aspect of event production management. As a production manager, you may be responsible for overseeing a team of several other production managers. Leadership skills can help you to motivate your team and encourage them to work together to achieve common goals. You can also use leadership skills to delegate tasks and responsibilities to your team members.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information through speech, writing or other methods. Event production managers communicate with many people throughout the planning and execution of an event. They may communicate with clients, vendors, suppliers, staff and other event production managers. Effective communication is essential to the success of an event.

Organization: Organization is another crucial skill for an event production manager. They often oversee multiple projects at once, so they need to be able to prioritize tasks and keep track of all the details of each project. They also need to be able to keep track of all the resources they need for each project, including staff, equipment and supplies.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As an event production manager, you may be responsible for overseeing the entire production of an event. This means you may be responsible for ensuring all aspects of the event are completed on time and within budget. You may also be responsible for resolving any issues that arise during the production of the event.

Budgeting: Budgeting is the process of planning and forecasting the costs of an event. An event production manager needs to be able to create a budget for their events. This includes estimating the costs of the venue, the staff, the equipment and any other resources needed for the event. An event production manager with strong budgeting skills can ensure that their events are successful and profitable.

Event Production Manager Work Environment

Event production managers are responsible for the overall planning, coordination, and execution of events. They work closely with clients to understand their needs and objectives, and then develop and implement a plan that will ensure the event is successful. Event production managers typically work full time, and they may work long hours to ensure that all aspects of the event are running smoothly. They may also travel to different event locations. The work can be stressful, as event production managers must often deal with last-minute changes and unexpected problems. However, the work is also exciting and fast-paced, and event production managers often find it to be very rewarding.

Event Production Manager Trends

Here are three trends influencing how event production managers work. Event production 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 is seeing increasing popularity among businesses. This is due to the fact that events can be used to build relationships with customers, promote products, and generate media coverage.

As the demand for corporate events increases, event production managers will need to be able to manage all aspects of the planning and execution process. This includes everything from selecting a venue to designing the decor and menu.

More Focus on Branding and Marketing

Branding and marketing are becoming increasingly important in the world of events. As more and more businesses realize the value of hosting events, they are looking for professionals who can help them create a unique experience for their guests.

Event production managers can capitalize on this trend by developing a strong understanding of branding and marketing. They should also be familiar with the latest trends in the industry so that they can stay ahead of the competition.

A Greater Emphasis on Customer Experience

Customer experience has become an increasingly important factor in business success. In order to provide a great customer experience, businesses need to focus on every aspect of the interaction, from the initial contact to the final goodbye.

Event production managers can play a key role in creating a positive customer experience by ensuring that all elements of the event are well-planned and executed. They can also work with other members of the team to ensure that everyone is on the same page about what the customer wants.

How to Become an Event Production Manager

A career as an event production manager can be rewarding in many ways. It offers the opportunity to work with a variety of people and organizations, to travel, and to see your hard work come to life on stage or screen.

To become an event production manager, you’ll need to have a strong understanding of the industry and its processes. You should also be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and stay organized under pressure. Additionally, it’s important to have excellent communication skills so that you can effectively communicate with clients, vendors, and staff members.

Advancement Prospects

Event production managers may advance to become executive directors or vice presidents of their company. They may also start their own event production company. As they gain experience, they will have a better understanding of the industry and will be able to make more informed decisions about event planning.

Event Production Manager Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we produce some of the most highly-anticipated events in the industry. From start to finish, our event production manager will be responsible for the successful execution of these events. The ideal candidate will have experience managing all aspects of event production, including venue selection, vendor management, budgeting, and on-site logistics. He or she will be a master of multitasking, with the ability to think on their feet and solve problems quickly. Most importantly, they will have a passion for event planning and a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for our guests.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all event-related inquiries, managing client expectations while developing and maintaining strong relationships
• Oversee the entire event production process from start to finish, including but not limited to venue selection, vendor management, budgeting, logistics, and on-site execution
• Create comprehensive project timelines and manage day-of schedules to ensure all events run smoothly and efficiently
• Work closely with other departments within the company to ensure that all events are properly coordinated and executed in alignment with company objectives
• Manage a team of event staff, contractors, and volunteers, delegating tasks and responsibilities as needed
• Train and supervise event staff on proper set-up and break-down procedures, safety protocols, and customer service standards
• Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing the best possible rates and terms
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with venues, vendors, and other industry professionals
• Stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments, identifying new opportunities for growth and innovation
• troubleshoot any issues that may arise before, during, or after an event
• create post-event reports detailing successes, challenges, and areas for improvement
• develop and implement strategies for continuous improvement

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in event management, hospitality, business administration, or related field
• 5+ years experience in event planning and production
• Proven track record of successful event execution from start to finish
• Strong project management skills with ability to handle multiple events simultaneously
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
• Creative problem-solving ability
• Highly organized and detail oriented

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in event management or related field
• 7+ years experience in event planning and production
• Certification in event planning (e.g., Certified Special Events Professional)
• Experience working with high-profile clients and VIPs
• Familiarity with event software and technology, including Eventbrite, Cvent, etc.