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Useful experience for event managers includes:

• public relations and marketing work
• media or communications work
• work in the hospitality, tourism or outdoor education industries
• theatre, music or film work
• project management and administration.

Event managers may do some or all of the following:

• develop concepts for an event
• work closely with clients, contractors, staff and volunteers
• train volunteers
• create plans and documentation for the event
• work out and manage a budget for the event
• book the venue or venues, and event equipment
• promote and market the event to media and relevant target groups
• oversee the running of the event
• deal with enquiries about the event
• organise funding, sponsorship and ticketing for the event
• evaluate the event and process.

Multi-skilled, qualified events managers in demand

Demand for event managers to work for local authorities and private companies is good. Your chances of getting a job are best if you have:

• event management, public relations and marketing skills
• hands-on, practical experience
• a tertiary qualification related to event management. 

According to the Census, 3,888 event managers worked in New Zealand in 2018.

Types of employers varied

Event managers can work on short-term projects or be permanent employees. They may work for:

• event management and conference management companies
• large corporate organisations
• local government bodies such as city and district councils
• charities and not-for-profit organisations
• sporting organisations
• educational institutions such as universities.

Some event managers are self-employed, for example as wedding planners.

NZ Events Association (NZEA)

027 467 4564 - info@nzea.co - nzea.co

ServiceIQ

0800 863 693 - intel@serviceiq.org.nz - www.serviceiq.org.nz

Event managers may progress to start their own business, or work as directors of event management companies.

Event managers may also move into:

• venue management
• fundraising
• charity or not-for-profit management
• event marketing
• project management.

In some larger event management companies there are opportunities to specialise in areas such as:

• event logistics
• event fundraising and sponsorship
• event marketing and communications
• event administration.

Some event managers specialise in organising weddings.

• Project manager job information

Event managers need to be:

• creative, imaginative and adaptable
• confident, enthusiastic and motivated
• excellent at planning, organising and decision making
• good at negotiating
• experts in writing and communication
• able to pay attention to detail
• able to work well under pressure.