How to become an event organiser
So, you’ve made the decision that you would like to become an event organiser. But, where do you start in making this happen? We have put together 10 top tips to help you understand how to become an event organiser!
1. Research the industry
Find out what you need to consider. You could do this with some simple web searches. Some good sites include publications such as Event Industry News and Campaign Live.
You could also visit some key events to help give you greater insight. We have listed a few below:
- The Meeting Show at London’s Olympia
- The Great Venue Showcase
- The Conference and Hospitality Show
2. Skills and experience
Identify what skills you will need and if there any specific areas of expertise that you can offer. Look at your own background and work at getting some relevant experience. You could volunteer at some events or even shadow someone to get the skills that you need.
3. Qualifications
If you are just starting out, then you might find a qualification useful. This will also look great when pitching to potential clients!
With options ranging from certificates and diplomas to undergraduate courses, first identify how you could benefit from a qualification and find the right one for you.
4. Find your niche
There are lots of different types of events and industries to work with so look at what might appeal to you most and focus on this. Building on any existing skills, experience and contacts might be key to your success. Maybe you want to learn how to become a festival organiser. Perhaps a conference and seminar manager is more your calling. It is worth specialising in a specific area.
5. Create a business plan
This document will be key to summarising what your business looks like and will be an essential basis for pitching to prospective clients and investors. There are lots of templates available online to help you get started, including one on the UK Government website.
6. Regulatory, legal and insurance requirements
Understand what legal, regulatory and insurance requirements there are in delivering an event. There will be some standard requirements for you as an event organiser and then some bespoke requirements for individual events.
It is good practice to complete a risk assessment for each event so that you can be prepared. There are plenty of examples and templates available online.
You will also need insurance to protect both you and your client. Protectivity offers a One-Off Event policy to give you the cover that you need.
7. Look at event planning tools
There are lots of apps and tools available to help in the planning and delivery of an event. But before you spend the money, work out which is going to bring you the most benefit. Many successful events have been delivered with the help of a spreadsheet and a diary!
8. Marketing and advertising
The methods and channels that you use will depend on several factors including the type of event and the budget. Be sure to stay focused and realistic in your promotional plans, you don’t always have to spend a lot of money. Some of the best advertising can be through word of mouth so building up your portfolio of event experience and getting to networking events might be the best way forward.
9. Suppliers and agencies
Networking events are also great to help in identifying some relevant and trusted suppliers. The right contacts are important as you will need their support as you become an event organiser and to help make your event a success!
10. Identify clients
It is important to identify clients for both the short and long term in order to guarantee the success of your business. Key to this are any contacts you might already have or are building relationships with through networking events or similar.