Introduction
Event management is a dynamic and constantly evolving sector that attracts many students passionate about organisation, communication, and management. Whether it’s organising concerts, trade shows, sporting events, or corporate seminars, careers in event management require a range of skills and a high level of stress resilience.
Working in event management offers various opportunities and requires specific skills. If you want to work in event management, it’s important to choose your training wisely and be aware of the different professional opportunities available.
Let’s explore the studies, the required skills, and the career prospects in this fascinating field.
What is event management?
Event management covers all activities related to organising events for businesses, institutions, or individuals.
Organising an event requires specific skills in communication and logistics, as well as specialised training, such as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees.
Events can range from concerts and trade shows to conferences, weddings, or even sporting competitions. The sector demands versatility, excellent stress management, and impeccable organisational skills.
Why choose a career in event management?
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A dynamic and varied sector
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A wide range of career opportunities
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International career prospects
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A sector in constant evolution
Training options at the ‘A level’ to work in event management
The event management sector is accessible through various levels of study, from ‘A level’ to a Master’s degree. Two-year courses are also highly regarded, offering a springboard into the industry, though they are often followed by further study to access higher career opportunities.
Post-‘A level’ training
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BTEC National Diploma in Communication: A two-year course that helps develop skills in communication and event project management.
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BTEC National Diploma in Management and Operational Marketing (MCO): Ideal for gaining skills in event management and organisation.
Undergraduate training (Bachelor’s)
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Bachelor’s in Event Management: A professional course that offers a specialisation in event organisation.
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Bachelor’s in Information and Communication: A more general course that enables you to access careers in event communications.
Postgraduate training (Master’s)
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Master’s in Event Management: For roles with more responsibility, such as event project manager.
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Business school with a specialisation in event management: This offers expertise in event marketing and management.
What skills are needed to succeed in event management?
Organisation and rigour are essential to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without losing efficiency, ensuring deadlines are met and events run smoothly.
Stress resilience is also key, as it’s important to manage unforeseen issues and maintain high performance even under pressure.
Creativity is vital for coming up with innovative and impactful concepts that meet client expectations and leave a lasting impression.
Finally, strong communication skills—both verbal and written—are crucial for interacting effectively with various stakeholders, such as clients, partners, and internal teams, to ensure good coordination and event success.
Where can you work in event management?
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In an event agency: To organise events for businesses and brands.
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In a company: Large companies often have their own event management departments.
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In local government: To organise public and cultural events.
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Freelancing: Some professionals choose to start their own event management business.
How to enter the event management sector?
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Internships: Gain experience by working on real events.
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Network: Participate in industry events and engage with professionals.
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Continuous learning: The event sector is rapidly changing, so it’s essential to stay updated.
Careers and opportunities in event management
The event management sector offers a wide range of career prospects and growth opportunities for those who want to pursue a career in this field. Event professionals can specialise in various areas, such as communication, marketing, event management, or logistics.
Here are some examples of career paths:
Event project manager
The event project manager plays a central role in the success of an event. They are responsible for the entire organisation, from conceptualisation to implementation, including meticulous planning.
Their work involves managing budgets, selecting suppliers, coordinating teams, and making crucial decisions at every stage.
They must be able to work under pressure, handle unexpected issues, and ensure client satisfaction while respecting deadlines and budgets. This role requires skills in project management, communication, and negotiation.
Event communications manager
The event communications manager is an expert in communication strategy around an event. They develop and implement the communication plan to ensure the event’s visibility before, during, and after the event.
This includes managing media relations, creating content (posters, videos, social media posts), handling internal and external communication, and promoting the event to target audiences.
They must be able to adapt their message to different audiences (partners, press, attendees) and use various communication tools to meet the objectives.
Logistics manager
The logistics manager is responsible for the smooth running of the event’s physical aspects. They oversee the event venue, rental and transportation of materials, managing suppliers, and ensuring safety regulations are followed.
They coordinate practical aspects such as layout planning, setting up technical equipment, managing transportation for speakers or participants, and overseeing security services.
Event organiser in an agency
An event organiser working in an agency often handles a variety of clients, whether large corporations, associations, or individuals. In an agency, this professional is responsible for managing multiple events at the same time, which are often very diverse (product launches, seminars, trade shows, etc.). They must be comfortable managing multiple, sometimes conflicting, client demands while providing creative and tailored solutions.
Conclusion
Event management is an exciting sector that offers many career opportunities. However, it requires great discipline, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Whether you choose a BTEC, a bachelor’s, or a master’s degree, a solid education and practical experience will be your best allies for success in this industry.
Schools offer specialised training suited to the demands of the sector and help students acquire the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic environment.
FAQ
Do you need a degree to work in event management?
No, but a qualification in communication, marketing, or event management is highly recommended to gain the necessary skills. Specialised schools and universities offer training suited to the field. These studies equip students with essential qualities for success in the sector, such as organisation, creativity, and stress management.
What are the salaries in event management?
A beginner can earn between £1,800 and £2,500 per month before tax, but salaries increase with experience and responsibility. With a strong qualification and acquired skills in marketing and management, you can quickly climb the career ladder and increase your salary within an agency or company.
How can you stand out in this sector?
Build your network, gain experience through internships, and stay on top of new trends in the industry.
What are the biggest challenges of the job?
Stress, tight deadlines, and managing unexpected issues are among the biggest challenges in the sector. Professionals must constantly adapt to last-minute changes and maintain excellent organisation to ensure the event’s success.
Where can you study event management?
Business schools, universities, and some specialised institutions, such as those in London, offer courses suited to this field. These establishments offer management or communication programmes for students looking to pursue a career in this industry.
