Event organization is a real profession. You have to look for venues, issue invitations to tender, maintain good relations with suppliers, manage communication with customers, draw up contracts, manage budgets... These projects couldn't come to fruition without the expertise of a professional. The event manager is present at every stage of an event. Responsible for creating unforgettable memories and turning long-awaited moments into reality, he or she ensures the success of the event and the implementation of every task (design, preparations, logistics). Whether working for an events agency or any other type of company, the manager ensures that the customer can focus on the event itself. Let's take a look at the various aspects of this job: missions, qualities and skills, career development and salary. 

The events manager's role is to organize events from A to Z. Product launches, sporting events, business meetings, music festivals, gala evenings... the programs are numerous. This expert comes up with ideas to make the moment unique and to hold the attention of customers or the media. Upstream, he organizes meetings with his teams to define needs and objectives. To be successful in this job, the events manager needs to be passionate, creative and attentive to detail.

The tasks of the events manager are varied:

• Defining event characteristics 
• Organization and facilitation of meetings with customers to define event needs and objectives. 
• Creation of specifications. 
• Management and enrichment of a database of industry contacts, suppliers and event venues. 
• Draw up and negotiate a budget.
• Contribute expertise and creativity regarding the means and tools to be mobilized (programs, digital communication, management of social networks, brochures, sending invitations, writing articles, posters).
• Proposals and advice for project implementation.
• Planning the various tasks required to carry out the event. 

Commercial and administrative management of the event : 

• Selection and supervision of service providers (caterers, florists, decorators, activity managers).
• Coordination of all stages of event organization (choice of venues, speakers). 
• Compliance with deadlines and contractual obligations. 
• Organization and supervision of procurement and logistics.
• Proposal of a communication plan. 
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements for the entire event.
• Be present on the day of the event to ensure that everything runs smoothly (Internet access, checkroom management, room layout, guest badges, etc.).
• Propose solutions to malfunctions.

Measuring the impact of the event : 

• Management of customer feedback collection and analysis: satisfaction measurement. 
• Draw up a financial statement for the event (purchases and expenses).
• Measure the impact of the event with appropriate tools.
• Communicate with the customer on the benefits and success of the event. 
• Identify areas for improvement for future events.

The activities of event managers vary according to the size of the company in which they work. Indeed, it can play a role in determining the number of events to be organized and the budget associated with each. Depending on the project, the actions to be carried out will be more or less versatile. The company's communication target also changes the role of the event manager. A sporting event for the general public and a corporate team-building experience are two very different occasions. The communication plan, the means and tools to be deployed, and the budget will all be unique. Working in a communications agency, the professional can juggle a variety of simultaneous events. It's essential that they can identify the specific objectives of each client.

These are the undeniable qualities of an events manager: 

• Creativity and a taste for innovation Whatever the type of event, the public is looking for an exclusive experience, in line with market trends.
• Sense of detail The final result of an event project must be impeccable and in line with the customer's vision. The company's image is at stake, so we have to be rigorous, forward-thinking and think of every detail. 
• Organized The event manager is an organized person, able to work in a team and give directions. 
• Ability to work on several projects in parallel Multitasking: project and event managers are faced with the art of managing several projects at once. Knowing how to prioritize, plan, communicate effectively and deal with the unexpected is a must.
• Adaptability Even when everything is planned, the unexpected can happen. The person in charge is highly adaptable, able to bounce back and propose solutions to his or her team. 
• Ability to work to tight deadlines The event manager's working hours are often irregular. They don't count their time, deadlines are often tight and they have to meet them.
• Leadership The candidate must be able to act as a leader and delegate responsibilities to meet quality expectations. He/she must be able to make proposals and convince others. 
• Ability to follow and anticipate trends in event planning, design and production, proactively identifying and resolving crisis situations and operational difficulties. 

Relational skills The event manager works closely with a team of event planners, marketing and communications professionals, the company director, as well as service providers and suppliers.

The job of event manager requires a wide range of skills: 

• Budget control by sector.
• Customer market intelligence (events sector watch): new suppliers, new venues, trends...
• Knowledge of sales and negotiation techniques.
• Knowledge of contract drafting techniques and legal concepts. 
• Knowledge of techniques for writing sales proposals and responding to invitations to tender. 
• Proficiency in office software.  
• Fluency in English.

To become an event manager, you can follow a variety of training courses, such as communications or marketing. After the BAC, students can turn to a business school or a school specialized in the sector of their choice. Here are some possible directions: 

Training at BAC+2 or 3 level: 

• BTS with a specialization in events and communications.
• DUT in information and communication. 
• Professional degree in communications and events. 

Training at BAC+4 / 5 level: 

• Master's degree in communications, marketing or event production.
• Diploma from the Institute of Political Studies.
• Diploma from a business or communications school, specializing in event communications or event management. 

In the luxury sector, for example, events play a fundamental role in building and reinforcing the image of a luxury brand. It is a means of communication and artistic expression that enables the brand to differentiate itself and create strong relationships with its target audience. To continue your studies in the luxury and fashion sector, we recommend you enroll at ISAL Paris, which trains students in fashion professions and luxury. This Paris-based institute offers a range of professional training courses, including sandwich courses and internships. 

Visit Master's degree in communication and branding is the ideal way to become an event manager. It enables you to gain a number of skills: 

• define and implement a digital strategy, 
• fashion culture and digital management, 
• fashion and luxury event communication (fashion event design workshop), 
• know how to analyze fashion and luxury market trends,
• manage and steer web projects, 
• master the strategic management of digital companies.

During the two years of study, students take part in conferences and other industry events.

After graduating, students can go on to organize fashion and luxury events, or seize other opportunities (cultural and sporting events, for example). Event managers generally work in agencies. They may go on to become head of an events department within a large company, or communications director. Once they've acquired the necessary experience, they can set up their own business in Paris or the provinces.

An events project manager can earn between €2500 and €3000 gross per month. After several years in the job, their salary can rise to €45,000 gross per year.