Rent Letters shares an article by Rob Hard about the everyday experiences and duties of a reputable event manager.
Source: The Balance
‘Event management is the process of using business management and organizational skills to envision, plan and execute social and business events. People who specialize in event management work with budgets, schedules, and vendors to create the best possible events for their clients.
Many people think of event management as a field that mainly handles concerts and weddings. However, there are many other occasions that either require or could benefit from event management, including conventions, business meetings, sports events, festivals, large parties, and reunions.
Many companies use event management firms to coordinate their most important meetings and other events. The job market for event managers is growing, with some estimates that the need for event managers will increase by one-third in the next decade.
What Does an Events Manager Do?
Event planners go by many different job titles, but the core function of their work all falls within the realm of event management. When you work in event management, you’ll be involved in planning, executing and evaluating corporate, association, nonprofit, government, and social events.
Event management requires strong organizational, budgeting and creative skills. Those who work in event management must be comfortable with interacting with all levels of individuals inside and outside of their organization.
An event manager will start planning an event by meeting with the client and eliciting information about the client’s vision of the event.
He and the client will develop an event budget for the event. Once the budget is in place, the event manager will finalize the concept for the event, work to line up a location and vendors, and obtain any necessary permissions, permits, and insurance.
If speakers are required for the event, the event management team will coordinate with the client to engage them.
If other extras, such as parking and transportation, are needed, the team also will arrange for those.
On the day of the event, the event management team will be on-site to run the event and handle any problems that arise. Following the event, the team will wrap up any remaining details and elicit feedback from the client.
Job Prospects in Events Management
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for “meeting, convention and event planners” are growing faster than average. “As globalization increases and businesses continue to recognize the value of professionally planned meetings, demand for meetings and events is projected to grow,” the department says.
Most people entering event management will need a bachelor’s degree. Experience in hospitality or tourism management also is helpful. Successful event managers are true “people persons,” and have excellent organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and multitasking skills.
Event management teams often work closely with public relations teams and with hospitality professionals at event locations. Some event management professionals frequently travel, while others focus on managing events in one geographic area.
Responsibilities Are Different
A planner’s main responsibilities involve keeping track of time during your events, ensuring proper set up as established by the client, managing the wait staff, catering liaison, and other venue-related tasks that are pivotal to the success of the event. Event managers, on the other hand, are there with you every step of the way. From the moment we meet to the moment the event ends. Managers orchestrate all the event details, manage vendors, create and manage budgets and timelines, assist with contract negotiations, and manage the venue selection process.
So many event planners and managers live for this industry because they’re passionate, and your desire to help or to secure a client‘s business should never be greater than understanding your limitations. So when faced with the question, what do you bring to the table, it’s better to come from a place of honesty.
You’ll not only be doing the right thing, but you’ll also be able to set client expectations as well as protect them from disappointments.’