Event management is a complex and multifaceted career that requires a diverse range of skills and abilities. From overseeing budgets to coordinating logistics, event managers are responsible for the successful execution of events both large and small. But what are the key skills that make someone an effective event manager? Let’s explore some of the main competencies that all successful event pros need to possess or develop.
Organizational skills
Managing events requires handling many moving parts, people, and details. Strong organizational skills are essential for juggling multiple tasks, establishing systems, and managing time effectively to pull off a seamless event. Some things event managers need to organize include:
- Event schedules and timelines
- Staffing and team member duties
- Vendor and supplier responsibilities
- Set up/teardown of event spaces
- Transportation and travel logistics
- Guest and attendee RSVPs
Staying on top of all these elements takes diligent organization. Effective event pros create checklists, use scheduling tools, and set up procedures to keep everything on track. They also plan ahead to avoid any last-minute issues. Having top-notch organizational abilities is key for any event manager.
Attention to detail
Events are made up of hundreds (even thousands) of details, from the font on name badges to the room temperature of venues. The best event managers have an exceptional eye for detail. They meticulously proof any event material, closely review BEOs (banquet event orders), and inspect event venues. Catching mistakes and inconsistencies before the event prevents problems and ensures flawless execution. Having great attention to detail means:
- Proofreading event materials multiple times
- Personally contacting all vendors/suppliers before the event
- Visiting venues in advance to review layouts and requirements
- Checking in frequently with staff to verify tasks are completed
Some details may seem small, but overlooking just one can have huge consequences on the event. Effective event managers leave absolutely nothing to chance through their precise attention to detail.
Budgeting and negotiation skills
Events often have strict budgets that event managers must stick to and oversee. Planning costs, managing expenses, negotiating vendor contracts, and accounting for all financial aspects of an event are big parts of the job. Strong budgeting and negotiation skills include:
- Creating detailed budgets for all areas of an event
- Researching expenses and rates to get the best value
- Proposing discounts, incentives, and concessions when negotiating with vendors
- Seeking creative ways to deliver experiences on a budget
- Accurately managing income/expenses during the event
With budgets dictating what is possible for events, monetary abilities enable managers to strategically allocate resources. Analytical skills also allow them to review profit and loss post-event to inform future budgeting.
People and relationship skills
At their core, events are gatherings of people. So the ability to work effectively and diplomatically with others is crucial. Event managers interact with a diverse range of clients, attendees, team members, stakeholders, and vendors. Strong people skills include:
- Building rapport quickly and networking effortlessly
- Adapting communication styles to different personalities
- Giving clear direction to event teams and volunteers
- Resolving conflicts and disagreements with grace
- Anticipating client event goals and attendee needs
Event managers also employ empathy, patience, authority, and motivation to bring people together seamlessly. Managing expectations and egos diplomatically prevents problems between clients and guests. Overall, deft people skills make event managers masters of human connection.
Resourcefulness and problem-solving
The ability to think quickly and solve problems is mandatory. Event managers frequently deal with unexpected issues like:
- Double-booked venues
- Delayed suppliers
- Technical difficulties
- Inclement weather
- No-show speakers
Solving issues like these on the fly requires resourcefulness and quick thinking. Effective event managers have a ready arsenal of solutions for potential problems before they happen. And when the unexpected strikes, they react calmly, weigh options, and implement creative fixes smoothly. Resourcefulness transforms disasters into minor hiccups.
Multi-tasking abilities
By nature, overseeing events mandates handling multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously. On any given day, event managers may be:
- Onboarding new clients
- Monitoring registration
- Liaising with vendors
- Building event schedules and floorplans
- Addressing attendee questions
- Working on promotion strategies
Juggling these critical facets of events takes stellar multitasking skills. The best event managers switch between tasks quickly while avoiding drops in quality or productivity. They use time efficiently, stick to deadlines, and prevent distraction despite constant interruptions.
Team management skills
While event managers handle major responsibilities themselves, they also oversee and direct teams of staff to execute events. This requires excellent team management abilities like:
- Delegating duties clearly
- Training and onboarding
- Motivating teams
- Overseeing performance
- Providing feedback
In addition, event managers serve as point persons for all vendor- and client-related communications. They ensure adequate staffing, supervise setup/tear down, and spearhead the group. Overall, competent team management and leadership produces a cohesive, productive event squad.
Technical skills
Modern events involve a growing range of technical elements, from lighting and WiFi to sound, video, and live streaming. While event managers hire technicians and production companies, they still require some technical know-how themselves. This includes skills like:
- Assessing equipment and tech needs for events
- Providing instructions and guidance for setup
- Troubleshooting basic technical issues
- Operating common audiovisual equipment
- Incorporating technology seamlessly into events
Having a working technical knowledge helps event managers identify and avoid potential issues. Tech skills allow them to handle any problems promptly as they arise.
Creative thinking skills
Events strive to deliver unique, engaging experiences and atmospheres. While adhering to client objectives, event managers also inject their own creative thinking through elements like:
- Food and beverage options
- Theming and décor
- Entertainment
- Team building activities
- Takeaways
They also develop creative solutions for venue, budget, and other limitations. The best event pros have vision that brings events to life memorably. Their imaginative skills make events innovative standouts rather than cookie-cutter affairs.
Conclusion
Event management is far from a one-dimensional profession. The most sought-after event managers boast a varied set of skills that enable them to seamlessly oversee events from conception to completion. Technical abilities keep events running smoothly. Budgeting skills maximize resources. Creativity and problem-solving transform events into memorable experiences. And interpersonal skills bring everyone together harmoniously. By developing expertise across these key areas, event managers can thrive in this fast-paced, multifaceted career. The best event pros continue building their skills over time through education, experience, and a passion for their work. With a solid foundation of core competencies, there is no limit to the incredible events they can produce.
