Are you highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented? Do you thrive when managing complex logistics and bringing visions to life? As a dynamic and fast-growing career path, event management can be just as exciting as it is rewarding — especially when you get to witness an event you’ve worked so hard on go off without a hitch.
What exactly does an event manager do, then, and what does it take to become one?
What Is an Event Manager?
Event management entails planning and executing an event from start to finish. This includes not only the initial conception and planning of the event itself, but also every seemingly small detail through its completion.
Event managers are the professionals directly responsible for planning, coordinating, and carrying out events that may range from corporate meetings and festivals to sporting events and weddings.
Event Manager vs. Event Planner: Is There a Difference?
A common question about event management is whether there’s a difference between an event planner and an event manager. While there is some overlap between these two roles, there are important distinctions to understand as well.
Compared to an event planner, an event manager oversees every aspect of an event from its conception to completion (and beyond, in some cases). By contrast, an event planner’s focus is more limited to, as the title suggests, planning the details of the event itself.
Key Responsibilities of an Event Manager
Because event managers oversee every aspect of an event from beginning to end, their list of responsibilities tends to be quite extensive. Below is just a sampling of the most common daily tasks of an event manager, though different roles may accompany additional duties.
Meeting With Clients and Defining Goals
Event managers serve as the primary point of contact for all of a client’s needs and questions. Therefore, a routine part of the job involves meeting with clients in person or virtually to assess event needs and define goals.
Budget Planning and Financial Management
In addition, event managers help ensure that the logistics of an event can be carried out within the client’s specific budget. This calls for extensive financial management and expense tracking skills, along with the ability to source vendors and supplies that are within a client’s means.
Venue Selection and Logistics Coordination
Choosing a venue is one of the most central aspects of planning any event. Event managers must carefully filter potential venues to narrow down options and ultimately help clients select the site that best suits their needs and budgets.
Vendor and Stakeholder Management
From catering and entertainment to audio/visual (AV) and decorations, event managers are responsible for securing all vendors necessary for an event. This entails negotiating fair contracts and communicating with vendors in the days and weeks leading up to the big day.
Marketing and Promotion
For events that require marketing and promotion (such as industry conferences, trade shows, and galas), event managers may also be tasked with getting the word out on social media and through other platforms to drive attendance.
On-Site Event Execution
On the day an event takes place, event managers should be in attendance to coordinate with vendors and handle any last-minute issues that may arise. Leveraging the full range of their skill sets, event managers can ensure that events are executed smoothly.
Post-Event Evaluation
Even after an event has ended, the event manager’s work is far from done. Often, event managers will debrief with their clients and team members to reflect on what went well versus what could be improved for future events.
Essential Skills of an Event Manager
So, what does it take to be a successful event manager? Key competencies you may develop when furthering your education in event management include:
- Organizational skills
- Communication skills (both written and verbal)
- Problem-solving ability
- Time management
- Financial literacy
- Leadership and team management
- Creativity and strategic thinking
Types of Events an Event Manager May Oversee
There’s no limit to the various kinds of events an event manager may be charged with coordinating and overseeing. Some focus more on corporate/business events, whereas others may specialize in social events, sports, or even charity events.
Examples of events professionals may oversee in this line of work include (but are not limited to):
- Weddings
- Fundraisers and galas
- Music festivals
- Sporting events
- Conferences and seminars
- Board meetings
While many of these events may be held exclusively in person, virtual and hybrid events are becoming increasingly popular — so the adaptability to coordinate formats of all kinds is a valuable strength in this field.
Where Do Event Managers Work?
Event managers may be employed in any number of industries and work environments, with the most common including:
- Sports organizations
- Nonprofits
- Event planning agencies and corporations
- Hospitality businesses
In certain scenarios, event managers may even take an entrepreneurial approach and launch their own businesses, offering a range of event planning, coordination, and management services to private clients.
How to Become an Event Manager
Though the path isn’t identical for every professional, there are some basic steps to becoming an event manager you may follow:
Step 1: Earn a Relevant Degree
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level education for this field. Ideally, your degree should be in a relevant discipline, such as event management, hospitality, business, or sports and entertainment management. For instance, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) Online offers a Bachelor of Science in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management that covers coursework in venue operations, communications, contractual negotiations, and other skills critical in the event planning industry.
Step 2: Gain Practical Experience
After you earn your degree and prepare to graduate, you can gain valuable experience by participating in internships, volunteer work, and other experiential learning opportunities that enable you to practice skills in real-world environments that you covered in class. Entry-level hospitality roles are another go-to way to gain practical experience in working larger events.
Step 3: Build a Professional Network
A strong professional network can prove invaluable as you embark on a career in event management. While you’re in school, take advantage of available networking opportunities — not just through fellow peers but also faculty and beyond. Build your network and influence by:
- Joining industry associations (such as Meeting Professionals International)
- Staying active on LinkedIn
- Leveraging alumni connections
Step 4: Consider Certifications
In addition to a formal degree and experience, you might choose to specialize your event management skills with advanced designations and industry certifications*. A few popular options to consider include:
- Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)
- Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP)
- Digital Event Strategist (DES)
- Certified Event Planning Specialist (CEPS)
Event Manager Salary and Job Outlook
Across industries, the demand for skilled and knowledgeable event managers continues to grow. According to the BLS, the job outlook for meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to increase 5% between 2024 and 2034, which reflects faster growth than average for all occupations.
Numerous factors can affect pay for an event manager, including location, completed education, and level of experience. However, according to the BLS, the median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $59,440 in 2024 — with the highest 10% earning more than $101,000 annually.
Is Event Management a Good Career?
A career in event management can be an ideal choice for those who enjoy creative work, are highly organized, and work well with others. As an event manager, no two days on the job are ever precisely the same, and depending on your specific area of focus, you might even enjoy some exciting travel opportunities as an added bonus.
On the other hand, event management can also be a demanding and high-pressure career choice. Some clients can be challenging to work with, and the hours can be unconventional. Because many events occur on weekends, it is not uncommon for event planners to work weekends, evenings, and some holidays.
Launch Your Career in Event Management
From weddings and sporting matches to festivals and corporate events, there are endless compelling possibilities to explore in the world of event management. The key to getting started is selecting a degree program featuring career-ready coursework and practical experience that aligns with both the current and future needs of the workforce.
At JWU Online, our Bachelor of Science in Sports, Entertainment, and Event Management is designed to help students build the strategies and analytical skills needed to pursue careers in amateur and professional sports, entertainment venues, production companies, and beyond. With a flexible online curriculum, you can fit coursework into your busy schedule while still completing your degree in about four years.
If you already have an undergraduate degree, you might even consider advancing your education with our online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Event Leadership.
Want to get the ball rolling? Apply today! For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].