The Event Management Industry: Growth and Job Outlook

Event management is a dynamic and exciting field that involves planning, coordinating, and executing events of all kinds, from corporate conferences and product launches to weddings and music festivals. It requires a diverse set of skills, including project management, marketing, communication, and financial management, and offers a range of opportunities for growth and success. Event managers work with clients, vendors, and other stakeholders to bring their vision to life and create memorable experiences for attendees. 

This article covers the many different aspects of event management, from job requirements and responsibilities to education and career paths. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of working as an event manager, government programs that support the industry, and the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic and challenging field. Whether you are a seasoned event manager or just starting out in the industry, this topic will provide valuable insights and information to help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential in this exciting field.

1. Job description

An event manager is a professional responsible for planning, organizing, and executing various events, such as conferences, trade shows, weddings, parties, and corporate events. The role of an event manager can vary depending on the type of event and the organization they work for, but typically involves coordinating all aspects of the event, including budgeting, scheduling, staffing, logistics, and promotion.

Event managers can work for a variety of organizations, including event planning companies, hotels, convention centers, and non-profit organizations. They can also be self-employed and work as freelancers or consultants. The job can be demanding, with long hours and frequent travel, but it can also be rewarding, as event managers have the opportunity to create memorable experiences and bring people together for a common purpose.

Photo: Taisiia Stupak/Unsplash

Requirements

The specific requirements for an event manager can vary depending on the employer and the type of event they will be managing, but some common requirements include:

• Education and training: Many event managers have a bachelor's degree in hospitality, event management, or a related field. However, some employers may consider candidates with relevant work experience and skills training.
• Relevant work experience: Event management experience is highly valued by employers. This can include planning and executing events of various sizes and types, working with vendors and stakeholders, and managing budgets.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills: Event managers must be able to communicate effectively with clients, vendors, and team members. They must also be able to negotiate and manage conflicts in a professional manner.
• Organizational skills: Event managers must be highly organized and able to multitask. They need to manage multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously, often under tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail: Event managers must have a keen eye for detail to ensure that all aspects of an event run smoothly.
• Problem-solving skills: Event managers must be able to think on their feet and quickly resolve any issues that arise during an event.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Events can be unpredictable, so event managers must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and make quick decisions as needed.
• Knowledge of industry trends and best practices: Event managers should have a good understanding of the event industry and keep up with the latest trends, technology, and best practices.
• Technical skills: Event managers should be comfortable with technology, including event management software, social media, and other digital tools.

Overall, event managers should have a passion for event planning and be committed to delivering exceptional experiences for clients and attendees.

Duties and responsibilities

The main responsibilities of an event manager can vary depending on the type of event and the organization they work for, but some common responsibilities include:

In addition to the main responsibilities, some additional duties that an event manager may perform include:

• Risk management: Identifying and mitigating any potential risks associated with an event, such as safety and security concerns, weather-related issues, or liability risks.
• Contract negotiation and management: negotiating contracts with vendors, suppliers, and other event partners, as well as managing the contractual relationships throughout the event planning process.
• Strategic planning: Developing long-term event strategies, including identifying new event opportunities, evaluating event success metrics, and creating event marketing plans.
• Sponsorship and partnership development: Developing sponsorship packages and securing sponsorships from businesses and organizations.
• Catering and food service: Selecting and managing catering and food service vendors, creating menus, and ensuring that food and beverage service is coordinated with the overall event schedule.
• Audio-visual and technical production: Managing the technical aspects of an event, including audio-visual equipment, lighting, and staging.
• Sustainable event management: Developing and implementing sustainable event practices, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and eco-friendly practices.

These additional duties can vary depending on the type of event, the organization, and the specific needs of the event manager's role. However, they demonstrate the wide range of skills and responsibilities that an event manager may need to possess to be successful in their role.

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Overall, event managers play a crucial role in the success of an event, from conception to execution. They must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at managing multiple tasks and stakeholders, while ensuring that the event meets the objectives and expectations of all involved parties.

Hard and soft skills

Event managers require a mix of hard and soft skills to successfully plan and execute events. Here are some examples of hard and soft skills that are important for event managers:

These are just a few examples of the hard and soft skills that are important for event managers. Successful event managers are able to balance these skills to plan and execute events that meet the needs of clients and exceed the expectations of attendees.

2. Salary

According to the Payscale, the salary of an event manager is $58,331 in 2023. 

