Behind events such as SXSW, the Mobile World Congress, the Consumer Electronics Show and this week’s Google I/O, are the people who organise, co-ordinate and supervise such occasions: event planners.
This week’s career memes take a humorous look at the professionals also known as event managers and event co-ordinators.
Their jobs include a variety of tasks, from determining the budget for an event, negotiating contracts, finding and booking a venue, hiring caterers, organising speakers, managing the production of promotional materials, and tracking invitations sent out as well as RSPVs, to ensuring there’s enough room in the venue, vegetarian options on the menu, and Wi-Fi availability.
Much of an event planner’s job is desk-based, but he or she may be required to visit venues in order to determine their suitability for an event, and plan the layout of seating, the placement of a stage, backdrops, projectors and other material.
A good event planner should possess excellent organisational, communication and negotiation skills, as well as the ability to multitask, be flexible and patient.
In Ireland, an event manager can expect to earn an average annual salary of €32,141, according to PayScale.com.
