Event management; how to learn? “What kind of work do you do?” is a common question when meeting someone for the first time. If your answer is, “I’m in event management,” you’re probably getting a follow-up on what precisely that means.
You may be asked if you are a party or meeting planner. In the case of scheduled jobs, the job titles are as varied and numerous as the services offered. It can often be challenging to describe and distinguish one.
It can be challenging to prepare an event planning portfolio, look for work, or work with a client who needs help understanding the project’s work and responsibilities correctly.
Event Management vs. Event Planning
While closely related, event management and event planning are very different functions. The main difference lies in these two words: management and planning. In straightforward terms, event managers and event planners plan the event.
That being said, event managers can also schedule elements of events, and event planners can manage certain aspects of event planning. Event managers and Event planners work side by side, and their responsibilities may overlap.
To make matters even more confusing, individual event planners often offer event management tools, and event managers may also provide event planning services. If all this has you scratching your head, let’s start by taking a closer look at event management.
Event management includes project management.
Event management involves creating and developing large-scale events that may include conferences, conventions, concerts, trade shows, festivals, and inaugurations. Event management includes defining the target audience, formulating the event concept, planning the overall event, and performing project management of the event as a whole – including managing groups of people responsible for each action, budgeting, and overseeing the execution of the event.
Event managers also manage the services of all outside vendors and professionals, which includes event planning.
The specific responsibilities of the events manager may include the following:
- Field selection and ordering
- Compatible external manufacturers
- Take speakers or entertainment
- Plan for transportation and parking
- Obtain necessary permits and appropriate insurance
- Responsibility for compliance with health and safety standards
- Development of emergency plans
- Crisis and situation management during events
- Safety plan design
- Monitoring of the event
This list is incomplete. Depending on the scope of the event and other recruits, duties may vary.
Role Events Management Services
Event management systems are often hired to plan and execute large-scale social gatherings and special events. While weddings and concerts are ordinary events for event management professionals, sporting events, events, and large parties can also benefit from event management.
Government agencies, nonprofits, organizations, and businesses use event management companies to coordinate important events and meetings. The event management function is often found within the joint marketing or public relations department or as part of their special events staffing.
Ability to succeed
As with most event planning functions, event management requires excellent organizational skills. The ability to multitask and juggle many moving parts is essential to offering good time management skills.
Being able to focus and stay on task is what leads to a successful event. Event management begins with creating a vision for the event and then seeing it through, which calls for creativity and flexibility.
Because project management is critical and involves managing tasks and groups of people, interpersonal skills are also necessary. Dealing with individuals at all levels of the organization is part of the job, and having strong communication skills and being comfortable and personable will go a long way in developing those relationships.