Events manager
Sports and Leisure

How to become an events manager

You can get into this job through:

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

University

You can take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:

• events management
• marketing
• communications

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 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 but it may be useful to do a relevant course like:

• Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning
• Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Event Management

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

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 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 do an events assistant advanced apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

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

Work

You could start as an admin assistant in a marketing or public relations department and work your way up through training and promotion.

Volunteering & Experience

Paid or unpaid work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience and build contacts in the industry.

Direct application

You can apply directly if you have 2 to 3 years' experience of working in public relations, marketing or hospitality.

More info

Career tips

You could start by organising events and activities for your family, friends, school or college.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the Association of Event Organisers and Eventia for training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about becoming an events manager from:

• Association of Event Organisers
• Hospitality Guild
• Creative Choices

What it takes

Skills & Knowledge

• You'll need:

  • 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
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

What you'll do

Day to day

In this role you could be:

• discussing what the client wants
• coming up with original ideas for events
• agreeing budgets and timescales with the client
• researching venues, contacts and suppliers, and negotiating prices
• booking venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies
• hiring and supervising contractors such as caterers and security
• publicising the event
• making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day

You'll also be:

• ensuring that health, safety and insurance regulations are followed
• managing a team

Working environment

You could work at events, at a client's business or on festival sites. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and you'll travel often.

Career path and progression

Career path & progression

With experience and a good track record, you could run events that have larger budgets and eventually progress to management. You could work freelance or set up your own events management business.