Do you truly believe that you have what it takes to be successful as an event manager? If you believe that you do because you have great (maybe even amazing) organisational skills then you might be in for a bit of a surprise. Whilst there is no denying that being great on the organisational front is a very important skill that anyone in the events management sector needs to be in possession of, it is not necessarily the most important one that employers, and agencies, in the sector are looking for.

So, if you are wondering what top qualities an employer is looking for in an event manager then read on to discover our top 5 qualities, in no particular order!

1.People Skills

When it comes to the events business you will be required to interact with plenty of different people. From clients who know exactly what they want, to those who are looking for a little guidance, to those people who manage venues, catering companies, entertainment companies and companies who decorate venues. The list is endless and being able to communicate effectively with everyone is possibly the most important skill you will need to carry out this job. You will also need to be able to work as part of a team and communicate effectively with everyone else in the team.

2.Organisation/Time management

If you thrive on those all-important details, dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “t’s” then event managing is a great career for putting these skills to good use. Being able to effectively juggle numerous tasks at the same time whilst understanding which are the most important ones are you need to tackle first is a must. Being organised also means being able to make sure that any members of your team understand exactly what you are all working on and that collectively, deadlines are met.

3.Attention to detail

To quote a famous basketball coach “It’s the little details that are vital. Little things make big things happen”. Having a keen eye for all those little details is important when it comes to making sure that your events run smoothly. It can be easy to get sept away and think only about the bigger picture, the event itself. However, if nobody is making sure that all the little things have been taken care of them it is entirely possible that your event could end up being far from the triumph you were hoping for.

4.Ability to Network

There is a lot more to working in the events industry than having great personal skills. A lot of the work involves being able to make connections, and the right ones at that. You need to be able to gather a valuable network of service providers and experts within the industry who you can call on for assistance with various projects. Being an events manager means having the ability to be sociable.

Whether you choose to use a social media profile such as a LinkedIn one to be able to stay in touch with people, or prefer to use the phone, building up meaningful relationships with others in the industry will help you go a long way. The events industry is based on being social so if you can’t make plenty of contacts and lack the ability to network this may not be the right career path for you.

5.Planning

When it comes to events management, planning isn’t just about planning the details of your event, it’s also about making contingency plans for when something does go wrong, being able to think on your feet and find a solution before anyone really notices that something hasn’t gone to plan.

Whilst some of these skills come naturally to some people, with a little application many of them can be learned, if you have the determination and drive then maybe you have the most important qualities to succeed as an event manager.