Event organisers are responsible for planning events and ensuring that they run as smoothly as possible. They work on:
- large-scale events, such as the Rugby World Cup
- conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings, both national and international
- corporate events, such as team building sessions or training courses
- incentive travel – trips and other events given by companies to their staff
- trade fairs and exhibitions
- festivals, concerts, charitable and sporting events
- private events, such as banquets, weddings and parties.
The organiser’s exact role depends on the type of event and the organisation they are working for, but is likely to include research, planning, administration, marketing, preparing budgets and managing income and expenditure. Event organisers liaise closely with a wide range of people.
Event organisers may work long, unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
Organisers divide their time between working in an office, visiting venues and meeting clients. This may result in lengthy periods away from home.
Salaries range from around €22,000 to €75,000 or more at senior levels.
An event organiser should:
- be well organised and efficient
- be able to multi-task
- have good project-management and problem-solving skills
- be able to cope with pressure and tight deadlines
- have excellent communication skills
- be interested in the events industry.
The main employers are independent event management companies and large organisations that have their own in-house departments to organise events. The events industry is growing, but entry is competitive.
Many event organisers have a degree, Diploma or postgraduate qualification, although this is not essential. Colleges throughout the country offer relevant courses, for instance in events management or hospitality and events management.
Event organiser is often a second career. Previous experience in the travel industry, hotels, publishing, sales and marketing or any customer service role is useful.
Event organisers gain skills and knowledge on the job and by working alongside more experienced colleagues. There are many training courses available from the industry’s professional organisations, covering all aspects of the job, from sponsorship to crowd safety.
Career progress often involves moving to a different employer. Self-employment and overseas work are possible.
What is the work like?
Event organisers are responsible for planning events and ensuring that they run as smoothly as possible. They work on:
- large-scale events, such as the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup
- conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings, both national and international
- corporate events, such as team-building sessions or training courses
- incentive travel – trips and other events given by companies to their staff, as a reward for achievements
- trade fairs and exhibitions
- festivals, concerts, charitable and sporting events
- private events, such as banquets, weddings and parties.
The organiser’s exact role depends on the type of event and the organisation they are working for, but may include:
- researching, visiting and booking venues and accommodation
- planning the programme and booking speakers
- administration, including recruitment and delegate registration
- organising exhibition space and selling stands
- marketing and publicity
- co-ordinating audio-visual and banqueting facilities
- security, risk management, health and safety
- preparing budgets, managing income and expenditure.
Much of the work is carried out before an event takes place. During the event, the organiser is on hand to ensure everything runs smoothly and to cope with any problems that arise. Afterwards, the organiser evaluates the success of the event and deals with outstanding finances.
Event organisers liaise closely with a wide range of people throughout the process, including designers, caterers, and sales and marketing and hospitality staff.
Hours and environment
Event organisers usually work office hours, Monday to Friday. However, in preparation for, and during an event, they need to be flexible and often work long, unsociable hours, including evenings and weekends.
Organisers divide their time between working in an office, visiting venues (both to assess new facilities and to attend actual events) and meeting clients. This may mean lengthy periods away from home, and foreign travel is sometimes required.
The work takes place indoors and outdoors. Most major indoor venues are modern, light and well ventilated. Smaller events are held in hotels, in halls or in venues such as museums, castles and stately homes. Outdoor venues range from showgrounds and racecourses to fields, parks, seafronts and town centres.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay vary depending on the employer and where people live.Starting salaries range from around €20,000 to €25,000 a year.Experienced organisers may earn between €30,000 and €40,000 a year.Event managers can earn up to €60,000. Higher earnings are possible at the most senior levels.