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Hospitality & Catering

Event Manager

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Event managers are responsible for planning, organising, and overseeing a wide range of events such as conferences, exhibitions, weddings, festivals, and corporate meetings. Their job involves everything from setting budgets and booking venues to coordinating suppliers, handling logistics, and ensuring that events run smoothly on the day. Event managers need strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, as they often have to deal with unexpected changes or challenges. This role can be fast-paced and sometimes requires working evenings or weekends, especially when events are taking place. Many event managers work for event management companies, venues, or within the marketing departments of large organisations, but some are also self-employed or run their own businesses.

Event Manager

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

Event managers in the UK typically earn between £22,000 and £40,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to £50,000 or more.

Job Growth

The events industry in the UK is expected to grow by around 6 percent between 2022 and 2027, reflecting increasing demand for events and conferences.

Employment Numbers

It is estimated that there are over 25,000 people employed in event management roles across the UK.

🚀 Careers in this path

Wedding Planner

Specialises in organising and coordinating weddings, including managing suppliers, overseeing the ceremony and reception, and ensuring the event runs smoothly.

Corporate Event Coordinator

Focuses on planning and executing business events such as conferences, seminars, product launches, and company parties.

Festival Organiser

Responsible for managing music, arts, or food festivals, which involves logistics, booking performers, and ensuring health and safety compliance.

Gain Relevant Education

Finish Secondary School

Complete your GCSEs, focusing on subjects such as English and Maths, which are important for communication and budgeting.

You will usually need at least five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and Maths, to pursue further study. Strong writing, numeracy, and organisational skills are essential for event management.

Study for a Relevant Qualification

Take A-levels or a Level 3 Diploma in a related area, such as Business, Travel and Tourism, or Hospitality.

A-levels in Business Studies or Travel and Tourism provide a good foundation. Alternatively, vocational qualifications such as BTEC National Diplomas in Event Management or Hospitality can offer practical skills and work experience.

Consider a Degree or Apprenticeship

Pursue a degree in Event Management, Hospitality, or a similar subject, or look for an apprenticeship in events.

Many universities offer degrees in Event Management or Hospitality. Alternatively, higher or degree apprenticeships in events or hospitality management are available, combining work and study.

Develop Practical Experience

Volunteer at Events

Gain experience by volunteering at school events, local festivals, or charity fundraisers.

Volunteering helps you build a network, improve organisational skills, and understand the practical aspects of event planning. Many charities and community groups rely on volunteers for their events.

Find Part-Time or Entry-Level Work

Look for part-time jobs or internships in event venues, hotels, or event management companies.

Roles such as event assistant, hospitality staff, or office assistant can provide valuable industry insight and help you develop key skills in communication, problem-solving, and time management.

Build a Portfolio

Create a portfolio to showcase your experience, including photos, feedback, and details of events you have helped organise.

A portfolio demonstrates your abilities to potential employers. Include event plans, marketing material, budgets, and testimonials where possible.

Start Your Career and Progress

Apply for Event Coordinator Roles

Start by applying for entry-level roles such as Event Coordinator or Assistant Event Manager.

Use your portfolio and experience to apply for jobs with event management agencies, conference centres, hotels, or in-house corporate teams.

Continue Professional Development

Join professional bodies and complete courses to stay up to date with industry trends.

Membership with organisations like the Meeting Industry Association or the Chartered Institute of Marketing can help you access networking opportunities, training, and industry resources.

Progress to Senior Roles

With experience, move into roles such as Senior Event Manager or specialise in areas like corporate, wedding, or exhibition events.

Promotion often depends on your experience, reputation, and ability to deliver successful events. Building a strong professional network and seeking mentoring can support your progression.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Event Manager. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

No career progressions found for

Sample Qualifications

An Events Manager is most similar to an Events Manager in the list, as both roles involve planning, organising, and overseeing events from conception to completion. They require similar skills in coordination, budgeting, vendor management, and ensuring client satisfaction.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

University

You may have an advantage when looking for work if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

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

College

You can gain relevant skills and knowledge that might help you get started in the industry by taking a course like:

  • event planning
  • event management
  • live events and promotion

Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do one of the following apprenticeships:

  • Event Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
  • Hospitality Manager Level 4 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

Work

You could start as an admin assistant or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.

Conference management, marketing and public relations companies would be useful to work for.

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 for jobs if you can show you have experience of 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.

You can get skills like these from working in industries, such as:

  • hotel conference and banqueting
  • travel
  • sales
  • PR
  • fundraising

Professional and industry bodies

You can find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like:

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