How To Get Into Event Management + Jobs To Consider

If you enjoy working with people, organizing events, and paying close attention to detail, you might seek a career in event management. Event management jobs allow you to assist clients in planning their ideal wedding, party, or corporate event. Understanding how to break into event management might help you identify a niche that interests you and expand your job prospects. In this post, we will explore how to enter into event management and provide a list of five similar job titles to pursue.

What is event management?

Event management is a professional industry that manages various types of events, such as parties, conferences, and fundraisers. Event managers are responsible for a variety of tasks, including budget creation, client needs assessment, and vendor communication. These specialists focus on either private parties and weddings for individuals or corporate events for businesses. To gain clients in this area, you can either work for a company or start your own.

How to get into event management

1. Shadow an event manager

If you want to learn more about event management or explore a specific niche, consider shadowing an event manager. This experience include shadowing a professional as they plan events, handle advertising campaigns, and communicate with clients and vendors. They can provide guidance on how to succeed in the field and may assign you little tasks to assist you get experience. Contact a local venue and ask if the event manager will allow you shadow them for a day.

2. Pursue a degree in a related field

While a degree is not required to pursue this career, formal education might help you prepare by improving your critical thinking and communication abilities. It can also help you specialize in a certain area, appear more professional to employers, and boost your earning power. Event planners should learn public relations, marketing, and hotel management. Coursework can educate you how to manage a budget, build business partnerships, and keep consistent branding.

3. Obtain professional certifications

Professional certificates are another approach to exhibit your abilities and establish credibility in the event management sector. Some educational programs assist students in obtaining these certificates to better prepare them for future work opportunities. Some event management venues cover exam fees for their personnel to further their careers. These certifications can also be pursued independently. When deciding which certification to pursue, try to choose one from a credible organization that is related to your intended niche. Event organizers commonly get the following certifications:

• Certified in Exhibition Management
• Certified Meeting Professional
• Certified Special Events Professional
• Certified Government Meeting Professional
• Certified Professional in Catering and Events

4. Attend local events

Attending local events is a simple method to obtain industry experience. Look for publicly accessible concerts, trade events, and fundraisers in your neighborhood. Attending as a guest allows you to obtain insight into how event administrators build itineraries and allocate resources at the location. This could help you improve your own techniques and better assist your future clients.

5. Explore internships and volunteer opportunities

If you want to build your portfolio, look into internships and volunteer opportunities. Many venues offer paid and unpaid internships that provide job training and experience with events ranging from weddings to corporate fundraisers. To support your community, consider volunteering at local events for nonprofits, clubs, or religious organizations. Your responsibilities may involve duties like setting up the venue or checking in guests. You could also assist in communicating with vendors or planning the event’s itinerary.

6. Build your network in the industry

Networking in the event management sector might help you find new clients and job prospects. Making relationships might also help you learn from other pros in your industry. Begin expanding your network by attending events and participating in social media groups. To appear professional and prepare for talks with various professionals, consider investigating the industry’s latest trends. You can use this material to learn about others’ strategies and create your own event management strategy.

7. Build your online presence

Creating an online presence can help you promote your services and demonstrate your abilities. Consider using social media to share client testimonials and photographs of your work. Engage with followers to generate likes and comments, which will enhance visibility. Consider constructing a website to keep a detailed record of your expertise and certifications. You may include a full list of events you’ve handled, as well as references and quantitative data, such as how much money you’ve raised or which vendors you’ve worked with. You might also produce blog posts to explain event planning concepts and offer tales.

8. Apply to full-time positions

Your educational background, experience, and internet presence can help you apply for full-time work. Online job forums and social media can help you find employment in event management firms or marketing departments. You can also find open employment by contacting professionals in your network for referrals. When you uncover an available position, examine the company’s vision and previous work to see whether it fits your specialization and aspirations. For example, if you have prior expertise organizing corporate fundraisers, a company that specializes in corporate events may be a suitable fit.

9. Start your own business

While many event organizers work for a firm, you can also start your own if you want more creative control and scheduling flexibility. Consider promoting your services using social media or paid advertising on your website. You can also use your network to discover clients who want someone to arrange their weddings, parties, or fundraisers. Once you’ve acquired a client, strive to provide outstanding service by listening to their needs and communicating clearly throughout the process. A satisfied client may recommend you to friends and relatives for future business.

Types of event management jobs

Here are five types of event management jobs to consider. For the most up-to-date Indeed salaries, please click on the links below:

1. Venue manager

• National average salary: $38,835 per year

A venue manager manages event locations such as hotels, theaters, pubs, and nightclubs. They schedule clients, supervise workers, and provide the venue with the necessary resources for each event. They also manage the venue’s property maintenance and guarantee that all attendees may be securely accommodated.

2. Wedding planner

• National average salary: $39,825 per year

A wedding planner usually starts a job by meeting with the couple to discuss their needs and vision for the event. They may refer the couple to competent vendors and negotiate contracts on their behalf. Wedding planners also prepare precise deadlines, floor plans, and budgets.

3. Caterer

• National average salary: $44,517 per year

A caterer prepares and serves food for weddings, parties, and corporate events. These specialists normally cook the food off-site and bring it to the location with tableware. Other roles include developing menus, adhering to food safety regulations, and handling cleanup.

4. Sponsorship manager

• National average salary: $47,145 per year

A sponsorship coordinator solicits funds from groups to support an event. In exchange, the sponsorship coordinator offers the groups advertising possibilities. These specialists frequently work for state fairs, non-profit fundraisers, and industrial events.

5. Fundraising manager

• National average salary: $49,337 per year

A fundraising manager helps nonprofit organizations host events to raise money. They prepare budgets, advertise events and establish relationships with donors. They also manage volunteers and oversee the event’s itinerary.