13 Jul 10 Tips for New Event Management Professionals
Starting a career in the event industry can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, especially with the range of projects that an agency can offer. In order to thrive in this fast-paced and competitive field, it is crucial to equip yourself with the right knowledge and skills. In this blog, we will discuss ten essential tips for a new event management professional joining an event agency, focusing on ROI-driven event management, leveraging the expertise of other professionals, and personal development.
Understand the agency’s processes and culture
Each event agency operates with its own set of processes, workflows, and company culture. take the time to familiarise yourself with these aspects early on. understand how projects are managed, how communication flows within the agency, and how decisions are made. you could do this by reviewing your training manuals and making sure you ask your team members. by aligning yourself with the agency’s processes and culture, you can integrate seamlessly into the team and contribute effectively to projects.
Attend networking events and showcases
Suppliers such as hotel groups and venue representatives often host networking events to showcase their offering and foster relationships with contacts like yourself. conferences and networking events usually have an event theme (such as sustainability( and are a great way to broaden your knowledge. attending networking events as a new starter at an events agency is crucial for building professional connections and expanding your industry knowledge. These events provide opportunities to meet potential clients, vendors, and industry experts, fostering collaboration, learning, and potential business partnerships.
Build a reliable network of suppliers
Successful events rely on a network of reliable vendors and suppliers. cultivate relationships with hotels, venues, av technicians, entertainment agencies and other essential service providers. a trusted network will not only ensure high-quality event execution but also potentially offer cost savings and preferred pricing options. The best way to do this is with effective communication, from timely email responses to keeping them in loop, they will appreciate you valuing their time.
Define your goals and measure ROI
For ROI-driven event management, it is important to clearly define the goals and objectives of your project on behalf of the event agency. are you looking to strengthen the client relationship, implement a new business strategy or increase profits? Once you have a clear vision, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of your events. tracking metrics such as attendee engagement and guest feedback surveys will enable you to continuously improve your event strategies.
Stay updated with industry trends
The event industry is ever-evolving, with new trends, technologies, and ideas emerging constantly. stay informed about the latest industry trends, attend industry conferences and webinars, sign up to newsletters and engage with event communities and forums. Keeping up-to-date will help you remain competitive and offer innovative experiences to your clients.
learn from team members
Working in an event agency offers a great opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. take advantage of the expertise and knowledge of senior team members. seek guidance, ask questions, and observe their approach to event management. Their insights and experience can provide valuable lessons and shortcuts that will help you excel in your role. Remember to be proactive! you could discuss what areas you want to know more about with your manager so they can guide you to the best resources.
Event agencies also thrive on effective teamwork, and successful events are often the result of collective effort. you should engage actively with your colleagues to offer support and contribute ideas, attend team meetings with a positive attitude and don’t be stuck in your ways – learn new effective strategies from your colleagues. embracing collaboration and teamwork will create a positive work environment and enhance the agency’s productivity.
Take an educational course
If you haven’t already, consider taking an event management course which would provide you foundational knowledge and skills and enhance credibility. Courses also offer networking opportunities, exposure to industry best practices, and the chance to learn from experienced professionals, accelerating your career growth and value to the event agency.
Foster strong client relationships
Client satisfaction is a top priority in an event agency and maintaining those relationships is key to ROI-driven event management. as a new starter, focus on building strong client relationships by understanding their needs, maintaining open lines of communication, and delivering exceptional service. be responsive to their inquiries, provide regular updates, and address any concerns promptly. Some tools for this are creating an effective project plan that provides key deadlines for the client and scheduling weekly calls in the lead up to the event. building trust and rapport with clients will not only result in successful events but also potentially generate referrals and repeat business.
Pay attention to budgets and cost management
In an event agency, you will often work with budget constraints and have to manage costs effectively. pay attention to the budget that has been set and seek cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality of your client’s event. negotiate with vendors for favourable pricing, and identify areas where savings can be made. attention to detail and ensuring all costs are included is essential as you don’t want to diminish your agency’s profits or upset a client with sudden hidden costs! demonstrating your ability to manage budgets and budget sheets effectively will strengthen your skills as an event manager.
Develop strong organisational and time management skills
Learn to prioritise tasks, create detailed event timelines, and utilise project management tools. by staying organised and managing your time effectively, you will ensure smooth event execution and avoid unnecessary stress. It is also important to keep your team and the client informed of any issues to avoid frustration when deadlines aren’t met. The event industry is known for its unpredictable nature, and changes are bound to occur – remain calm and adaptable, develop problem-solving skills and think on your feet to find creative solutions.
with an excellent range of skill sets and over 70 years combined experience, the seven events team could not be better equipped to assist with your next event! contact info@sevenevents.co.uk or call +44 (0)20 7659 4430 for more information.