Events manager

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• volunteering
• applying directly

University

A degree is not essential for this role but you may have an advantage if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Particularly relevant subjects include:

• events management
• marketing
• communications
• hospitality management
• leisure and tourism
• business management

University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

There is no set entry route to become an events manager so many courses would be acceptable. You can gain particularly relevant skills and knowledge through courses like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning
• Level 3 Certificate in Event Management
• Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion

Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get started in the conference and events industry through the following apprenticeships:

• events assistant advanced apprenticeship
• hospitality management higher apprenticeship

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Work

You could start as an admin or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Companies that would be good to work at include conference management, marketing or public relations.

Volunteering

Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.

To find volunteering opportunities:

• follow conference and events organisations on social media
• look out for news of events in your local area
• search Do IT

DirectApplication

You can apply directly if you can show you have a lot of experience working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• leadership skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• maths skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• active listening skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• a desire to help people
• administration skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• knowledge of media production and communication
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Event managers organise and run conferences, exhibitions, promotions and business and social events.

In this job you'll:

• discuss what type of event the client wants
• come up with original ideas for events
• agree budgets and timescales with the client
• research venues, contacts and suppliers and negotiate prices
• book venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
• hire and supervise contractors like caterers and security
• oversee the design of publicity material and promote events
• sell exhibition stand space and arrange sponsorship deals
• follow health, safety and insurance regulations
• make sure everything runs smoothly on the day

Location : You could work in an office, at events, at a venue or at a client's business.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.

Salary:

Starter : £21,000
Experienced : £40,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays away from home

Career Path:

With experience and a good track record, you could run events that have larger budgets and eventually move into senior management.

You could also work freelance or set up your own conference or events management business.