How To Become An Event Manager (Planner) In Australia?

Do you have good communication, people management, and logistics skills? Then, you make an ideal candidate to pursue an event manager career.

Event managers coordinate and execute various promotional, social, and business events with other event planners or coordinators.

You do not require any standard qualification to pursue this profession in Australia. However, completing a Bachelor of Business (Event Management) or a Diploma in Event Management will help you gain industry knowledge and improve your employability for the job.

This article is your go-to guide to becoming an event manager in Australia. From work responsibilities, qualifications, courses, salary, careers, and job prospects, you will learn everything you need to accomplish your dream of becoming an event manager.

1. Who Is an Event Manager?

Event managers plan, manage and run various events for different occasions. These include festivals, weddings, banquets, parties, conventions, seminars, trade shows, conferences, exhibitions, concerts, corporate meetings, incentive trips, funerals and more.

With exemplary communication and project management skills, they manage the entire event management process from the planning phase to its execution and the post-event evaluation phase.

Throughout the event, they ensure that the target audience remains engaged and the event's message is conveyed correctly to all the attendees.

2. Who Is An Event Planner?

Event planners are small-scale project managers who plan, coordinate and run various events while meeting creative, organisational, legal, logistical, and technical event requirements.

They recognise the target group of the event, offer creative ideas, and work out the plan. They take care of every aspect of event execution, from event concept design and brand integration to budgeting, execution, and marketing.

Event planners are also responsible for getting the required permits and coordinating with the following stakeholders: decorators, DJs, venue owners, event managers, entertainers, caterers, speakers, and security agents to ensure the successful execution of the event.

They also ensure proper arrangements for parking and transportation to facilitate joining the event.

Being good decision-makers, they develop new solutions for all likely scenarios.

3. What Is The Difference Between an Event Manager and an Event Planner?

The job titles are very much similar, with hardly any distinction. The skill sets required in event management and event planning overlap.

In several companies, event managers work as event planners and vice versa.

Based on how companies define these positions, event managers work on large-scale events and manage event-day tasks. In contrast, event planners are primarily involved in the work that goes into the pre-planning of the event.

Event Planner

An event planner engages with clients from the starting phase to determine the original event concept and key work details for its execution. 

They ensure that all the requirements are in place to execute the event per the client's objectives.

Event Manager

An event manager monitors every segment of the event execution to ensure that everything is working as per the plan. 

They act as crisis management to resolve any obstacles or hindrances that may come up while running an event.

They coordinate with the client, staff, entertainers, vendors, and the venue to ensure everything goes on schedule and event attendees have a pleasurable experience.

4. Roles And Responsibilities Of An Event Manager

The event management process comprises five stages, each composed of multiple tasks. 

An event manager often handles different stages for several events at a given time:

• Research, set objectives, and assess event feasibility

• Select the suitable event theme and design 

• Focus on the event details for a successful execution

• Execute an Event

• Engage in guest communications and team meeting post-event execution

The Following Are The Typical Duties of an Event Manager:

• Communicate with clients to establish the goals and schedule of the event.

• Research elements concerning the event, such as lighting, audio-visual equipment, catering, venue, decoration, the display of signage, security, availability of transportation and parking, etc.

• Make sure that event personnel is recruited, supervised, and instructed.

• Monitor the event and resolve issues that may arise during the event execution.

• Respond to the queries of people and guests about the planned event.

• Advertise scheduled events to achieve maximum presence and attendance for the event.

• Find and secure suitable venues based on the event type.

• Coordinate and negotiate with clients to arrive at a mutually agreed event budget and schedule.

5. Tasks And Duties of an Event Planner

An event planner performs the following tasks daily:

• Meet clients to get clarity on the type and objective of the event.

• Plan the event details, such as the invitee list, place, date, seating, food, and transportation.

• Arrange the desired services and products such as entertainment, flowers and other decoration, food, AV equipment, photography, lighting etc.

• Keep clients informed about the event's progress and obtain necessary approvals at each event planning and execution stage.

