top of page
festival-party-event.jpg

Event Creator & Producer

​​

First things first and in case you didn't know...

​

An events producer/director is responsible for planning, organising, and executing events such as conferences, weddings, corporate functions, festivals, and exhibitions; which can all be done on a small scale, or, in Heather’s case, a very large scale.

 

Event producers oversee every element of event creation, from concept to delivery, plus post-event evaluation, and own/manage areas like budgets, logistics, marketing, staffing, and compliance with regulations to ensure events run smoothly.

 

This role can be in-house (working for a single company), agency-based (managing events for multiple clients), or indeed freelance as a ‘hired gun’ (as Heather quoted in the chat).

 

For a list of key responsibilities, see the bottom of this page.

Key skills/talents

The following are some key skills you should have if you’re looking to become an Events Manager/Director...

​

  • Organisational skills - Juggling multiple tasks and deadlines

  • Budget management - Controlling costs and maximising value

  • Communication - Liaising with clients, suppliers, and teams

  • Problem-solving - Handling last-minute changes or crises

  • Creativity - Designing unique and engaging events

  • Negotiation - Securing the best deals with venues and suppliers

  • Leadership - Managing teams and volunteers

  • Attention to detail - Ensuring nothing is overlooked

  • Networking - Building industry connections

  • Team Working skills - the ability to lead and motivate a team

  • Customer service skills to manage even the smallest (right through to the biggest) customer experience problems or queries

  • Time-management skills - the ability to work under pressure in a busy, face-paced working environment to ensure the efficient running of an event

  • Sales and marketing skills - to promote the event and attract sponsorship

  • A flexible and adaptable attitude - managing change (and sometimes chaos) is a daily occurrence in this role

  • Self-motivation and enthusiasm - to manage yourself through change, and indeed chaos!

  • Tech-savviness - Using event software (e.g. Eventbrite, Cvent)

​​

​Qualifications required

While you don’t always need a degree, relevant qualifications can boost employability. The following degree, HND or foundation degree subjects are useful:

  • Events management

  • Business and management

  • Hospitality management

  • Hotel or catering management

  • Leisure and tourism

  • Marketing

  • Sport management

 

UK universities that offer these types of BA courses are:

University of Surrey (Top-ranked for Hospitality & Events): https://www.surrey.ac.uk

Bournemouth University (Strong industry links): https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk

Leeds Beckett University (Practical event courses): https://www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Manchester Metropolitan University: https://www.mmu.ac.uk

University of West London: https://www.uwl.ac.uk

 

For a HND/Certificate/Diploma in Events Management: https://qualifications.pearson.com

 

But as always, UCAS is the best place to start with any Uni course enquiries: https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/all?query=events

 

Some shorter/quicker courses are event Planning Courses (e.g.via Event Academy, The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM): https://www.eventacademy.co.uk, plus: https://www.cim.co.uk/training/list-courses/?courseSearch=events

 

Online Learning is also possible…

https://www.futurelearn.com/search?q=events

https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=events

https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/?keywords=events

 

... As are event assistant Apprenticeships (Level 3), via The Institute of Apprenticeships or UK Governments listings:

https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeships?searchTerm=events&sort=AgeAsc

https://www.ucas.com/explore/search/apprenticeships?query=events

​

Rules and regs

Key legal requirements include:

 

Essential insurance policies include:

  • Public Liability Insurance (Covers injury/damage to third parties)

  • Employers’ Liability Insurance (If you have staff)

  • Professional Indemnity Insurance (For errors/negligence)

  • Event Cancellation Insurance (For unforeseen disruptions)

 

Below are ‘some’ insurance providers that can provide these types of cover:

​

Remuneration framework

Entry-level positions in the events industry typically pay between £18,000 and £22,000 per year. With experience, you can expect to earn (on average) between £25,000 and £30,000.

 

Event managers typically earn between £28,000 and over £40,000. Senior event managers or Directors with extensive experience and a strong track record can, of course, command the highest salaries, earning upwards of £80-100,000 for Director level involvement.

 

Salaries can vary based on location (with major cities like London often paying more), sector, employer size and type, and experience level. The type of event you work on can also impact your earnings, with music festivals, corporate events, trade shows, and exhibitions potentially offering higher pay.

 

Many roles offer additional benefits that can increase your overall compensation, such as performance-related pay, commission, bonuses, pensions, sick pay, and various types of 'time-swap' leave.