Sourse: Payscale

However, salaries can range from around $41,000 to over $84,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, job responsibilities, and location. So, let's look into this factors:

Ways to improve earnings

There are several ways that an event manager can work to improve their earnings, including:

1. Develop specialized expertise: One way to increase earnings as an event manager is to develop specialized expertise in a particular area, such as marketing, fundraising, or sponsorships. By becoming an expert in a specific area, an event manager may be able to command higher salaries due to their unique skills and knowledge.
2. Pursue additional education or certifications: Pursuing additional education or certifications in event planning or related fields can also lead to higher salaries. This demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional development and can help event managers acquire new skills and knowledge that they can apply in their work.
3. Network with industry professionals: Networking with other event professionals can be a valuable way to learn about new job opportunities and to build relationships that may lead to higher-paying positions. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and engaging with other event managers on social media are all ways to build a network in the industry.
4. Negotiate for higher pay: Effective negotiation skills can also help event managers secure higher pay. By demonstrating their value to an organization and negotiating for a higher salary, event managers may be able to earn more than they would otherwise.
5. Look for higher-paying job opportunities: Finally, event managers can increase their earnings by looking for higher-paying job opportunities. This may involve moving to a different company or a different geographic location, or taking on a more senior role within their current organization.

These are just a few ways that event managers can work to improve their earnings. By developing specialized skills and knowledge, networking with other professionals, and seeking out higher-paying job opportunities, event managers can increase their earning potential over time.

Additional benefits

In addition to salary, event managers may also receive additional benefits as part of their compensation package. 

These benefits can vary depending on the employer, but may include:

• Health insurance: Many employers offer health insurance as a benefit to their employees. This may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as other health-related benefits such as wellness programs.
• Retirement plans: Employers may offer retirement plans such as 401(k) plans, pension plans, or other types of savings plans. These plans can help event managers save for their future and may include matching contributions from the employer.
• Paid time off: Paid time off, including vacation time, sick time, and personal days, is a common benefit that event managers may receive. This allows them to take time off from work while still receiving their salary.
• Flexible work arrangements: Some employers offer flexible work arrangements such as telecommuting, flexible schedules, or job sharing. These arrangements can help event managers maintain a better work-life balance and may be particularly appealing to those with family or other personal obligations.
• Professional development opportunities: Employers may also offer professional development opportunities such as training programs, conferences, and other types of educational opportunities. These can help event managers develop new skills and knowledge that can help them advance in their careers.
• Bonuses: Some employers offer bonuses as a way to incentivize performance or reward employees for their hard work. Event managers may be eligible for bonuses based on the success of the events they plan and execute.

These are just a few examples of the additional benefits that event managers may receive as part of their compensation package. The specific benefits offered can vary depending on the employer, the position, and other factors.

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3. Job environment

Event managers can work in a variety of settings, depending on their employer and the type of events they are responsible for planning and executing. Some common job environment settings for event managers include:

• Corporate: Event managers working in a corporate setting are responsible for planning and executing events for their company, such as product launches, corporate retreats, and team-building events. They may work for a single company or for an event planning firm that provides event services to a variety of corporate clients.
• Nonprofit: Nonprofit event managers are responsible for planning and executing fundraising events, such as charity galas, auctions, and benefit concerts. They may work for a specific nonprofit organization or for an event planning firm that specializes in nonprofit events.
• Hospitality: Event managers working in the hospitality industry are responsible for planning and executing events for hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. This can include events such as weddings, conferences, and banquets.
• Sports: Sports event managers are responsible for planning and executing events related to sporting events, such as races, tournaments, and competitions. They may work for a specific sports team or organization, or for an event planning firm that specializes in sports events.
• Government: Event managers working in a government setting are responsible for planning and executing events for government agencies, such as press conferences, public hearings, and community events. They may work for a specific agency or for an event planning firm that provides event services to government clients.
• Education: Event managers working in an education setting are responsible for planning and executing events for schools and universities, such as graduations, lectures, and conferences. They may work for a specific school or for an event planning firm that specializes in educational events.

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Also, event managers use a variety of tools and technologies to plan and execute successful events. Some of the common tools and technologies used in the job environment of event managers include:

1. Event management software: Many event managers use software specifically designed for event planning and management. This software can help with tasks such as creating event websites, managing registrations and ticket sales, and tracking attendee information.
2. Social media platforms: Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are commonly used by event managers to promote events and engage with attendees before, during, and after the event.
3. Audio-visual equipment: Event managers often use audio-visual equipment to enhance the event experience for attendees. This can include equipment such as projectors, sound systems, and lighting.
4. Venue management tools: Event managers need to work closely with venues to ensure that the space is set up properly and that all necessary equipment and services are available. Venue management tools can help with tasks such as scheduling, room layout, and equipment rental.
5. Communication tools: Event managers need to communicate with a variety of stakeholders, including attendees, vendors, and staff members. Communication tools such as email, messaging apps, and project management software can help facilitate communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
6. Budget management software: Event managers need to manage the budget for the event and keep track of expenses. Budget management software can help with tasks such as creating a budget, tracking expenses, and generating reports.

