Conference And Exhibition Manager

Typical Salary

£17,000 To £60,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How To Become a Conference And Exhibition Manager

You can get into this job through:

a university course
a college course
an apprenticeship
working towards this role
volunteering

College / University

You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in events management or hospitality management, although it's not essential.

1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma

2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could do a college course, for example:

Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning
Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Event Management
Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could get started in the conference and events industry through an events assistant advanced apprenticeship or a hospitality management higher apprenticeship.

5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Routes into this Career

You could begin as an administrator or marketing assistant with a conference management company, possibly through temporary work. As your experience grows, you may be able to take on more responsibility for organising events.

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of media production and communication
excellent verbal communication skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
to be flexible and open to change
leadership skills
the ability to work well with others
customer service skills
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Day To Day Tasks

You may:

publicise events
book venues, equipment and visiting speakers
oversee the design and printing of tickets, posters and publicity material
plan the running order of events
supervise and pay exhibition designers and caterers
work closely with venue staff
handle enquiries
sell stand space to exhibitors
arrange sponsorship

Working Environment

You could work in an office, at a client's business or at a venue.

Your working environment may be physically active and you may spend nights away from home.

Career Path & Progression

You could work for an events management company, exhibition venue or marketing department of a large organisation. With experience, you could take on bigger events and move into management.

You could also set up your own consultancy.

Volunteering Opportunities

Doing paid or unpaid work as a steward at large events or exhibitions can be useful for building up contacts in the industry. This is a good way to hear about jobs, as many are not advertised.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Employers will usually look for relevant experience and strong transferable skills like organising, budget management and marketing. Any experience you have in hotel conference and banqueting, travel, sales, PR or fundraising can be especially useful.

Further information

You can find out more about careers in conferences, exhibitions and events from the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.