{"id":8380,"date":"2022-08-10T08:00:17","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T08:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/?p=8380"},"modified":"2023-05-29T14:51:20","modified_gmt":"2023-05-29T14:51:20","slug":"what-is-event-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adamchristing.com\/blog\/what-is-event-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Back to Basics: What is Event Management?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Remember those<\/span> career aptitude tests<\/span><\/a> we used to take in school? I know I do!<\/span><\/p>\n

Sometimes the results would list a job you didn’t even know existed…<\/span><\/p>\n

Event management is one of those careers that lots of people don’t fully understand. But depending on your skill set, <\/span>it could be a perfect fit<\/b>!<\/span><\/p>\n

I’m here to explain the basics of what event management is as I’ve had the chance to work with many as an event emcee<\/a>. By the time we’re done, you may be inspired to pursue this career. Let’s dive in!<\/b><\/p>\n

See Related:\u00a0The Boss’ Guide to Improving Employees’ Work-Life Balance<\/a><\/p>\n

#1: The Definition of Event Management<\/b><\/h2>\n

Depending on who you ask, the name “event management” can shift. Job titles can look different too. However, the job is still the same:<\/span><\/p>\n

Event management is the process of supervising the logistics that take an event from conceptualization to reality.<\/b><\/p>\n

Think about a party you went to recently.<\/b><\/h3>\n

How did you know what time to arrive? Or where the party was being held? What to bring? What to wear?<\/span><\/p>\n

When you got there, was there food? Was music playing? Were there<\/span> games<\/span><\/a> or activities set up? Trash cans? Whoever put all of that together managed that event.<\/span><\/p>\n

Contrary to popular belief, this is not the same as what event planners do.<\/b><\/h3>\n

Event planners visualize the concept<\/b> of the event. Think about the Met Gala – an event planner helps<\/span> Anna Wintour<\/span><\/a> concoct the annual theme. <\/span>Event managers do the leg work to produce the event itself.<\/b><\/p>\n

Event management in the digital age<\/b><\/h3>\n

These days, event management involves studying best practices for all types of events. I’ll tell you what I mean.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not only are we in a digital age, we are still experiencing the effects of COVID-19. Therefore, <\/span>many venues are still opting for virtual events<\/b>. Others choose a hybrid event to reach more people.<\/span><\/p>\n

No matter the event type, a successful event manager understands what needs to be done.<\/b><\/h4>\n

For example, virtual event management may require more event tech preparation. Or perhaps gift baskets will be sent to the homes of those who attend the virtual event. <\/span>Event managers must be quick learners and ready to adapt to any type of event.<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Four<\/span>#2: The Job Responsibilities of an Event Manager<\/b><\/h2>\n

Think you’ve got what it takes to run logistics on an event? Let’s talk turkey!<\/span><\/p>\n

Zooming out: project management<\/b><\/h3>\n

An effective project manager – and master of ceremonies at that<\/a> – knows how to<\/span> juggle<\/span><\/a> many balls at once. <\/span>It can be helpful to think of event management as a three-ring circus, actually.<\/b><\/p>\n

In one ring, you have the pre-event planning.<\/b><\/h4>\n

We’re talking about invitations. Decorations. Venue reservations. RSVPs. Gift bags. Catering. Music. Photography. Lighting. Tech. The list goes on and on.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the next ring, you have the event itself.<\/b><\/h4>\n

Ask yourself: are guests having a good time? Do they have everything they need? Are emergency exits well-marked? Is parking seamless? What will make guests want to come to your next event?<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, you have the post-event responsibilities.<\/b><\/h4>\n

This is the part many people forget about. But caring for guests post-event is absolutely vital. Sending out guest surveys. Distributing raffle and auction prizes. Settling bills. Returning equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are a great multitasker, you would probably make a great event manager.<\/b><\/p>\n

\"Event<\/span>Don’t skimp on the details<\/b><\/h3>\n

Successful event managers<\/a> are<\/span> detail-oriented<\/b>. You need to see the big picture, of course. But the tiny little details that get you there? Super important.<\/span><\/p>\n

Event managers need to keep <\/b>highly detailed lists<\/b> so they can follow up on everything, including:<\/b><\/h4>\n