These are just a few examples of the tools and technologies used by event managers in their job environment. The specific tools used can vary depending on the type of event, the size of the event, and the preferences of the event manager and their organization.

4. Education

The education required to become an event manager can vary depending on the employer and the specific job requirements. In general, most event manager positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as hospitality management, marketing, communications, or business.

A bachelor's degree typically takes four years to complete, but some event managers may choose to pursue a master's degree or other advanced degree to further their education and advance their career. Many universities offer programs specifically focused on event management or hospitality management, which can be a great way to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through internships or hands-on projects.

While a bachelor's degree is often preferred or required for many event manager positions, it's worth noting that a degree in a related field is not always necessary. Some event managers come from diverse educational backgrounds, such as graphic design, theater, or even engineering, and have gained relevant skills and experience through internships, on-the-job training, or other professional development opportunities.

Photo: Andrew Neel/Unsplash

Professional development and continuing education are also important for event managers, as the industry is constantly evolving and new technologies and best practices are constantly emerging. Many industry organizations, such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA) and the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA), offer professional development opportunities, including conferences, workshops, and certification programs. These can be a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in the industry and to connect with other event professionals. Many event managers pursue certifications such as the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, and participate in networking groups and online communities to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the field.

Overall, while there is no one "right" path to becoming an event manager, a combination of education, practical experience, and ongoing professional development can help aspiring event managers to build the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this dynamic and rewarding field.

5. Career path

There are several ways to advance your career as an event manager. Advancing your career may involve taking on additional responsibilities, pursuing further education or certifications, or moving into a specialized area of event management, such as wedding planning or conference planning. Here are some job titles that represent different levels of career development:

1. Assistant Event Coordinator: This is an entry-level position that involves assisting event coordinators in planning and executing events. This role may involve tasks such as event setup, vendor coordination, and guest services.
2. Event Coordinator: This is a mid-level position that involves managing the planning and execution of events. This role may involve tasks such as budgeting, vendor management, event design, and marketing.
3. Senior Event Coordinator: This is a more advanced event management position that involves overseeing the planning and execution of multiple events at the same time. This role may involve managing a team of event coordinators and working with high-profile clients.
4. Event Manager: This is a high-level position that involves overall responsibility for the planning and execution of events. This role may involve tasks such as business development, team management, and financial planning.
5. Director of Events: This is a top-level event management position that involves overseeing the strategic direction of event planning for an organization. This role may involve tasks such as setting goals and objectives for the events team, developing and managing budgets, and working with executive leadership to ensure that events meet the overall goals of the organization.

Also, the field of event management includes a variety of subfields, each with its own unique focus and career opportunities. Here are a few examples:

• Corporate events: Event managers who specialize in corporate events work for companies and organizations to plan and execute events such as conferences, product launches, and shareholder meetings.
• Social events: Event managers who focus on social events work with individuals and families to plan and execute events such as weddings, birthday parties, and other celebrations.
• Non-profit events: Event managers who work in the non-profit sector plan and execute events to support fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach efforts.
• Sports events: Event managers who specialize in sports events plan and execute events such as marathons, triathlons, and other athletic competitions.
• Exhibition and trade show events: Event managers who work in the exhibition and trade show industry plan and execute events to showcase products and services for businesses and organizations.
• Festival events: Event managers who specialize in festival events work to plan and execute large-scale events such as music festivals, food and wine festivals, and cultural celebrations.

These are just a few examples of the subfields within event management, and there may be overlap between different subfields depending on the type of event and the specific job requirements. Event managers may also choose to specialize in a particular aspect of event planning, such as venue management, catering, or audio-visual production. Ultimately, the career path within event management will depend on an individual's interests, skills, and experience.

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Within the field of event management, there are many opportunities for specialization and career advancement. Here are a few examples of career paths and specializations within event management:

If the event manager is looking for a career switch, they can look into jobs that are similar to event manager in terms of the skills and duties required:

1. Wedding planner

Wedding planners are responsible for overseeing the planning and execution of weddings, including tasks such as budgeting, vendor management, and event design. This is a specialized field within event planning that requires a deep understanding of wedding traditions and customs.

2. Conference planner

Conference planners specialize in planning and executing conferences, trade shows, and other corporate events. This may involve managing multiple events simultaneously and coordinating with a variety of stakeholders.

3. Public relations specialist

Public relations specialists work to promote and manage the public image of a company or organization. They may work on events as part of their public relations strategy, such as product launches or press conferences.

4. Marketing manager

Marketing managers are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote products or services. They may work on events as part of their marketing campaigns, such as product launch events or trade shows.

5. Fundraising manager

Fundraising managers work for non-profit organizations to develop and implement fundraising strategies. This may involve planning and executing fundraising events, such as charity auctions or galas.