• Visit event venues to check whether or not they fulfil the event requirements and standards.

• Evaluate invoices and ease payments.

• Plan and execute events as per the time frame and budget.

• Negotiate an event contract with several 3rd parties.

• Adhere to safety, legal, and health obligations.

• Promote and advertise the event.

6. Skills To Become An Event Manager/Event Planner

The following are the common skills that employers seek in an event manager/event planner:

• Able to manage finances well

• Detail-orientated

• Passion for organising and conducting events

• Dedication

• Able to develop positive relationships with clients, vendors etc.

• Time management

• Effective Communication

• Organisation

• Efficient

• Creativity and Innovation

• Good customer service and negotiation skills

• Professionalism

• Adaptability and Flexibility

• Solution-oriented approach

• Preparedness to deal with emergencies effectively

• Computer literacy

• Multitasker

• Able to stay calm and composed under pressure

• Able to prioritise tasks

• Problem-solving skills

• Team player 

• Team management skills

• Likes staying updated with new developments and trends in the event industry

7. Qualifications For an Event Manager/Event Planner In Australia

No standard qualification is needed to work as an Events Manager in Australia. 

However, aspiring event managers should obtain a degree or diploma in event management. Alternatively, in Public Relations (PR), hospitality management, or marketing to get an in-depth overview of this industry and boost their job prospects.

• 18 and above

• Year 10 education

• Complete a full-time three years Bachelor of Business (Event Management) qualification or a 1-year Diploma of Event Management course (SIT50316). 

• Those interested in taking their career to the next level can consider completing a Master of Management (Tourism and Event Management). 

• It will help them gain advanced knowledge of event management and qualify for senior roles in event management, tourism, and the hospitality sector.

8. Steps To Become an Event Manager In Australia

If you have decided to make a career in event management, then the following steps will help:

Step 1: Study Event Management

The first step to becoming an event manager is understanding the different aspects of event management.

A qualification in event management, PR, media and communications, hospitality management, sales and marketing and other related fields will help develop your knowledge and skills in organisation, logistics, creative process management and more.

Step 2: Create your Event Portfolio

Those who want to know how to become an event manager without a degree should start working as a volunteer and learn to organise events. 

Participate in more and more events and build your event portfolio. As a starter, getting into the event industry is challenging. Still, with an impressive portfolio, you can stand out from the crowd and enhance your chances of job success.

Several non-profit organisations look for hard-working and capable volunteers. 

The best of volunteering is that you get an opportunity to work in different types of events, such as social, corporate, and promotional events. This will help you understand your area of interest and specialisation.

Suppose you needed help to get a volunteering role. In that case, you can also find work in a related field, like a catering agency or a flower shop, to get the gist of event planning. 

List your job-specific works in the portfolio, as it gives your potential employers an overview of your talent and capabilities, speeding up your chances of landing a job.

Step 3: Networking and Self-Promotion

At this stage, you have relevant qualifications and a solid portfolio. What is left now is to market your talent and promote yourself either personally by visiting event management firms or applying to event management jobs online.

Online job portals help job seekers where they can upload their portfolio and resume for interested employers. They can view and shortlist suitable candidates matching their job requirements.

Also, build a solid online presence by registering on social media networking sites and joining social groups related to event management. It is an excellent opportunity to network with people and stay updated on career opportunities nearby.

Another good way to connect is to attend networking seminars, events, and online communities. Try out all the ways to promote yourself and stay patient.

Step 4: Continue Improving

Event management is a vast and varied industry, and it isn't possible to master all areas. 

The pathway to excel in this profession is by specialising in a specific field. So, by the time you don't get a job, you can hone your existing skills and get specialised in your chosen area.

Obtain more knowledge through books, or attend event management conferences, seminars and events. Keep improving your skillset while keeping an eye on your competitors and staying updated on industry trends.

