any events co-ordinator/organisers/ managers?

lozzb

i am wondering how you became an events organiser. what did you do to get that first job? any advice or stories would be wonderful. please positive messages only.
thanks
Lauren

[Deleted User]

Went from Senior Receptionist (in different hotels) to Conference & Events Co-ordinator also within a hotel, a massive green group one! probably helped that I'd vaguely met the boss before at another hotel we worked at, although I applied same way as everyone else and fortunately they said yes after interview, the experience on reception really helped like it was the next thing to do - I started on £12,000 back in 2007 until 2012, it was challenging along with the usual daily grind, we also had mystery calls and visits every month without fail which we had to pass and I later found that that the role I occupied wasn't so much about the selling as it might be expected today, it was more like I was in fact Banqueting Service Co-ordinator over the Sales Co-ordination part or the boss had a tight reign? with that their domain.? who knows.
It required a lot of time beyond the job attending wedding fairs, actual physical serving and laying up rooms as well as doing the paperwork, marketing at certain times of year when it came to Christmas parties, weddings and working beyond the hours for the love of it whilst remaining professional and very much in customer view. I think I enjoyed it, if you like people this is the career for you, you can normally do long service in this type of role which is why it can be rare to get into.

I was in a team of 3 in a large hotel, up the road in our sister hotels, I remember getting the impression things were done differently... so I truly think it depends a lot on the hotel setup so opinions you receive may differ, if I haven't bored you! I know newspapers and footie clubs also have Events Co-ordinators.

thehappybutterfly

I drifted into it really! I've always had an admin background and one of them involved organizing monthly Committee meetings and AGMs. This gave me enough experience to secure another admin role which evolved into effectively an Events Assistant job. It's taken a few years but I'm now an Events Co-ordinator on £30k.

Hotel work may help you but it's notoriously poorly paid.

You could start by volunteering to help on things like village/town gala Committees?

Like I said I didn't follow a traditional route at all! I do have a professional events qualification though. Have a Google at Event Management groups/memberships too.

Good luck! I absolutely love my job and actually look forward to Mondays!

74jax

I do it within my PA role. I work for a divisional director and we have large corporate events. Helps to be amazingly organized and an eye for detail. Being able to spot the problem before it happens. This weekend I'm picking songs for award winners to walk up to which people won't expect as the normal type of song....

I enjoy working with sound and lighting guys, their job brings it all together. It's long days when the events happen, setting tables, table plans, making sure spot light is on the right table at the right time, organising charity representatives etc, but great fun.

thehappybutterfly

Another thing to think about I what type of events you're interested in. And to what scale. For instance I organize field based events (literally crops in the ground!) as well as public events, conferences, visits, workshops etc. These range from hosting half a dozen students to 800+ farmers/agronomists/industry professionals.

I'm involved in every aspect from booking marquees/portaloos to pulling together a programme of activities, securing guest speakers, setting up indoor displays, chairing meetings, buying gluten-free biscuits for one specific visitor and everything in between!

Some people only want to do the sexy stuff, I.e. Show up on the day and swan about making sure everything is running smoothly. Others prefer to be fully involved from concept to delivery and clean-up post-event (that's me!).

lozzb

that is brilliant. thank you. what did you do to earn money from it all especially having to pay bills and stuff? the aspect of being around events and anything can happen type days where no two days are the same. i also like the aspects where i am mentally and physically active in a job. i have travel and tourism background and liked working at a hotel as a waitress being weddings and corporate events i loved it. i have also done sports events too.