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Conference and exhibition manager Opportunities

Conference and exhibition manager

Conference and exhibition managers plan and run events like trade shows, conferences and exhibitions.

Salary

£21,000 Starter - £50,000 Experienced

Typical hours

37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)

Learn More

What it takes

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

How to become Conference and exhibition manager

You can get into this job through

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

    You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in events management or hospitality management, although it's not essential. University courses often include work placements, which will help you get practical experience and develop contacts in the industry.

    You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma. You'll need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

    College

    You could do a college course, for example a Level 2 Certificate in Event Planning, a Level 3 Certificate in the Principles of Event Management or a Level 3 Diploma in Live Events and Promotion.

    You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. For a Level 3 course you'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent.

    Apprenticeship

    You could get started in the conference and events industry through an events assistant Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship or a hospitality management higher apprenticeship.

    You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for a Level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship and 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A-Levels for a higher or degree apprenticeship.

    Work

    You may 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.

    Volunteering

    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. Look out for local announcements for volunteering opportunities or search on GetMyFirstJob.  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.


    What you’ll do

    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.

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