From corporate businesses to small startups, make use of events. These events can come in all forms and sizes. A small online event to a big celebration of a corporate company with over 1000 employees, all classified as an event.
Instead of planning, arranging, organizing, and hosting this event from the company itself, companies and small businesses can hire an event manager with a team that will do all the hard work for them. An Event manager will be in charge of building an event from the ground up. The company can set goals and provide guidelines while the event management team creates the perfect event according to these standards.
Event managers take most of the stress that comes with the planning of the corporation. The management team will do everything connected to project management for the company. Companies can use the time to focus on important tasks while the event is being created in the background.
The Role of an Events Manager: Demystifying the Profession
The criteria for an event manager can differ between companies; however, the base of the event planner is to create and organize any type of event, such as social parties, celebrations, corporate meetings, or conferences to name a few, to the satisfaction of the company’s set goals and objectives.
The event manager’s team of planners and executioners will bring the business idea to life. The team will use the connections built through relationships to ensure the event is successful. The team will also take responsibility for evaluating and obtain data to observe whether the event was a success or failure.
Key Responsibilities of an Events Manager
The responsibilities of an event manager are based on the company’s guidelines for the event. Most event managers will be provided with the goal of the event, and from there it falls into their hands to bring this event to life.
The event manager must research to ensure they know the target audience. After clearly stating the audience and setting an event budget, the manager sets a date, chooses a venue, and decides on a theme that is suitable for the event.
After deciding the date, key responsibilities will be creating an advertisement and marketing strategy. Building a website, and an app and creating a social presence will play a key role in the success of the event.
More responsibilities closer to the event date are communicating with the rest of the team to set up the theme in the venue, setting up sound and technology, and ensuring the caterers prepare the correct meals.
Lastly, the event manager must host and run the event on the day. Ensuring that everything runs accordingly. If any problems do occur, they must solve them without causing a problem for the attendees.
Skills and Qualifications for Successful Event Management
Skills
There are primary skills that every event manager must have. These skills will empower them to take charge, make difficult decisions, and lead a team toward a successful event. This does not mean that all managers are the same type of person; however, they do need the following skills to be a contender for a great event manager.
The manager must have organizational skills and interpersonal skills. The individual must be able to organize information when it comes in. The supervisor must place all the information in the correct categories, which will ensure that no planning gets lost.
Communication and problem-solving play a key role in large-scale events. The managers must be able to communicate clearly to their team and the business leaders as to what is happening, what needs to be done, and where they are going. If a problem occurs, it is their responsibility to use their connections or creativity to solve it quickly and effectively.
The event managers must, lastly, have the mindset of the client first. This ensures that when a decision is made, it focuses on the needs and wants of the various clients. The event manager must be able to be objective and place the emphasis on what the client wants.
Qualifications
There are many different ways of becoming an event manager. By simply focusing on specific areas of the event and building knowledge, the individual can grow. Courses in marketing, financial management, evaluation, risk assessment, and social courses such as psychology can all be stepping stones towards being a great event manager.
Event Planning Process: Stages and Best Practices
All event planners have their methods for success. However, the 5 main stages of event development are to set a goal, determine a budget, design and plan, coordinate the day of the event, and measure the success of the event.
In the first stage, the planner must identify and obtain clear goals to set the event’s foundation. The goals will determine the feel, theme, and overall approach. The business must set these goals, but the event manager can ask directed questions to ensure that they know where to go.
Step two will be to create a budget. This will provide guidelines that will display where the manager can spend the finances. This will prevent the event manager from running out of money or spending too much on a certain area.
Stages three and four focus on creating the event and ensuring that everything goes according to plan on the day. The planning focus on bringing the goals and theme to life. Here the manager must build the exact idea that the company has in mind. The team will need to focus on event marketing, advertisement, and tenders to ensure success. The event schedule and pre-event planning will take place here.
The last step is to evaluate the success of the event. This is important because it will assist the event manager in areas that could have been done better or differently. It will ensure a successful event in the future.
Different Types of Events Managed by Event Professionals
There are two main types of events. The first is corporate events and non-corporate events. Corporate events are conferences, team meetings, ceremonies, team buildings, and company parties.
Non-corporate events include weddings, festivals, exhibitions, charity events, sports, and competitions. These are more social events with less marketing skills and networking needed.
The Growing Importance of Event Management Software
The software used for planning an event can have a great impact. If all the planning and communication only happens in person, the team will have wasted time in between meetings. Thus having an app, or meeting room online, will ensure that all the information can be clear and precise to whom it needs to be.
This software can create a space where the team can have virtual meetings. This will save the team time and traveling money. There are multiple benefits to using software but the main assistance is that the entire team is on one platform. Communication can happen on one app which will be seen by the entire team.
How to Become an Events Manager: Career Path Insights
The career path of an event manager can take time and will need a lot of hard work and sweat. Individuals wanting to pursue this direction can start by doing courses such as marketing, financial management, and other industry-specific courses.
After completing the courses, the individual must find a team or manager they can shadow. By following and learning from someone that has been through the process, the individual will understand what decision to make and what to avoid. An internship at an event management company can quicken the learning experience.
Check Out Events Manager Career | What to Know Before Choosing this Career:
The Future of Event Management: Industry Trends and Opportunities
Event management has a bright future in many industries. In the online era an event planner can place focus solely on virtual events. This trend will allow customers and clients to join in from across the world.
While virtual events are upcoming, event managers must refine their skills on in-person skills. Companies enjoy the quality time they can spend with the team and potential customers. Here are some trends all event coordinators must know.
What is an Events Manager: FAQs
What Distinguishes an Event Manager from a Planner of Events?
A planner focus on drawing up the plans for an event. While an event manager does do the planning but focuses on implementing and creating the event. The planner draws the plans, while the manager brings them to life through various stages.
Is Being an Event Manager Stressful?
An event planner has been listed as some of the most stressful occupations in the U.S. However, if the team that assists the manager is strong and supportive, the event manager will have the structure to reduce stress.
What Is the Job Description of a Virtual Event Manager?
Virtual events fall in the same category as a normal in-person events. Thus, managers that plan, and execute the virtual event, can still be classified as event managers.
What is an Events Manager: Final Thoughts
Event managers can have a long-lasting impact on any event they put their hands on. The event manager and team can create a memorable night or week that will not be forgotten for years to come.
This industry is growing, and the individuals pursuing it must know that it comes with a cost. The event manager must make use of courses, skills, and learning experiences to build their management repertoire. The individuals that define themselves as event managers are saving some industries time, money, and stress.