6. Travel manager

Travel managers are responsible for managing travel arrangements for individuals or groups. This may involve planning and executing events such as corporate retreats, team-building exercises, or incentive trips.

These are just a few examples of jobs that are similar to event managers. While the specific skills and duties required may vary, all of these roles require strong organizational and communication skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders simultaneously.

6. Job market

Demand for event managers

The demand for event managers can vary depending on factors such as the size of the events industry in a particular region, the number of events being held, and the overall economic climate. However, in general, the demand for event managers has been increasing in recent years due to the growth of the events industry and the importance of events in business and marketing.

As businesses and organizations continue to recognize the value of events in building relationships and driving revenue, there is a growing need for skilled event managers who can plan and execute successful events. In addition, as events become more complex and technology-driven, there is a need for event managers who have up-to-date knowledge of the latest event technologies and trends.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of meeting, convention, and event planners (which includes event managers) is projected to grow 18% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing importance of events in business and marketing, as well as the continued growth of the global events industry.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Overall, the demand for event managers is likely to continue to grow as events become increasingly important in business and marketing, and as the events industry continues to expand.

Part-time and remote jobs

The possibility of part-time and remote jobs for event managers may depend on a few factors, such as the specific industry and company you work for, the type of events you manage, and the level of responsibility in your role. 

However, here are a few potential scenarios where part-time or remote work may be possible:

1. Freelance event management: Many event managers work as freelancers, which can provide greater flexibility in terms of hours and location. As a freelance event manager, you may be able to work on a part-time basis and take on projects as they come up, which can be a good option if you're looking for a more flexible schedule.
2. Non-profit organizations: Some non-profit organizations may have part-time or remote event management positions available. In these roles, you may be responsible for planning and executing fundraising events, which can be done remotely or on a part-time basis.
3. Event technology companies: Some event technology companies may have part-time or remote positions available in areas such as customer support or marketing. In these roles, you may be responsible for helping customers use the company's event technology solutions or creating marketing campaigns to promote the company's products and services.

Overall, while part-time and remote jobs for event managers may not be as common as full-time, on-site roles, there are some possibilities for those who are looking for more flexibility. Freelancing, non-profit work, and event technology companies are just a few potential avenues to explore.

7. Job satisfaction

While being an event manager can be a rewarding and exciting career, there are also some potential advantages and disadvantages to consider before diving into this field. So, here is a table summarizing some of the main advantages and disadvantages of being an event manager:

Again, it's important to note that this table is not exhaustive, and the advantages and disadvantages can vary depending on individual circumstances and preferences.

8. Government programs

There are various government programs that may be relevant to event managers, depending on their specific circumstances and the location in which they work. Some examples of government programs that could be relevant include:

1. Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: The SBA offers a range of loan programs to support small businesses, including event management businesses. These loans can be used to cover working capital needs, equipment purchases, and other expenses related to running a business.
2. Workforce Development Programs: Some governments offer workforce development programs that can help event managers to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the industry. These programs may include training courses, apprenticeships, and internships.
3. Tourism Promotion Programs: Many governments have programs designed to promote tourism in their local areas, and event managers may be able to access funding or other support through these programs. For example, a government may offer grants or tax incentives to event managers who organize events that attract visitors to the area.
4. COVID-19 Relief Programs: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments have introduced relief programs to support small businesses and self-employed individuals who have been affected by the economic downturn. These programs may include loans, grants, and other forms of financial assistance.
5. Event Permitting: Some governments have streamlined the process for event permitting, allowing event managers to more easily obtain the necessary permits to host events. This can help to reduce costs and administrative burden for event managers, making it easier to organize and host successful events.

It's important for event managers to research the specific government programs that are available in their area, as well as the eligibility requirements and application process for each program.

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In conclusion, event management is a dynamic and rewarding field with many opportunities for growth and success. Here are some key takeaways from this article:

1. Event management involves planning, coordinating, and executing events of all kinds, from corporate conferences and product launches to weddings and music festivals.
2. Event managers must possess a diverse set of skills, including project management, marketing, communication, and financial management, and stay up to date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry.
3. Advantages of working as an event manager include the opportunity to work on exciting and unique projects, earn a competitive salary, and develop valuable skills that can be applied to a variety of other careers.
4. Disadvantages of working as an event manager can include long hours, high stress levels, and the need to juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities at once.
5. Government programs, such as small business loans, workforce development programs, and tourism promotion programs, can provide valuable support to event managers.
6. Event managers can pursue a range of career paths and specialize in various areas of the industry, including corporate events, weddings, and music festivals.
7. Key skills for success in event management include attention to detail, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.
8. Education and experience requirements for event management vary depending on the specific job and employer, but typically include a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as hospitality or business, and several years of experience working in event planning or a related field.

Overall, event management offers an exciting and fulfilling career path for those with a passion for creativity, organization, and bringing people together.