Top One of the most popular careers in the field of communication is Event Management. Like in other similar careers, like PR and advertising, this job entails a lot of hype.
Since the success of such work depends on public interest, all means are employed to do so. However, even though the perks involved are great, a lot of hard work goes into event management.
From music concerts to road shows, from birthday parties to wedding receptions, it is all part of the event managers’ job profile to make successes out of them.
Initially, event management was a big city phenomenon, but now, it is becoming increasingly common to find numerous organisations even in small towns in the interiors of the country.
It is interesting to note that, inspite of all this, no specialist school for event management exists in the country
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As an event manager, your basic job is to create an event from scratch. However, the nature of the event depends on the client who hires you. For instance, if your client is a corporate giant, then the event can range from a product launch to conferences, etc. Other events include press conferences, promotions, marriages, theme parties, music concerts, road shows, etc. The size of the show determines the amount of effort that goes in.
Event managers have to start working at least two months in advance as far as major events are concerned. Most companies approach event managers with a vague idea and budget in mind. It is then entirely up to the event manager to develop, improvise and turn the idea into reality.
For instance, if a company wants to organise a music concert featuring UB40, it is the event managers’ responsibility to get in touch with the group, convince them to do the show, book dates, co-ordinate between performers and sponsors, book the venue and get legal permission, etc.
Once the basic framework has been finalised, event managers begin coordinating with sponsors and performers, arranging travel, security and accommodation for the stars. They also have to supervise ticket and stage designs, arrange music, sound and lights and look into those numerous details that go into making a rock concert or music show successful.
Security is another big issue that is dealt with by event managers. Bad security could ruin a perfectly well organised event. Unwanted people, stampedes, fights and harassment to performers are a few things event managers have to tackle during public events.
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Event management is one profession that requires no prerequisite qualifications. Easy as it may sound, starting off may take a while as this industry thrives on contacts.
Promotion Coordination
Most youngsters start off as Promotion Coordinators - the lowest rung of the ladder - and work their way to the top. Being hired as a Promotion Coordinator isn't a problem. They are normally hired on a freelance basis and work at ground level. All one has to do is approach an event management company and ask them if there's anything one could do for a particular event.
Their job generally consists of distributing pamphlets, circulating and putting up banners and creating awareness. Promotion coordinators are normally college students and can earn anything between Rs 500 to Rs 1000 a day.
Event Coordination
The next step is Event Coordination. Event Coordinators normally work for event management companies and supervise promotion coordination. They make sure that everything's being done according to plan. Getting hired as an Event Coordinator isn't that easy and references help.
It is not necessary to start off as a Promotion Coordinator - one could start off directly as Event Coordinator if you manage to get a break.
The best way to start off would be to take up a job as an intern with an event management company and gain experience. One could work for a few months, learn the ropes and then start one's own company or freelance.
The ideal way to start off would be to work for someone, make contacts and then start your own company. You need an initial investment of at least Rs 5-10 lakhs to start off.
Event Managers have a lot to look out. Experience is important and presence of mind is the only thing that works when situations get sticky. Being stood up by caterers, artistes, performers or Project Coordinators is every Event Manager's nightmare. This is where experience comes in. The trick is to keep your cool and manage as many things as possible. Remember, the show must go on.
Requirement Top Requirement
You don't need much to start off as an Event Manager. Although education would be an advantage, it isn't altogether necessary. However, good organisational skills and public relations are a must.
Event Managers have to be very accommodating and tolerant of all the responsibilities on his shoulder. Also, one cannot afford to lose one's cool. And a smile on one's face is indispensible - especially when dealing with clients.
Since the success of one's company depends on, among other things, word of mouth publicity from clients, bad reception would mean losing clients to competitors.
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Event coordinators can earn anything between Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000, depending on the company they work for. Becoming an Event Manager entails earning a whole lot more. Though it is not that easy, if you start your own company, the returns will be even higher.
Small-time event managers who handle only birthday parties and corporate events could earn anything between Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 once they are established. In fact, the ultimate ambition of every event manager is to start his/her own company. However, don't expect much if you've just started off and be grateful for the experience you get.
Experience counts and you can demand a lot more if you've been in the profession for a few years. Experienced event coordinators earn anything between Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 a month. Established firms that handle mega events, such as rock shows and concerts, are entitled to 10% to 20% of the entire profit. That could mean anything between Rs 1.5 lakhs to Rs 5 lakhs per event.
Employment Top
Most Event Management companies have an in-house staff of about 30 to 40 people and prefer hiring freelance Event Coordinators and artistes as and when needed.
For big events such as concerts, most event management companies rope in smaller companies on a sub-contract basis.
It is the job of these smaller firms to look after individual details such as music, catering, security or advertising, depending on the contract.
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There is only one institute in the country so far that offers Event Management, the National Institute of Event Management in Mumbai.
The institute offers a one-year diploma course. For details, contact,
National Institute of Event Management
7, Avon Arcade
D.J. Road
Vile Parle (West)
Mumbai 56.
Other than this, there are no institutes that specifically offer courses in Event Management.
A diploma in mass communications might help you get an edge over the others if you apply for a job at an event management company.
Other institutes that offer courses that might be of help:
Indian Institute of Mass Communications,
JNU Campus,
New Delhi
Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA),
Shela,
Ahmedabad
Website: http://www.mica-india.net
Symbiosis Institute of Journalism and Communications,
Atur Center,
Plot No. 417,
Gokhale Cross Road,
Model Colony,
Pune,
India 411 016
Phone: 91-212-374150,
TeleFax: 91-212-375953
Email: sitm@giaspn01.vsnl.net.in
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research,
Vidyavihar,
Mumbai 400 077
Phone: 91-22-514 7265, 91-22-515 6583 Website: http://www.qlcomm.com/somaiya
Narsee Mohnjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS),
Opposite Mithibai College,
V L Mehta Road,
JVPD Scheme,
Vile Parle (West),
Mumbai 400 056
Phone: 91-22-614 3177