You can refer to the following useful national resources:

• General Event Planning Resources 

• Meetings & Events

• Cvent (Free Training)

• Bizzabo

• Tourism Training Australia

9. Steps To Become An Event Manager (Planner) In Australia

Do you like planning and executing events and are serious about turning your interest into a career? If yes, here are the event management career steps to achieve your dream.

Step 1: Earn Qualifications

You don't need formal qualifications to become an event planner in Australia. However, completing event management courses at TAFE can boost your employability in this increasingly competitive industry.

The recommended degree options include:

• Event Management

• Tourism Management

• Business & Marketing

• Hospitality Management

• Media & Communications

• Public Relations

Step 2: Find Internships

With more and more events occurring throughout Australia every year, event management has become a highly sought and in-demand sector in the country and worldwide.

Great earning potential, no formal education requirement, flexible work hours, etc., are a few reasons that lead to immense competition in the event management profession.

The event management industry regards highly real-world experience. You can boost your job application by completing an internship. From event planning to on-site tasks, and post-event processes, internships are a fabulous way to get an overview of this industry.

Considering the sector's rapid growth and strong future job prospects, several event management firms nowadays look for entry-level trainees.

Step 3: Get Industry Experience

Having 1 to 2 years of experience is desirable before you plan to start your job hunt in event planning. If you fail to obtain an internship, several other options are available to get hands-on experience.

Start volunteering for small-scale event firms, non-profit organisations and local committees that generally rely on volunteers for event management. They present an excellent opportunity to learn event management on a Live project from start to end.

Your hard work and dedication will undoubtedly get noticed and rewarded. Initially, keep your focus on learning the processes and getting skilled. Opportunities and money will follow.

Step 4: Networking

The job market is full of thousands of aspiring event planners. You may need to face the initial struggle to create a place in the industry. Once you get an entry-level role and sound experience, things will become smoother later.

In addition to getting qualified and trained, you need to network to reach prospective employers searching for competent candidates like you.

Social media, job portals, online forums, professional contacts, local event management seminars, and workshops are great ways to build connections and a good reputation with industry people.

10. How To Become A Wedding Planner in Australia?

Personal events like weddings are flourishing as a market in Australia. People are glad to spend good money to ensure their special occasions become unique and unforgettable for a lifetime.

Suppose you desire to make a career as a wedding planner. In that case, you must know that it could be one of the most challenging yet rewarding jobs in the entire events industry.

Wedding planners supervise almost the tiniest task that is on the wedding schedule. It requires several months of hard work to watch your efforts shaping your client's vision into reality.

The magical feeling you get by creating the perfect wedding day is fantastic, and you can't express it in words.

So, here are the steps to get started as a wedding planner:

Step 1: Establish Wedding Planning Objectives

Know the types of weddings, such as destination weddings, celebrity weddings, etc. Understand the aspects you need to take care of in a wedding, such as venues, themes, attire, rituals, etc.

Step 2: Undertake Wedding Planner Training

A formal wedding planning qualification will help you understand how to accomplish specific wedding goals. 

You gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to oversee all the wedding details and prepare for a successful and splendid event!

Step 3: Prepare A Business Plan

Once qualified, you can promote your wedding planning services to people. 

A professional business plan will help you effectively reach out to prospective clients. It should include the following components:

• Your mission statement

• About your company/team

• Services that you offer

• Who is your target audience?

• Your fee

Step 4: Networking

The right marketing strategy will help you reach those clients/couples interested in taking your services. 

Social media groups on weddings, wedding magazines and blogs, and local/national publications could be valuable tools to boost your business.

Step 5: Identify And Master Wedding Planning Software And Tools

To become a successful wedding planner, you should learn what wedding planning tools and services successful professionals use and try to learn and master them. These include wedding spots, Zola, carats and cakes, wedding wire and more.

While you look for jobs, continue learning. Courses, conferences and workshops are a great way to skill up and stay updated on the latest industry developments.

11. Courses For Event Manager/Event Planner in Australia

Certifications, degrees, and diplomas in event management are the three ways to become a qualified event manager/event planner in Australia. 