Experienced freelance event managers can often earn more than hired staff, but their work may be less stable, and they must manage the financial and marketing aspects of their business alongside the work itself and tee'ing up new work. They also won't have any of the extra benefits of employment, stated above.

​

How to get started

To break into events management, and like Heather says in the chat, start by gaining hands-on experience at events, either throw entry-level £ support, or even through volunteering. Check platforms like Do-IT Volunteering for volunteering opportunities: https://doit.life

 

Through this experience, get a feel for how events physically work/operate… Who does what? What different types of roles/teams are there? What type of role would you ideally like to do? Is it even a job/career you’d really enjoy long-term?

​

As you gain work experience, build a portfolio documenting your projects, including photos, planning documents, and testimonials. 

 

This hands-on experience should be garnered alongside any qualifications you undertake… Study in the week, work at events on the weekends, and by the end of your qualifications, you'll be able to pitch yourself, to employers, as a complete, 'hit the ground running' package.


We say it a lot, but networking is also crucial! Connections are everything in the events world, so attend industry events like the Event Production Show: https://www.eventproductionshow.co.uk, to connect with professionals.

​

Job site links

There are several excellent resources to help you find events management jobs in the UK. 

 

Look for job vacancies at:

Association of Event Organisers (AEO): https://www.aeo.org.uk/recruitment

Campaign Jobs: https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/jobs

Caterer.com: https://www.caterer.com

EventJobSearch: www.eventjobsearch.co.uk

EventCareer: www.eventcareers.co.uk

And use platforms like Upwork: https://www.upwork.com

 

If you prefer working with recruitment agencies that specialise in the events industry, consider:

ESP Recruitment: https://www.esprecruitment.co.uk

JB Recruitment: https://www.jb-recruitment.com

Live Recruitment: https://www.live-recruitment.co.uk/?source=prospects.ac.uk

Ultimate Asset: www.ultimateasset.co.uk

 

And of course, check out all the usual suspects like Indeed, Reeds and Linked In.

​

Associations or official bodies to register with

Joining professional bodies provides networking and training:

​

Progression pathway​

Event management progression will depend on the type of events you work on, the type and size of organisation you work for, how quickly you can develop the key skills and qualities needed to succeed, plus your ability to develop a strong track record, and a strong network of contacts

 

Promotion may involve moving from an Assistant post to a Coordinator, through to a Team Leader, which may include managing a small team before, during and after an event. You can then progress on to the role of Manager, then Senior Manager, Head, and Director. 

 

With experience you can take on more and more responsibility, and larger budgets, which in itself then leads to working on larger-scale, more complex events which can involve higher-profile clients.

 

In a nutshell, career progression happens either by working through the ranks where you are, or by changing employers and moving to a different, maybe even larger company. 

Some event ‘managers’ choose to specialise in specific event types, such as corporate events, conferences, or outdoor events. Or by specialising in genre, like music, film, or even cars. This enables you to become an expert in a specific field, however, it can also limit your networking possibilities.

 

Finally, you could become a ‘hired gun’ as Heather called it, and freelance event manage via consultancy, or even by (eventually) setting up your own events management business, again, like Heather did.

​

Additional Information/links

Event management responsibilities...

  • Liaise with clients to find out their exact event requirements and produce a detailed proposal (including timelines, venues, suppliers, legal obligations, staffing and budgets)

  • Research venues, suppliers and contractors, then negotiate prices and hire

  • Negotiate prices with clients and finalise the details of what is included in the package

  • Ensure clients sign their contracts and make payments on time

  • Manage suppliers and all event logistics (for example, venue, catering, travel and accommodation)

  • Liaise with sales and marketing teams to publicise and promote the event

  • Manage all pre-event planning, organising guest speakers and delegate packs

  • Coordinate suppliers, handle client queries and troubleshoot on the day of the event to ensure that all runs smoothly and to budget

  • Manage and coordinate a team of staff, giving full briefings and delegating work

  • Organise facilities for car parking, traffic control, security, first aid, hospitality and the media

  • Make sure that insurance, legal, health and safety obligations are followed

  • Oversee the dismantling and removal of the event and clear the venue efficiently

  • Produce post-event analysis and evaluation to improve future events

  • Develop and maintain ongoing good relationships with clients and suppliers

  • Research opportunities for new clients and events.

 

Useful links…

Association of Event Organisers (AEO): https://www.aeo.org.uk

bottom of page