In this in-depth guide, we'll take you through every step you need to know to start a career as an event manager. Whether you're a graduate, a career changer, or simply love organizing events, this guide will set you on the right path.
Before learning how to make a career out of it, let's first know what event managers do. Their work may differ according to the nature of the event and the requirements of the client, but they generally:
Plan and organize all event details
Organize budgets and schedules
Arrange venues and negotiate contracts
Coordinate vendors and suppliers
Manage logistics such as catering, audio-visuals, and décor
Supervise the event on the day-of
Fix problems and contain crises
Evaluating the success of the event later on
Here are steps to start a career in event management:
The first step is to ask yourself why you want to become an event manager. Do you enjoy organizing experiences? Do you perform well under pressure? Are you naturally organized? You'll also have to assess your soft skills. Good candidates for event management typically have:
Good communication skills
Organisational skills
Attention to detail
Leadership skills
Creative vision
Time management skills
You do not necessarily need a formal degree but, if you can obtain a qualification, this will definitely boost your credibility and know-how of the business. These are some educational courses that you can undertake:
Diploma in Event Management
Bachelor's in Hospitality Management or Marketing
Certification Courses in Event Planning
Professional short-term courses
Event planning is a very practical profession. Recruiters tend to look for experience rather than degrees. So, begin developing hands-on skills as soon as possible:
Volunteer for college or community events
Intern at an event planning company
Participate in event teams at NGOs or clubs
Support wedding coordinators or event planners
Networking plays a key role in the event management world. Jobs as event planners and freelance opportunities are acquired primarily through referrals and word-of-mouth. How you build your network is:
Go to event industry conferences and expos
Join online event planning forums online
Network with industry professionals on LinkedIn
Participate in training and workshops
Collaborate with photographers, decorators, and caterers
Besides having technical skills, event managers must also excel in various soft and hard skills. Develop the following areas:
Project Management: Take courses in software like Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Project
Budgeting: Take courses on how to manage money and save on costs effectively
Marketing: Be certified in social media and digital marketing
Negotiation: Understand how to negotiate with clients, vendors, and venues
Risk Management: Be ready for last-minute emergencies or cancellations
Client Communication: Keep them well-informed and updated on a regular basis
Now that you have experience and education, it is time to package it professionally. Your resume should reflect:
Education and certificates
Internship or volunteer work
Soft skills and hard skills
Your portfolio should include:
Great pictures and videos
Event planning papers and checklists
Client reviews or testimonials
Creative works such as theme or décor designs
From the above, you are now job-ready and can seek career opportunities in several sectors within event management, such as:
Corporate event firms
Wedding planning companies
Exhibition and trade show promoters
Entertainment and media firms
Hotel chains or resorts
Non-profit and NGOs
Government event units
The event management industry keeps evolving. Hybrid events, sustainability, AI integration, and personalization are some key trends in 2025. To keep up:
Subscribe to industry newsletters (e.g., EventMB, BizBash)
Follow event influencers and agencies on social media
Attend webinars and virtual expos
Be current with event technology and software
Read comments and reviews to improve services
Clients prefer innovative ideas. Staying current gives you the edge in client presentations and execution.
If you are not clear on the kind of events you want to niche down on, here are some of the top niches:
Corporate Events: Conferences, product launches, trade fairs
Weddings and Social Events: Weddings, anniversaries, baby showers
Concerts and Festivals: Music shows, art festivals, public celebrations
Sports Events: Tournaments, fan engagement, brand interactions
Virtual and Hybrid Events: Webinars, online get-togethers, digital expos
Starting a career in event planning does not require a perfect resume or heaps of money. What it requires is passion, willingness to learn, and a desire to get things done. It's a profession where creativity collides with logistics, where each second day is unique, and where your work makes people smile. With appropriate education, exposure, and networking, you can turn your passion for planning into a full-fledged career that is challenging yet rewarding.
If you are determined to work as an event manager, enroll for the best event management training course that provides you with the right foundation. London Crown Institute of Training offers practical event management courses that will equip you with industry-specific skills, tools, and certification. Join today and get ahead of the game in building a successful, long-term career in the event planning industry. Your event management career begins here—get started now.
