How to become an events manager
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
University
A degree is not essential for this role but you may have an advantage if you have a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.
Particularly relevant subjects include:
- events management
- marketing
- communications
- hospitality management
- leisure and tourism
- business management
University courses that include work placements will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
There is no set entry route to become an events manager so many courses would be acceptable. You can gain particularly relevant skills and knowledge through courses like:
- Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning
- Level 3 Certificate in Event Management
- Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion
Some travel and tourism courses may also include an events planning option.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could get started in the conference and events industry through the following apprenticeships:
- events assistant advanced apprenticeship
- hospitality management higher apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as an admin or marketing assistant and work your way up through training and promotion.
Companies that would be good to work at include conference management, marketing or public relations.
Volunteering
Volunteer work as a crew member at large events or exhibitions can be a good way to get experience, build contacts in the industry and get to know about vacancies that go unadvertised.
To find volunteering opportunities:
- follow conference and events organisations on social media
- look out for news of events in your local area
- search Do IT
Direct Application
You can apply directly if you can show you have a lot of experience working in areas like public relations, marketing or hospitality.
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Career tips
Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills like organising, budget management and marketing.
It may be especially useful to get any experience you can gain in industries like:
- hotel conference and banqueting
- travel
- sales
- PR
- fundraising
Professional and industry bodies
Find training opportunities and make industry contacts through organisations like:
Further information
You can find out more about becoming an events manager from: