Successful events managers need to display a number of skills during planning and on-site management of an event in order to make it a success. We have outlined our top 10 skills below which we think those looking for a long and successful career in events management need to exhibit.
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Organised
It’s obvious but it’s true! Juggling numerous events, suppliers, clients, delegates, hotel reservations, travel arrangements (the list goes on) is challenging. Being able to multi-task is key! However, the best planners have fool proof check-lists, step-by-step guides and handy tools which will assist in ensuring the organisation of an event is nailed. Amongst all of the day-to-day organising, it’s also essential that your colleagues and clients are always informed, deadlines are met, and planning documents are always up-to-date. Being organised is absolutely crucial to the role. You don’t necessarily need to be perfectly organised, naturally though there are a range of tech tools to help you manage all your lists and time while organising an event!
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Excellent Time Management
Having such a diverse workload and a variety of people to please, Events Management really puts your time management skills to the test! Knowing what to prioritise, who to respond to first and what tasks should take precedence all fall into your remit. You will learn along the way how to determine and manage this, however nailing it early on is key! If things slip or fall behind schedule it can have a domino effect on everything else, so it’s essential you master it so you can be more productive within a shorter time period.
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Keen eye for detail
Whilst our job is to look at the bigger picture, we must also be aware of every tiny detail. To make sure the event runs smoothly, we have to be aware of every eventuality and planning detail and have contingency plans for these! This is relevant to all aspects of the job, from drafting emails to clients, booking suppliers, checking programme artwork, organising table plans and organising event finance. Attention to detail is such a crucial skill.
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Energetic
Events Management can be tiring, especially whilst on-site. The hours can be long, you’re likely to be on your feet most of the day and as you’ll be client-and-delegate facing there’s no time for being tired. If energy levels remain high you can remain productive and remain on the ball at all times! Keep an energy bar on you and drink lots of water!
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Great interpersonal skills
One of the key personality traits that links people working in the events industry is great ‘people’ skills. Connecting with a range of people from various backgrounds and being able to build relationships with clients, delegates, suppliers and co-workers will be what makes you stand out from the crowd. Being able to negotiate, communicate and exude confidence in your profession are also essential skills which will benefit you along the way in your events career. One day you might be hosting a dinner for the UK’s top professors and the next, negotiating with technical staff on AV requirements.
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Flexible
Situations and original plans can change at the drop of a hat. Therefore, it’s important that you’re able to be flexible, always come up with new solutions and have a back-up plan in your locker. Be ready to deal with any situation that an event throws up at you, as there’s always a multitude of eventualities which can arise throughout the planning process and during the event itself. This means that having a solutions-based, positive attitude and a smile on your face no matter what happens.
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Fantastic listener and communicator
Having the ability to listen, learn and communicate are critical qualities which will not only help you on-site but also help you to get people on board with any new events you’re organising. Engaging with others effectively makes you more approachable when dealing with issues and also improves how well you work as part of the team.
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Creative problem solver
Planning events aren’t always straight forward, so being able to think outside of the box is vital. There’s not always huge room for creativity as company guidelines can restrict that, however there will always be a number of unexpected issues that will arise and require some creative thinking.
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Passionate
Genuine passion is something that will shine through! This cannot be faked and events management is not a role can do well in if you don’t love it – but if you have passion you well excel in events organisation. If you have a real passion for what you do it will enhance your productivity and help you overcome obstacles when they seem impossible.
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Leadership Skills
The inherent quality of being able lead people is crucial not only for the success of your events but impacts on the success of the entire team. If an individual naturally possesses strong leadership skills they can guide their team towards making excellent decisions and achieving the end goal of making all events a great success.
If you found this content useful, have some feedback or have a suggestion for future blog posts, we would love to hear from you, drop me a line at mica@cfsevents.co.uk.