Course Providers
Communications & Management Institute
HSI Limerick Business School
Fitzwilliam Institute
Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design & Technology
Distance Learning
College of Management & IT
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Event Management as a Career
Event managers plan, organise, promote and run events, conferences and functions for a variety of organisations, communities and groups.
The areas covered are varied but can include, After Dinner Entertainment, Treasure Hunts, Casino Nights, Marketing, Conference Function Organisation, Team Building, Games, Venue Planning, Weddings, Hospitality Services, Design, Print, Photo Shoots, Exhibition Roadshows, Project Exhibition, Concerts, the list goes on....
Event management is very closely related to advertising and marketing. Events can be thought of as another means of advertising and brand building. Event management, as an activity constitutes of visualisation, creativity, meticulous planning and venue management.
There is a lot of logistics involved in managing of any event. It boils down to the management and co-ordination of services and supplies. During event planning, one needs to consider all the technical details like - projection of lights, sound effects and other special effects to make the event a spectacle.
Just think of the programme Brides of Franc.
Alternative titles
- Conference Manager
- Event Co-ordinator
- Event Organiser
- Event Producer
- Professional Conference Manager
- Wedding Planner
Tasks & duties
Event managers may do some or all of the following:
- develop concepts for an event
- create plans and documentation for the event
- create a budget for the event
- find and organise event contractors, staff and volunteers
- book the venue or venues, and event equipment
- promote and market the event to media and relevant groups
- oversee the running of the event
- deal with enquiries about the event
- organise funding, sponsorship and ticketing for the event.
How to get into this job
To become an event manager you need to have experience running events. However, a relevant tertiary qualification is also preferred by some employers
Secondary education
There are no specific secondary educational requirements to become an event manager, but useful subjects include English, maths, economics, accounting and business studies.
Tertiary education
There has been an increase in the number of tertiary providers offering a specific qualification in event management. This means a tertiary diploma or certificate in event or conference management would be useful to become an event manager. A tertiary qualification in management, marketing, tourism and hospitality, communications or media studies may also be useful.
Pay and Opportunities
New entrants to this career can expect to start on the Premium Minimum Wage (or less if under 18 yrs or on a training programme) and to progress from there. Experienced workers would earn more.
Note: Wage and salary figures quoted under Pay & Opportunities are approximate and are for guideline purposes only. These may vary depending on experience or economic and local circumstances. Any variances are outside the control of FAS.
Entry Routes and Training
The most common entry route is through a relevant course at a college of further education or a private, fee-paying college specialising in management courses.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job. Event managers may also attend conferences about the events industry.
Other requirements
A current First Aid Certificate and a driver's license are recommended but not essential.
Useful experience
Useful experience for event managers includes work in the hospitality, tourism or outdoor education industries, theatre, project management and administration experience, or public relations and marketing work.
Event management is particularly team focused so most employers look to create a team built of people who have a variety of skills in these areas.
Suggestion: "To break into the events industry it’s beneficial to do some voluntary work for an event management company and to research the companies you want to work for. It shows initiative and confidence and more thought than just ringing lots of people in the yellow pages."
Some information courtesy of FÁS
Course Directory Ireland is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced. | Event Manager - Personal requirements
Skills & knowledge
Event managers need to have:
- knowledge of the venues, contractors and suppliers used by the events industry
- skills in risk management and knowledge of relevant health and safety requirements
- knowledge of the entertainment and hospitality industries
- good communication and people skills
- negotiation and public relations skills
- excellent time management and organisational skills
- decision-making skills
- skill in managing finances and budgets.
Personal qualities
Event managers need to be creative, imaginative, innovative and have an eye for detail. They also need to be able to manage large projects and a large number of people, and work to strict deadlines.
They also need to have a sense of humour.
Physical requirements
Event managers need a neat and tidy appearance. They also need to be reasonably fit as they may assist in setting up and running events.
Career progression
Event managers may progress into senior positions or start up their own event management business.
Job outlook
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Prospects are good as this is a growing career in Ireland. Employment is good and expected to continue growing. .
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Working conditions
Event managers work in offices and in the workplaces of their clients. They also work wherever events are held, which can include all types of indoor and outdoor venues and facilities.
Some event managers may travel to events throughout Ireland.
Conditions vary depending on the venue and the type of event, and may be stressful leading up to and during events..
Equipment
Event managers use mobiles, PDA's, and computers, which often have specialist ticketing or event management software. They may also hire events-based equipment such as lighting, stage and sound equipment.
Hours
Event managers work regular office hours, but can work longer hours leading up to and during events. Events are usually held outside of office hours, so event managers also work weekends or evenings
You need to be flexible as the hours can vary from 30 to 60 hours a week. There is weekend and night work when you are attending the actual events but the hours usually balance out in the end.
Contact with people
Event managers work with a wide variety of people and organisations, and the groups they interact with vary depending on the event. The people they have contact with may include:
- caterers
- suppliers of events equipment and transport providers
- venue, hotel, and airline staff
- talent agents, musicians and public speakers
- representatives of companies, corporations, communities and organisations holding the event
- legal advisors and accountants
- volunteers and assistants
- people attending events
- media
- sponsors.
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