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Events manager
Conference and exhibition manager
Event managers organise and run conferences, exhibitions, promotions and business and social events.
Average salary (a year)
£21000
Starter
£40000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
37.0 to 39.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends / bank holidays
away from home
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; working towards this role; volunteering; applying directly
University
A degree is not essential for this role but you may have an advantage if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Particularly relevant subjects include
events management, marketing, communications, hospitality management, leisure and tourism, business management
University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
There is no set entry route to become an events manager so many courses would be acceptable. You can gain particularly relevant skills and knowledge through courses like
Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning, Level 3 Certificate in Event Management, Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion
Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could get started in the conference and events industry through the following apprenticeships
events assistant advanced apprenticeship, hospitality management higher 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
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Work
You could start as an admin or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.
Companies that would be good to work at include conference management, marketing or public relations.
Volunteering
Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.
To find volunteering opportunities:follow conference and events organisations on social media, look out for news of events in your local area, search Do IT
Direct Application
You can apply directly if you can show you have a lot of experience working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.
More Information
Career Tips
Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills like organising, budget management and marketing.
It may be especially useful to get any experience you can gain in industries like
hotel conference and banqueting, travel, sales, PR, fundraising
Professional And Industry Bodies
Find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like:Association of Event Organisers, Eventia
Further Information
You can find out more about becoming an events manager from:Association of Event Organisers, Association of British Professional Conference Organisers
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and 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
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
In this job you'll
discuss what type of event the client wants, come up with original ideas for events, agree budgets and timescales with the client, research venues, contacts and suppliers and negotiate prices, book venues, entertainment, equipment and supplies, hire and supervise contractors like caterers and security, oversee the design of publicity material and promote events, sell exhibition stand space and arrange sponsorship deals, follow health, safety and insurance regulations, make sure everything runs smoothly on the day
Working environment
You could work in an office, at events, at a venue or at a client's business.
Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience and a good track record, you could run events that have larger budgets and eventually move into senior management.
You could also work freelance or set up your own conference or events management business.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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