Personal Requirements
To understand the personal requirements of a successful event manager, it’s necessary to understand what an event manager is. Event management is not party planning. It is much, much more. A successful event manager focuses on what the event’s goal is and achieving it.
Successful event managers can come from varied backgrounds. Marketing, management, and communications are just some of the fields that lend themselves to event management careers. Most corporate employers are looking for event managers with a bachelor degree in a related field; however, you can easily enter the field through support roles like marketing assistants, sales coordinators, etc. These roles usually don’t require a traditional four year degree, but do include meeting planning in their job descriptions.
Event Managers Plan Meetings and Conventions
One of the main responsibilities of a corporate event manager is planning meetings and conventions. This requires planning every detail from selecting the location and venue, determining what equipment is required, scheduling speakers for the event, arranging all signing, printed material and press releases.
Event managers generally work long hours, including nights and weekends. They are responsible for all the details of the event. They make sure all the details have been addressed. To become a successful event manager, you must develop the following skills:
- Budget creation and budget management
- Public relation skills
- Marketing and advertising skills
- The art of negotiation
- Communication skills; both written and verbal
- Management of personnel
- Good multi-tasking skills
- Works well in pressure situations
- Proficiency in MS Office programs; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
- Be a team player
- Be a self-starter
- Able to communicate with all levels of management
- Logistics and transportation knowledge
- Site selection skills to help select the right venue for the event
- Knowledge of material production such as booth material, signing, brochures, décor, etc.
- The entertainment industry as it relates to contracting entertainment for functions
- Scheduling lodging for event participants and guests
- Knowledge of the catering industry as it relates to meal planning
Ultimately, a career in event management requires a skill set that allows the individual the opportunity to plan and direct major events, with the sole purpose of delivering a seamless production that addresses the organizations message and goal.
Event management is a very rewarding career and can be very lucrative. It is not restricted to major cities, in fact, event managers can live anywhere in the world.