In this article, we’ll explain what event management is as well as cover the best places to study events management. Whether you are looking for music events management, the best event management courses in the UK or the top universities for an event management degree in the UK, we’ve got you covered. Â
What is event management?
Event management involves the planning, organising, and execution of events such as conferences, conventions, concerts, festivals, and corporate gatherings. It encompasses various tasks and responsibilities, including budgeting, scheduling, venue selection, logistics, marketing, and on-site coordination.Â
What are the key aspects of event management?
Event management is a multifaceted field that requires a blend of creativity, organisation, and communication skills. Here’s a detailed look at the key aspects you mentioned:
Planning
This is the foundation of any successful event. It involves setting clear goals and objectives to define what the event aims to achieve. Whether it’s raising awareness for a cause, generating revenue, or celebrating a milestone, the objectives guide all subsequent planning decisions. Creating a detailed budget is crucial to ensure financial control and resource allocation throughout the event. This phase also includes outlining the event program, which involves scheduling activities, speakers, and entertainment, ensuring that the event’s content aligns with its objectives and meets the expectations of attendees.
Logistics
This aspect is all about the practical execution of the event plan. It includes selecting and booking the right venue that accommodates the event’s size, type, and technical requirements. Logistics management also covers arranging transportation and accommodation for attendees, particularly for large or international events. It extends to managing vendor contracts for services such as catering, security, and equipment rental. Effective logistics management ensures that every physical aspect of the event is coordinated and runs smoothly.
Marketing and Promotion
This is key to attracting attendees, sponsors, and media attention. It involves developing a marketing strategy that may include online and offline advertising, public relations, and community engagement. The goal is to create buzz and anticipation for the event, ensuring it reaches the intended audience. Marketing efforts should highlight the event’s unique value proposition, showcasing why it’s worth attending. For music events, this might involve promoting the lineup, the venue, or the overall experience. Tactics could include social media campaigns, email marketing, influencer partnerships, and early-bird ticket offers.
On-site Management
This is where planning and preparation meet execution. On-site management involves overseeing the event in real time, ensuring everything runs according to the plan. This includes managing staff and volunteers, and ensuring they understand their roles and responsibilities. Technical aspects, such as sound, lighting, and presentation equipment, need to be managed to avoid any hitches. It’s also about being prepared to handle any unforeseen issues or emergencies. Ensuring that the event schedule is adhered to is crucial for maintaining flow and attendee satisfaction.
Each of these aspects is crucial for the success of an event and requires a thorough understanding and careful handling to ensure that the event meets its objectives, satisfies participants, and leaves a lasting positive impression.
For more tips read our 6 Must-Have Skills for Event Management blog
Event management career opportunities
A career in event management can open up a variety of opportunities in different fields. Here are some career paths that can stem from experience in event management:
- Corporate Event Planning: You can work within a corporation to organise corporate meetings, conferences, retreats, and holiday events. This role often requires strong organisational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Wedding Planning: Specialising in weddings allows you to focus on a niche market, requiring creativity, patience, and excellent communication skills to deal with clients and various vendors.
- Event Marketing and Promotion: This involves marketing events to the right audience and might include social media campaigns, email marketing, and partnership development.
- Music Event Management: Working in the music industry to produce concerts, festivals, and other live music events. This can be a high-pressure but exciting field requiring coordination with artists, vendors, and venue management.
- Non-Profit Event Management: Organising fundraising events and community outreach programs for non-profit organisations. This role often requires a passion for the cause and the ability to work with limited resources.
- Venue Management: Managing a venue like a conference centre, theatre, or concert hall, including booking events, overseeing event set-up and tear-down, and maintaining the facility.
- Catering Services Management: Overseeing the catering aspect of events, which requires knowledge of food and beverage management as well as coordination with chefs, suppliers, and clients.
- Tourism and Hospitality Management: Working with tourism boards, hotels, and travel companies to create events that attract tourists, which often requires a blend of marketing, event planning, and customer service skills.
Each of these paths requires a unique set of skills and offers different challenges and rewards. Event management experience, with its focus on organisation, coordination, budgeting, and creative problem-solving, can be a strong foundation for success in any of these areas.
The best event management course in the UK
- BA Event Management at the University of Derby
- BA Festival and Entertainment Management at Sheffield Hallam
- BA Event Management and Tourism at the University of Hertfordshire
- MSc International Events Management at the University of Surrey
- MA International Events Management at the University of Greenwich
- MA Events & Experience Management at Goldsmiths, University of London
BA Event Management at the University of Derby
Offers all-around managerial skills, practical experience, and field trips, with an optional placement year or summer internship. Provides a general overview of diverse events such as business conferences, weddings, trade fairs, and music festivals. Emphasises practical projects and coursework over written exams. Includes a year in industry for gaining practical experience.
BA Festival and Entertainment Management at Sheffield Hallam
Focuses on managing large outdoor events and offers practical experience in delivering festivals or live entertainment experiences. Involves a consultancy project with an external partner in the final year.
BA Event Management and Tourism at the University of Hertfordshire
Combines event management with tourism, offering real-world case studies and the opportunity to visit overseas destinations.
MSc International Events Management at the University of Surrey
Includes business skills, specialist modules, and the opportunity to run a live event as part of a small management team.
MA International Events Management at the University of Greenwich
Utilises a variety of assessment methods, including class presentations, tests, essays, and a dissertation.
MA Events & Experience Management at Goldsmiths, University of London
Offers optional modules across three departments, with close links to the creative and cultural industries.
Where to study event management course online
Various providers like UK Professional Development Academy LTD and Discover Training offer online event management courses with CPD certification, covering different levels of diplomas. These courses are often self-paced and offer tutor support.
The courses mentioned offer certifications at various levels, including CPD accreditation, ensuring the quality and recognition of the qualifications.
Study Music Events Management at BCE
If you’re interested in events management and want to pave the way for a degree in events management, study events management at BCE, one of the UK’s biggest and best creative colleges, where hands-on experience meets insightful learning.Â
Take a look at our Music Events Management course to learn more about the opportunity that awaits you.
