Conference and exhibition manager apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipworking towards this rolevolunteering
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.
Conference and exhibition manager apprenticeships - 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
Conference and exhibition manager apprenticeships - 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.
Career path and progression - Conference and exhibition manager apprenticeships
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.