How to get into the Events organiser business

At Live Recruitment, we get asked hundreds of questions

every day –

so we’ve decided to publish some of the most interesting events careersquestions and answers.

Q. I’m 20 and I’m interested in

becoming an events organiser, but have no idea how to get

started.

A. The events and exhibitions industry is growing very rapidly,

so people with personality, drive and enthusiasm can often get in on the ground

floor.

Major firms tend to recruit as vacancies

arise, while the smaller organisers who make

up most of the industry are usually looking for people who can hit the

ground running.

There are three major areas in the events organiser business:

sales marketing operations

Each requires different skills.

There are many event management courses out there, but you don’t need

formal qualifications to enter the industry.

If you don’t have experience, you should

expect to start in a junior position.

But if you’re motivated, able to achieve results consistently,

don’t get too flustered by tight deadlines, and work well as part of a team, your career

can quickly take off.

The events industry thrives on networking, so contacts count.

Visiting some of the big public shows and speaking to the organisers is always a good

move.

Work experience can be very useful when looking for your

first position and it’s up to you to approach companies and

find a placement.

Timing can be crucial: if an employer gets an application a few weeks before a big show, they may well need an extra

pair of hands.

If you’re good, who knows where it could lead.

You should start by looking at the range and type of roles

being advertised on this site. Go here for events jobs

If you’re planning to gain a qualification, take a look at

www.ucas.com or www.learndirect.co.uk.

The Association of Event Organisers website can also give you an idea of what’s

going on.

You’re also welcome to phone us for a chat on

0121 234 7788: we have loads of inside knowledge, and may be able to get you an introduction to work in

events. Good luck!

Image credits

Slide 1: http://www.strangehistory.net/2011/04/24/immortal-champagne-toast/Slide 2: http://marcusfalcon.com/about-snohomish-county/questions-and-answers-page/