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Event Manager

Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

Job Prospects
Future growth over the next 5 years is strong.
Salary
Avg. weekly wage: $1,313
Source
Department of Employment’s Job Outlook website 2019
Brief
When you don't have the expertise or time to organise that all important function, there are professional event coordinators and managers who can assist.

Event coordinators and managers are responsible for planning and organising special events, such as parties, wedding receptions, banquets, meetings, conferences and conventions.

TAFE SA courses that may be relevant for: Event Manager

Accredited (Award)

  • Introduction

    If you've an effective organiser, interested in people and enjoy a challenge then the role of an Event Manager might appeal to you. Event managers take a leading role in organising or managing special events, these can include conventions and conferences, charity events, gala functions and tourism events and festivals.

    An effective Event Manager knows that their job is more than just managing the event on the day. They need good business skills, marketing and finance as well as an ability to lead and manage a diverse team of people. The Event Manager is responsible for organising and overseeing the event to ensure that the team performs well and the event is a success.

  • Education Requirements

    There are no specific educational requirements to become an Event Manager, however, the skills gained through undertaking the Diploma in Events are considered to be relevant.

    TAFE SA also offers a Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events Management that focus on the management and business skills necessary to become a successful manager.

    Pathways include Certificate III in Events.

    Still Unsure! Then try one of the many short courses also offered through TAFE SA. Check the website for the full list of short courses.

  • Career Path

    Events provides interesting and varied roles; many Event Managers work in venues and function centres and for professional conference organisers, professional associations, meetings and event management companies, charities and regional events.
    Because of the wide variety of work, it is difficult to determine the exact nature of future demand. Employment is largely dependent on the level of business event, tourism and economic activity.

  • Nature of the Job

    The Event Manager’s role may include venue selection and event marketing and ensuring that the client's needs can be met within their budget, with overall responsibility for the successful delivery of the event. These events can be complex and many include a great many guests or delegate. Effective business and organisational skills ensure that all aspects of the event are managed and that proceedings will run according to time specifications are the details they attend to. The Event Manager is also responsible for negotiating with suppliers such as entertainment, audio-visual, catering and decorations and arranging sponsorship for a range of different events.

  • Typical Physical Working Environment

    People working as event, function and convention coordinators agree that the most fulfilling aspect of their work, given the time and effort that's invested, is watching all of the arrangements come together smoothly. Organisation is the key to effective functions, so it goes without saying that good organisational skills are a must. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail will ensure that the client's needs are met satisfactorily. It also means that they will most likely keep you in mind when planning their next function. Event Managers tend to work in an office environment but much of their work is conducted on site at hotels and function centres. Working after hours or on the weekend is very common.

  • Typical Occupational Example

    Event Managers are usually employed by the larger hotels and convention venues and companies that specifically provide a convention or event management service.

    The Event Manager liaises regularly with the client to ensure that all of the client's requests are met and completed on time. Sourcing locations and facilities and negotiating rates, overseeing the compilation of any materials needed and taking overall responsibility for the producing the event are some of their main duties and it’s up to the Manager to work with the client to improve the event for future years.