What Is Event Management?

One of the most commonly asked questions people ask when meeting someone new is, “What do you do for a living?” When you say something like event management, people are typically confused and start asking questions like, “oh so you’re a party planner?” So what does event management mean? In the event planning profession, there is no end to the number of job titles and how people apply them.

While very closely related, event management and event planning are two very different functions. The biggest difference between these two words: management and planning. In straightforward terms, event managers manage the event, and event planners plan the event. That being said, event managers may also plan aspects of events, and event planners may manage certain components of the event planning process. That is why event managers and event planners work side by side, and their responsibilities may overlap. To make things even more confusing, individual event planners often provide event management services, and event managers may also offer event planning services. If all of this has you scratching your head, then let’s start by taking a close look at event management.

Event management involves creating and developing large-scale events which might include conferences, conventions, concerts, trade shows, festivals, and ceremonies. Event management involves identifying the target audience, formulating the event concept, planning the overall logistics of the event and conducting project management of the event as a whole. This might include managing the teams of people responsible for each function, the budget, and overseeing the execution of the event. Event managers also supervise the services of all outside vendors and professionals, which includes event planners.

Specific responsibilities of an event manager might include:

• Selecting and reserving venues
• Marketing and Promotion
• Coordinating outside vendors
• Engaging speakers or entertainment
• Arranging for transportation and parking
• Obtaining necessary permits and appropriate insurance
• Compliance with health and safety standards
• Developing emergency contingency plans
• Crisis and situation management at the event
• Designing a security plan
• Monitoring of the event

This list is by no means complete. Depending on the scope of the event and the other hired professionals, the job responsibilities may vary.

Event management firms are frequently hired to plan and execute large-scale company meetings and special events. While weddings and concerts are common events for an event management professional, sporting events, reunions, and large parties are also occasions that can benefit from event management.

Government entities, nonprofits, associations, and corporations all utilize event management companies to coordinate important events and meetings. The event management function can often be found within a corporate marketing or public relations department or as part of their special events staffing.

As with most event planning functions, event management requires excellent organizational skills to succeed. The ability to multitask and juggle many moving parts is essential and, along with that top-notch organization comes the need for efficient time management skills.

Being able to prioritize and stay on task is what leads to a successful event. Event management begins with the process of creating a vision for the event and then seeing it through to execution, which calls for both creativity and flexibility.

Because project management is a key element and involves managing not only functions but teams of people, interpersonal skills are also important. Interaction with individuals at all levels of an organization is part of the job and having stellar communication skills and being comfortable and personable will go a long way in developing those relationships.