The Secrets to Success – 5 Habits Every Event Manager Needs to Have

Have you considered the events industry as a career move after graduation? The events industry isn’t just a fast-moving and exciting global powerhouse to be a part of, it also offers great career prospects for successful individuals. From fashion to sport, festivals to exhibitions, weddings to charity – the different sectors and opportunities available in this booming industry are numerous.

But what skills do you need to make it in events? Here at The Event Academy we are proud to be the industry leaders in UK events education. Our team of expert tutors have decades of collective professional experience in event management, working with brand leaders including London Fashion Week, Glaxo Smith Klein and Ben & Jerry’s to name but a few and they’ve noticed some very distinct habits which most successful event managers seem to offer. Want to see if you have what it takes?

#1 Due Diligence (aka the devil’s in the detail)

Successful event managers are in the habit of checking details. From outline plans to intricate checklists, writing down those key actions, cross-checking with teams, detailing the overall vision to eager clients, it all requires that essential ability to pin down (and deliver) those finer details.

And of course there are the legal details involved in managing events, including licensing, public safety and security, health and safety as well as technical and local legislation – details not only to be aware of, but also adhered to.

Sounds like you? Event Academy’s Event Management Guide is a free download available through our website, which can help you identify how your habit of delving into the detail could make you a sought-after events professional.

#2 Time-tastic

Event managers have to manage multiple tasks and deadlines on a daily basis, so when it comes to getting ahead in the industry, the most successful event managers are those who are always ahead of time. At any given time. For instance, through:

• Being aware of developments in the industry and getting ahead of the game to deliver innovative and creative events. Why wait until everyone else is using the latest app or social media platform to market their event? The most pro-active event professionals will be watching the tech industry and developing their own technical production and marketing strategies well ahead of time.
• Making an early start on planning – always. From booking venues ahead of time in order to secure both the location and early-bird discounts, to picking teams early so that key personnel, speakers and entertainers can be confirmed long before the launch, being known for a habit of forward planning could prove to advance your career.
• Allowing time for exhaustive research, so that the best options for each and every part of the event can be discovered, investigated and secured at the best possible price for the budget. This allows cost-effective performance in relation to budgets and offers clients the best possible value for money – if you’re in the habit of doing this, then it’s possible to quickly build a reputation for success.

#3 Communication, collaboration and contacts

The events industry is one of those where it’s not just what you know, but also who you know when it comes to being successful.

If you have good communication skills and you’re in the habit of nurturing your professional relationships and communicating well with everyone – clients, guests, contractors, service providers and other teams – involved in each event, then this extremely helpful habit may help you get both established and then recognised in the industry.

Communication and connections really are at the heart of the events industry, and this is a message Event Academy is keen to share.

#4 Enhanced Experience

The events industry is one of the fastest developing global industries, pulsing at the speeding pace of related industries such as technology, communications, marketing, hospitality and entertainment. That’s a lot to keep up with yet every event manager is expected to hit the ground running when it comes to working in the industry, even when you’re new to it.

Training such as Event’s Academy’s Postgraduate course, complete with a 3 month work placement in the industry, not only delivers work experience relevant to the industry, but also an industry-recognised CIM-accredited qualification. It also offers a firm track record as a gateway to work in the industry, with 92% of students completing the course gaining employment in the events industry within 6 months.

Successful event managers take responsibility for educating themselves and enhancing their knowledge and practice at every opportunity, so if you’re in the habit of learning and trying new things, the events industry could offer you a whole new playground!

#5 Addicted to social media?

Ok, so your family might moan that you’re addicted to social media, but when it comes to event management, your social media ‘habit’ could lead you to success.

A social media presence is essential for successful event managers because it offers ways to:

• Establish yourself as a brand (if you’re freelancing in events).
• Start conversations and build connections about events.
• Share all aspects of events – pre, during and post – with clients, followers, attendees and others.
• Create an online presence which becomes a professional portfolio. Inviting clients and attendees to post images and tag you helps to build (and promote) your value as an event manager.
• Develop continued multi-media practice in sharing experiences. Experiential events are huge and all the time you’re ‘doing digital’ you’re creating skills and habits which enhance your practice and opportunities for success.

As we head towards the next decade, there’s never been a more exciting time to join the events industry. To gain more insights into the events industry and how you could transform from hopeful graduate to successful event manager in less than a year, download our free Event Management Guide brochure.