What is an Event Manager?

Event Management is the operational organisation of conferences, B2B events and exhibitions, from concept through to delivery.

What is an Event Manager?

Event Managers are responsible for organising the logistics of an event to ensure the event runs smoothly on-site on the day.

The Event Manager is the key point of contact between all the stakeholders, including sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, suppliers and internal staff and is responsible for bringing the event together keeping in mind time constraints, budget and excellent customer relations.  Our clients’ events include conferences, exhibitions, award ceremonies, seminars and/or training courses.

Skills required are strong organisation and administration skills, solid customer service orientation, unflappable nature and good MS Word and Excel skills.  Travel to international destinations is often involved so candidates must be willing to travel independently.  Languages are a bonus.

Key tasks and responsibilities include:

• Venue Sourcing–Including site visits, negotiating terms and service level agreements.

• Health & Safety– Ensuring all Health & Safety requirements are met

• Stakeholder Management

  – Liaising with key stakeholders (including Speakers and Sponsors), and negotiating with suppliers such as audio visual, couriers, caterers, printergs, design companies

• Delegate Management

  – Assisting all guests/delegates at every stage of the event: from enquiry, to onsie registration and event-day assistance, to post-event feedback.

• Internal Communication– Liaising with event team including Conference Producers, Event Marketers, and Delegate and Sponsorship Sales.

• Budget Management

  – Working within budget parameters, cost analysis, processing supplier payments

• Post event evaluation

  – Gaining delegates feedback, compiling reports and using it to benchmark the success of the event.

How to get into Event Management

For entry-level positions, the majority of companies seek candidates who have been educated to degree level or equivalent. Having some previous exposure to events, whether through an internship, part-time work or a placement year is a huge advantage. Alternatively, those that demonstrate a strong desire to work in events, e.g. via an Events Management degree will also be considered.  Exceptional organizational and verbal communication skills are required, as is the ability to work in a fast paced and deadline driven environment.

Salaries and Progression for Event Management

Graduates joining the events industry can expect a starting salary between £18,000 - £22,000. In commercial conferences there is often a bonus element to salaries, typically offering an extra £1,000 - £3,000 per annum.  

Event coordinators working on an international event portfolio will be expected to travel abroad including some weekend work. Flexibility is essential.