How to Become an Event Manager in the UK
Event managers plan and deliver conferences, product launches, brand activations, awards dinners, festivals and private parties. You set budgets, choose venues, book suppliers and talent, write run sheets and risk assessments, manage the client and run the event on the day, then report on results.
You don't need a degree. Many event managers start as an event assistant or coordinator, or in venue sales, and others move across from hospitality, PR or project management. What gets you hired is a track record of events delivered on time and on budget.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £24,000 - £32,000
- Mid-career salary
- £35,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £100,000
- Work environment
- Office + venues, intense event-week hours
- Time to entry
- 0 - 2 years
- Degree required
- Not required
- Category
- Hospitality and Food
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers, No-degree careers, Career change.
What a Event Manager does
Run corporate, brand and private events end-to-end - venues, suppliers, talent and on-the-night ops.
How to become an event manager in the UK
There is no required qualification or licence. Some people take an events management degree or a Level 3 events apprenticeship, while many others learn on the job after starting as an event assistant, coordinator or in venue sales. You need to understand contracts, budgets, insurance and health and safety, including risk assessments and crowd safety for larger events. The Purple Guide is widely used for planning outdoor events safely. If an event in England or Wales sells alcohol or puts on regulated entertainment, you will deal with licensing under the Licensing Act 2003, such as Temporary Event Notices.
- Work at events, festivals or conferences as event staff, crew or a runner to see how they run behind the scenes.
- Get an event assistant or coordinator job with an agency, venue, hotel or in-house events team, and take ownership of guest lists and supplier bookings.
- Build budgeting and supplier management skills, including quotes, contracts, cancellation terms and reconciling final invoices.
- Learn to write risk assessments, run sheets and contingency plans, and take a short health and safety or crowd management course for larger events.
- Keep a portfolio of events you have delivered, with budgets, attendance figures, client feedback and photos to show in interviews.
- Choose a focus such as corporate conferences, brand experiential, festivals, weddings or charity events, as each has its own suppliers and contacts.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Event assistant or coordinator, then promoted | 0-2 years | Paid entry-level role | Most new starters |
| Events management degree | 3 years | Tuition fee loan | School leavers wanting placements |
| Level 3 events apprenticeship | Around 1-2 years | Paid by employer | School leavers who want to earn |
| Move from hospitality, PR or project management | A few months | Low | Career changers with organising experience |
How long it takes
You can start as an event assistant or coordinator straight away, and many people step up to event manager within 0 to 2 years once they have delivered events on their own.
Event Manager salary in the UK
Event managers usually start on around £24,000 to £32,000, often after time as a coordinator. With experience running larger events, pay typically rises to £35,000 to £55,000. Senior event managers, heads of events and agency directors can earn £65,000 to £100,000. London, corporate and financial clients, and large agencies pay the most. Expect evening and weekend work around event weeks, sometimes with time off in lieu. Freelance event managers are paid by the day or project, so income varies.
Key skills
- Project mgmt
- Supplier mgmt
- Budgeting
- Crisis solving
- Client comms
Event Manager FAQs
How do I become an event manager in the UK?
Start as an event assistant, coordinator or venue staff member and build experience with budgets, suppliers and on-the-day delivery. Keep a portfolio of events you have run, then apply for event manager roles at agencies, venues or in-house teams.
Do you need a degree to be an event manager?
No. An events management degree can give you placements and contacts, but most employers hire on experience. A track record of events delivered on time and on budget counts for more than any qualification.
How much does an event manager earn?
Event managers usually start on £24,000 to £32,000. Experienced managers typically earn £35,000 to £55,000, and heads of events or agency directors can earn £65,000 to £100,000, with London and corporate events paying most.
What hours do event managers work?
Office hours for much of the year, but long days, early starts, evenings and weekends around each event. Event weeks can be intense. Some employers give time off in lieu, so ask how this works at interview.
Is Event Manager right for you?
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