Event Management as a Career: Expert Tips on What You Need to Succeed

If you work in event management or consider it a career option, you may want to know what being in “Events” is all about! How do you make sure you will love and succeed in this very dynamic industry? The great news is that the events industry market is expected to continue to grow so your opportunity to play a part in this exciting field is big! Get ready for a great introduction to a career in Events!

To help you develop your career plan in the event industry, we spoke with Ashley McNally, Digital Marketing Manager at Poached Jobs, a leading job marketplace for hospitality professionals. Here we share valuable insights and advice for anyone passionate about event management in the hospitality industry. 

Why Choose an Events Management Career?

The event industry spans various event types, from social get-togethers and weddings to corporate meetings and beyond. It’s a dynamic field encompassing event planning, management, technological innovations, marketing, and ticketed services. There are numerous roles you can have, as well as a variety of work atmospheres, including restaurants, hotels, and event venues. Event staff may spend time in an office or venue, depending on the role. A flexible schedule can be expected with weekends and nights as needed. 

McNally shared, “If you’re looking for a career with a lot of variability and flexibility, then events can be great. You’ll work on various events for different occasions and experiences and meet many people from all walks of life. No two days will necessarily be the same!”

Roles of the Events Industry

According to the job postings on Poached Jobs, there are various roles in Event Management working for restaurants, hotels, and venues, including:

Event Manager/Lead/Coordinator: 

• Meets with event planners and clients to organize events by understanding their goals and wishes while giving information and advice on setup, decor, entertainment, food, and beverages. 
• Organizes team members and vendors on the backend to ensure each event runs smoothly and as expected. 
• Handles all necessary administrative tasks to book events, manage budgets, and coordinate with vendors. 

Event Sales Associate/Coordinator 

• Oversees and manages event inquiries and event leads
• Is an expert on products, services, and accommodations
• Coordinates with marketing to reach target sales lead goals
• Works with clients to ensure success and satisfaction of booked events

Event Captain

• Works closely with the event manager or lead as the in-between event staff coordinator to ensure a smooth event
• Provides exceptional customer service, food requests, inquiries, or complaints from clients to the appropriate person
• Oversees event staff to ensure adherence to safety protocols and food and beverage regulations
• Helps set up, break down, and maintain cleanliness of event space

Event Kitchen Staff

• Works the kitchen to prepare set menus for booked events
• Follows food safety regulations
• Maintains clean and efficient workspaces
• Coordinates with FOH banquet staff, event captain, and manager to pace appetizer and main menu items while filling requests as needed

Event Banquet Staff and Event Servers 

• Greets and directs guests upon arrival and answers any questions
• Delivers pre-arranged beverages and food in a timely manner
• Clears empty and unused items from the table and general event area
• Coordinates with kitchen staff, event captain, and event manager to ensure a smooth event

Needed Skill for Event Management as a Career

Because this is a hospitality role, your people skills become a leading requirement. But many qualifications will help you in your career. McNally reported that event management-related job listings consistently ask for specific skills and qualities, including:

• Interpersonal Skills: Being empathetic, friendly, and hospitable especially when related to clients and event guests.
• Strong Communication and Delegation Skills: Essential for coordinating teams and ensuring smooth event execution.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Essential for navigating any challenges that arise and smooth operations.
• Time Management: Key for planning and pacing events effectively.
• Attention to Detail: Being organized and meticulous
• Leadership in Diverse Team Sizes: Comfortably leading both small and large groups
• Project Management Experience: Valuable for overseeing details of events
• Adaptability and Resourcefulness: Thinking on your feet is crucial, especially when unexpected situations arise.
• Tech Savvy: Being comfortable with computers and learning new technologies like event management software. A leader in the industry, Tripleseat streamlines event management for clients and event managers. Learn more from Tripleseat University.
• Sales and Customer Service Expertise: Crucial for client satisfaction
• Accounting and Budgeting Skills: Important for financial management
• Food Safety and Working Ergonomics Knowledge: Indispensable in any hospitality role
• Knowledge of Beverages and Food Pricing: Beneficial for menu planning
• Eagerness to Learn and Flexibility: A willingness to understand all aspects of the business and step in when needed
• Pressure Management: Maintaining composure under stress is a must.

Getting Started in the Hospitality Industry

Here’s some sound career advice for those of you just starting out shared by McNally: 

“When just starting in the industry, it’s important to focus on the job you’ve got and give it 100%. So much of our industry moves through word of mouth, so keeping a good reputation and not burning bridges is pretty important.

One of the most amazing parts of working in hospitality is that it is possible to work your way up from the bottom without seeking formal higher education. You can go far quickly if you’re dedicated, hard-working, and curious. 

While a college degree might not be required, seeking educational opportunities within the event industry, like those associated with food and drink festivals or tradeshows, or obtaining a food handler certification and liquor license doesn’t hurt. 

If you have hospitality experience but feel like your resume is getting overlooked for managerial roles, it could help to express your desire to take on more responsibility at your job to gain more experience. Additionally, many free courses are available to get a general understanding of things like bookkeeping, spreadsheets, and management. 

If you aspire to enter the event management as a career or a role in the catering industry, you can seek on-call opportunities with companies you admire. Many event and catering companies need reliable staff to book events as needed. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and potentially work your way up within the company.”

Ways to Network in the Events Industry

Local food and beverage or hospitality events and tradeshows are great ways to network with other attendees—also just going out and supporting your own hospitality scene. EventCamp by Tripleseat is a great way to network with event professionals.

Additionally, to gain insight into the events and hospitality industry, browsing jobs on Poached Jobs can be immensely helpful. You can view job listings to see the qualifications and requirements employers are looking for when hiring specific roles and identify where you might need to expand your experience. 

Informational interviews are also a fantastic way to network and gain insight into the events and hospitality industry. With an informational interview, you find someone with the job you’re interested in and ask if they can set up a quick interview to learn more about their role, how they got to where they are, and any advice they can offer you. Informational interviews aren’t intended as a job interview—but you are networking. In the hospitality industry, anyone who shows interest and puts themselves out there will likely make a lasting impression. 

Finding Jobs for Event Management

If you’re ready to start looking for Event jobs, check out Poached Jobs. 

Poached is the nation’s leading hospitality employment site, with over 70K businesses using their platform to meet their next best hire. Poached is free for anyone looking for work in the industry and is available through the app or website, so you can always be looking and stay ahead of the competition.

The app is available on iPhone and Android and has fantastic search tools to narrow down the event opportunities you want, whether in sales, management, or banquets. 

There you have it! Whether you’re a seasoned professional or starting out in your event management career, there’s always room to grow and excel. Stay passionate, keep learning, and embrace the dynamic nature of the Events Industry!