Event planner courses at TAFE help the student develop and polish communication, organisational, leadership and interpersonal skills.

They learn essential job skills that include:

• Conceive, plan, and manage an array of events

• Managing event staging, operations and sponsorship

• Leading and managing a team

• Analysing and responding to client needs 

• Manage expenses within the specified budget

• Plan and manage event campaigns

By completing the courses, students gain the much-needed confidence to work for various event management jobs such as wedding event management, event coordinator, and more.

Bachelor of Business (Event Management)

• Griffith University

• Deakin University

• Universities Admissions Center

• Torrens University

• Victoria University

Bachelor of Business (Tourism And Event Management)

• University of South Australia 

• Torrens University

• University of Canberra

• Flinders University

• Certificate III in Events 

Certificate in Public Relations and Event Management

• Loyalist College

• QUOTE

Diploma In Event Management

• Torrens University

• Swinburne University of Technology

• Victoria University

• Charles Darwin University

12. Work Environment For Event Managers/Event Planners In Australia

Work Activities

Event managers/planners assist corporate organisations and firms create distinctive event experiences that enable interaction and develop business culture and a feeling of belongingness.

They are communicating with suppliers, investors and vendors and researching elements concerning lighting, styling, and venues to host events.

Event managers/planners have a rapid-paced work environment that combines on-site and office locations. They occasionally have to travel to distant places to organise and run events.

Workplace

A career as an Event Manager gives you the flexibility to either work independently by setting up and running your event management company or get employed at exhibition centres or corporate event management companies.

Work Hours

Around 71% of Event Managers work about 44 hours a week full-time. This shows that fewer opportunities are available for those seeking part-time jobs in this sector.

Age

The average age of the event management workforce is 34 years. Out of the total employed event manager population, 75% are female.

This shows that the industry presents a great career opportunity for qualified females.

13. Employment Opportunities for Event Managers/Planners

From conducting live music shows and business management events to building social event campaigns and managing a few of the most admired Australian brands, qualified event managers are in demand throughout the country.

Studying event management courses opens your door to several events industry employment opportunities. These include:

• Wedding planner

• Administrative assistant

• Event manager

• Conference architect

• Community event Planner

• Event or Conference Coordinator 

• Catering Coordinator

• Function manager or coordinator 

• Sponsorship manager

• Guest relations coordinator

• Staging coordinator

• Event planner

• A venue or Site manager

• Volunteer Coordinator

• Communications Assistant

• Event producer or director

• Exhibition or Conference manager

• Festival project coordinator

• Creative director

14. Job Outlook For Event Managers/Planners In Australia

The successful events industry in Australia is a positive indication for all who wish to make a career as an Event Manager or Event planner. 

The Government Job Outlook website projects strong growth over the coming five years.

The employment data shows that around 23,600 job openings will be available by 2025 in several regions of Australia.

Administrative and Support Services, Arts and Recreation Services, and Accommodation and Food Services will be the significant recruiting industries for event managers/planners in Australia.

15. How Much Does An Event Manager/Planner Make In Australia?

Based on the PayScale data, the event manager's salary in Australia is between $51k and $96k. 

The median event manager's salary is $69,518 per year. Full-time workers earn around $1,347 per week on average.

Event Manager Earnings Based on Experience

• Early career (1-4 years of experience): AU$62,818

• Mid-career (5-9 years of experience): AU$71,676

• Experienced (10-19 years of experience): AU$79,326

On the other hand, in the last two years, the event planner's salary in Australia has been in the range of $50k and $70k. The median annual salary of an Event Planner is around $54,689.

The average event manager salary in Sydney is $84875 a year, and that of an event planner is $59,067.

16. Conclusion

Planning and managing memorable events for all significant occasions make event management a fascinating and emotionally rewarding industry in Australia.

It requires being a particular person to become an Event Manager, as you can not learn all the skills you need from a book.

Those who are qualified and possess great organisational, communication, and time management skills are on the right track to becoming excellent event managers.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
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• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia
• What to Study in Australia?