Event organiser
Event organisers are responsible for the production of events from conception through to completion. Events can include:
They work in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and can work for event management companies, in-house for an organisation or freelance.
The role of event organiser is hands-on and often involves working as part of a team. Event organisers must be able to complete a wide range of activities requiring clear communication, excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. They must work well under pressure, ensuring the smooth and efficient running of an event.
The role of event organiser varies depending on the organisation and type of event involved. Typical activities include:
Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, the following degree/HND subjects may increase your chances:
There is no typical route to becoming an event organiser, and you are unlikely to find a graduate training scheme in events management or direct-entry jobs advertised on a regular basis. However, the industry is expanding and graduate-level positions do exist. Most organisations will recruit as vacancies arise, and jobs are generally open to all graduates who demonstrate the right skills and qualities. Speculative approaches are more likely to be successful when made to larger organisations.
Entry without a degree or HND is sometimes possible with relevant work experience.
A pre-entry postgraduate qualification in events management is not required but a relevant course could be advantageous if your first degree/HND is not related. Communication Advertising and Marketing (CAM) Education Foundation and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) , for example, offer marketing and sales courses that are relevant to the events industry.
Organisations are keen to recruit applicants with experience and knowledge of the industry so work experience, either paid or voluntary, is essential. Organising or helping with events for a student society, charity or other organisation is particularly useful, as is work in the hotel or travel industry and sales, marketing or customer service experience. Work experience also provides a valuable opportunity to network and develop contacts in the industry.
Candidates need to show evidence of the following:
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Training opportunities vary depending on the size of the organisation you work for. Training is typically offered via short courses, run either in-house or externally. Sessions covered typically include:
New event organisers will also develop their skills and knowledge by working alongside experienced colleagues.
External training providers also offer a range of training courses. The following organisations offer a range of courses relevant to the events industry:
Courses offered include how to plan effective marketing events, sponsorship selling techniques, health and safety, and risk assessment. Some of the organisations listed above also provide student membership and run seminars relevant to people working within the events industry. Check their websites for further details.
Event management is a competitive business and promotion will depend on a range of factors including the type and size of the organisation you work for, how successful you have been in post and your ability to demonstrate key skills and qualities in practice.
There is no clearly defined career path, and routes up the career ladder will vary from one organisation to another. Promotion may involve a move from an assistant post to team leader, which may include managing a small team, or to a different management role. With experience, an event organiser is likely to take on responsibility for larger scale events, which are more complex to manage, involve higher profile clients and include bigger budgets.
Career progression is likely to involve changing jobs, moving to a larger company or, alternatively, setting up as a freelance event management consultant. Building a strong network of contacts in the industry is essential for any of these routes.
The events industry has seen significant growth in recent years, and organisations involved in event management span both the public and private sectors, varying in size from small consultants to larger, multinational organisations.
Organisations where event management teams may be found include:
Larger organisations are likely to handle all aspects of event management in-house or, in some cases, outsource the more specialist activity to relevant suppliers/organisations. In smaller consultancies, the consultant tends to take on a coordinating role and will subcontract different parts of the planning process to a variety of specialists.
A number of recruitment agencies also specialise in events. These include:
Search the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) consultancy finder for a list of member agencies.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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