Event manager job description

Event managers organise, run, and promote a range of events. Events could include conferences, seminars, trade shows, corporate events, festivals, launches, social events, or functions like birthdays or weddings. Event professionals can specialise in types of events (like wedding planner), or can work across a range of events. You may work for an events company, in-house in an organisation that regularly runs events, or you could start your own business as a freelance event manager.

Tasks and responsibilities for an event manager

What do event organisers do? Some typical tasks and responsibilities include:

Liaising with clients, stakeholders, or other members of your team to figure out event requirements and client needs.
Producing proposals for events including draft runsheets, budgets, suggestions for venues, sponsorship deals, suppliers, and staff.
Managing and negotiating the contracts associated with an event. For example, contracting catering companies, venues, and people involved in entertainment like live bands or DJs.
Booking travel and accommodation for attendees where required.
Making plans to promote the event alongside colleagues involved with public relations, event marketing, social media, and communications.
Ensuring the event runs smoothly throughout. This will likely require some quick problem-solving, multitasking, troubleshooting, and hospitality management.
Managing staff at the event like caterers, helpers, entertainers, and speakers.
Cleaning up after the event to ensure that the venue is in the same condition as it was before the event.
Evaluating how events went using feedback from clients and attendees. Using this information to improve upon events in the future.
Ensuring that every event is safe. This will involve making arrangements for first aid, and making sure events are fire safe and COVID safe.

How to become an event manager

Study

No specific formal qualification is required to be an event manager. It is common for people in the field to hold formal qualifications, usually in event management or a related area. Your studies will give you opportunities to get hands on work experience through internships or other programs.
Get experience

Think of ways you can run an event so you gain a greater understanding of the complexities involved. Volunteer to organise the wedding of a family member or friend, or get involved in running a fundraising event for a local community group or charity.

Pathway options

Junior

Conference coordinator

Most common qualification: Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)
Event coordinator

Most common qualification: Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)
Events assistant

Most common qualification: Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)
Function coordinator

Most common qualification: Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)

Mid

Event manager

Most common qualification: Advanced Diploma of Event Management (SIT60216)
Event planner

Most common qualification: Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)

Senior

Conference manager

Most common qualification: Bachelor of Business (Event Management)
Event director

Most common qualification: Bachelor of Business (Event Management)
Exhibition manager

Most common qualification: Bachelor of Business (Event Management)

Event management courses are available throughout Australia. Most require three or four years of study (or part-time equivalent). Delivery can be on-campus or online, or a mix of both. Courses cost different amounts depending on the area of study and whether you are eligible for Commonwealth government support.

Diploma of Event Management (SIT50316)

Study method Online

In this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of event management. Topics of study may include:

managing computer reservation systems,
customer service and customer experience
facility and amenity provision
e-commerce
legal and risk management
budgeting
bump in and bump out
people management

This course typically takes 12 months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) to complete.

Advanced Diploma of Event Management (SIT60216)

The Advanced Diploma is similar to the Diploma qualification but deepens and broadens your study. This course typically takes 18 months of full-time study (or part-time equivalent) to complete. You can complete this qualification after the Diploma course and get credit for subjects already undertaken (so it may only take 6 months to upgrade).

Bachelor of Business (Event Management)

In a bachelor’s degree focusing on event management, you’ll learn all about the theory and practice of event management in great depth. You’ll also learn about: