If there's one thing I've learned from living in a country with an economy that's literally in shambles, it's: no matter how bad things get, there are some things that will never change, and those are weddings, funerals, parties and corporate functions. And that means lots and lots of money for anyone who knows how to capitalize on these events. That being said, our business idea for this week is.... yes, you guessed it! Event management!
For about 4 years I worked as a department administrator, where my job entailed planning and hosting conferences, camps, seminars - you name it, and I absolutely loved it! At some point I even organized a wedding, but that's another story for another day. If you're wondering what it takes to make it in the world of event management, I'm here to share my knowledge, experience and loads of research with you.
One thing that makes event management so great is how it creates a platform for just about anyone to explore their strengths and still be relevant to all sorts of clients and situations. Let me explain that a little. According to the Events Business Academy, "Event managers are needed in almost any kind of business - entertainment, finance, government, retail, fashion, sport, music... and so their day to day job can be filled with a huge range of exciting challenges and unique situations." If you decide to dive into the world of event management, you'll NEVER ever run out of business. You can apply the same skills and experience at a wedding, a Sweet Sixteen birthday party, a Business dinner and even a funeral, with just a few minor tweaks and successfully host a magnificent function.
Event management also gives you the room to focus on your strengths and outsource whatever you're not so good at. For instance, you may be the world's greatest decorator but be absolutely hopeless at catering. In such a scenario, you can offer your clients a package in which you handle the decor and partner with an external caterer at a price that benefits all the parties involved. And if coordination is your cup of tea, you can hire whoever you need for your event, run the show and make some money in the process, which is exactly what a lot of wedding planners do nowadays. Event management is simply about identifying what you're great at, hiring others to handle the rest and ultimately offering your client the experience of a lifetime.
Necessary skills
Creative thinking
The event industry is all about exceeding the expectations of all parties involved in the events, and design is one of the key ways to impress. Event managers need to be real outside-the-box thinkers who have a dynamic approach to problem-solving. Design is essential to an event's success, whether you have the creative spark that can give event guests a memorable experience, or the perfectionist's streak that crafts brand awareness right down to the color of name badges.
Strong leadership
An event management team needs strong leadership to be at its best - negotiations between clients, suppliers, company or venue staff require flexibility, quick thinking, buckets of initiative and exceptional decision making. A particular ability to spot good compromises and know what is essential to the success of the event marks out an excellent event team leader. Could you take on the challenge of directing a complicated event whilst managing the expectations of several different stakeholders?
Strong networking and Public Relations Skills
The ability to relate exceptionally well with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and social classes will make the difference between running a failing business and becoming a force to reckon with in your line of work. You're likely to find yourself having to calm down a hysterical bride-to-be, replace a torn bridesmaid's dress at the last minute and relay instructions to an grumpy florist at some point in your event management career. If you're going to come out of the ordeal with your sanity (and reputation) in tact, you'll need to be a guru at public relations. Having a hissy fit and losing your marbles under the pressure of organizing a function is the very last thing that should ever happen in your career.
If Event Management sounds like your cup of tea, you may want to check out the Events Essentials program. The program offers international accreditation and runs from 14 - 18 September 2015 in London, England. For more information, you can click here.
For those in other parts of the world, here's a list of great Event Management courses which are provided in various countries.
USA - International Institute of Events Management
Canada - Niagara College
Australia - Australian Center of Events Management
France - Event Management Short program, Paris
Germany - Event Management studies, Heidelberg University
Denmark - Events Management
Sweden - Music and Events Management, Linnaeus University
South Africa - University of Cape Town online course
Kenya - Diploma in Event Management, Moi University
Zimbabwe - Events Management, University of Zimbabwe
Brazil - Fashion Event Management, Sao Paulo
Spain - Diploma in Event Management
India - Event Management Institute, Mumbai
Thailand - Advanced Diploma in Business with specialization in Event Management
Dubai - International Institute of Event Management
China - Event Management Program, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
One thing that makes event management so great is how it creates a platform for just about anyone to explore their strengths and still be relevant to all sorts of clients and situations. Let me explain that a little. According to the Events Business Academy, "Event managers are needed in almost any kind of business - entertainment, finance, government, retail, fashion, sport, music... and so their day to day job can be filled with a huge range of exciting challenges and unique situations." If you decide to dive into the world of event management, you'll NEVER ever run out of business. You can apply the same skills and experience at a wedding, a Sweet Sixteen birthday party, a Business dinner and even a funeral, with just a few minor tweaks and successfully host a magnificent function.
Event management also gives you the room to focus on your strengths and outsource whatever you're not so good at. For instance, you may be the world's greatest decorator but be absolutely hopeless at catering. In such a scenario, you can offer your clients a package in which you handle the decor and partner with an external caterer at a price that benefits all the parties involved. And if coordination is your cup of tea, you can hire whoever you need for your event, run the show and make some money in the process, which is exactly what a lot of wedding planners do nowadays. Event management is simply about identifying what you're great at, hiring others to handle the rest and ultimately offering your client the experience of a lifetime.
Necessary skills
Creative thinking
The event industry is all about exceeding the expectations of all parties involved in the events, and design is one of the key ways to impress. Event managers need to be real outside-the-box thinkers who have a dynamic approach to problem-solving. Design is essential to an event's success, whether you have the creative spark that can give event guests a memorable experience, or the perfectionist's streak that crafts brand awareness right down to the color of name badges.
Strong leadership
An event management team needs strong leadership to be at its best - negotiations between clients, suppliers, company or venue staff require flexibility, quick thinking, buckets of initiative and exceptional decision making. A particular ability to spot good compromises and know what is essential to the success of the event marks out an excellent event team leader. Could you take on the challenge of directing a complicated event whilst managing the expectations of several different stakeholders?
Strong networking and Public Relations Skills
The ability to relate exceptionally well with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and social classes will make the difference between running a failing business and becoming a force to reckon with in your line of work. You're likely to find yourself having to calm down a hysterical bride-to-be, replace a torn bridesmaid's dress at the last minute and relay instructions to an grumpy florist at some point in your event management career. If you're going to come out of the ordeal with your sanity (and reputation) in tact, you'll need to be a guru at public relations. Having a hissy fit and losing your marbles under the pressure of organizing a function is the very last thing that should ever happen in your career.
If Event Management sounds like your cup of tea, you may want to check out the Events Essentials program. The program offers international accreditation and runs from 14 - 18 September 2015 in London, England. For more information, you can click here.
For those in other parts of the world, here's a list of great Event Management courses which are provided in various countries.
USA - International Institute of Events Management
Canada - Niagara College
Australia - Australian Center of Events Management
France - Event Management Short program, Paris
Germany - Event Management studies, Heidelberg University
Denmark - Events Management
Sweden - Music and Events Management, Linnaeus University
South Africa - University of Cape Town online course
Kenya - Diploma in Event Management, Moi University
Zimbabwe - Events Management, University of Zimbabwe
Brazil - Fashion Event Management, Sao Paulo
Spain - Diploma in Event Management
India - Event Management Institute, Mumbai
Thailand - Advanced Diploma in Business with specialization in Event Management
Dubai - International Institute of Event Management
China - Event Management Program, Shanghai University of International Business and Economics