Working in the event management industry is a great opportunity to hone your skills in management, networking and vendor communication. While it’s not necessary to earn a degree, attending an event management school could provide you with valuable experience and potentially even skyrocket your career.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the event management career and ways to get into the field. We’ve also prepared an extensive list of some of the best schools alongside some of the most lucrative event-planning career paths out there.
What is Event Management and Event Planning?
Most people find planning tedious. That’s because in order for an event to be successful, you need to make sure all key aspects are covered. That includes important tasks such as laying out the plan and program, arranging catering, communicating with the vendors, organizing sponsorships and so on.
There are also various types of events that a good Event Planner should be experienced with. This includes special occasions such as weddings, conferences, charity galas, conferences, award ceremonies and private parties.
How To Get Into Event Management?
If you are a beginner in the event management industry, the best way to start is to work alongside a more experienced colleague. This way, you will get to see how things are done and learn on the spot. You can offer your service to a local event management company and start with low-key responsibilities such as managing deadlines, organizing transportation or troubleshooting minor problems.
On the other hand, you can also consider getting an event management degree. This is a great way to start in the field, as you will get a unique opportunity to network with future colleagues. In the long run, building strong connections will help you secure better deals and stay on top of the industry event trends.
10 Best Event Management Schools in the U.S.
The United States is one of the leading countries in the event planning sector. As a result, there are numerous top-tier schools that you should consider attending if you want to become a great Event Manager and advance your professional career.
1. New York University
According to the U.S. News & World Report, New York University is ranked as the third-best institution in the state of New York. The best thing about their Master’s in Event Management (MSEM) program is that you can study both online and on-site.
2. Central Washington University
At the Hospitality, Tourism, and Event Management program at Central Washington University, you’ll get a chance to work on real events while studying. Their focus is on educating some of America’s best Event Coordinators, Event Marketing Managers and Venue Managers.
3. Johnson & Wales University
The Johnson & Wales University is a private university in Rhode Island, situated in one of the oldest American cities — Providence. They offer specializations in not only event management but also sports and entertainment industry event planning.
4. Southern Illinois University
To earn an Event Planning and Management Certificate at Southern Illinois University in Chicago, you should have some experience in the event management sector. Here, you will learn more advanced marketing and risk management skills.
5. University of Arizona
The Special Event Management certificate at the University of Arizona is offered for students who already have a degree in a similar field. The program’s tailored for anyone who’s looking to gain advanced knowledge in ROI analysis, safety protocols and the latest event management technology.
6. Endicott College
In this unique blend of business management and event planning, Endicott College teaches its students how to successfully organize different types of events using simple but efficient techniques that work across the fields. What’s even better is that this program is also ACPHA accredited.
7. Florida International University
The Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at the Florida International University has been internationally recognized as one of the best schools for event management. They offer a fully online bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management.
8. George Mason University
George Mason University is a public institution in Virginia that offers four-year studies in Tourism and Events Management. For those looking for a more practical way of learning the foundations of event management, this program offers real-life events and internships at some of the best event management companies in the U.S.
9. George Washington University
The George Washington School of Business (GWSB) is well-known for its Professional Certificate in Event Management. This is great for anyone looking for a self-paced course without a degree. This program is perfect for those who are in the process of organizing their first event or building on their existing knowledge.
10. Iowa State University
The bachelor’s program in Meeting and Event Planning at Iowa State University is highly ranked not only in the state of Iowa but also in the whole of the U.S. Students are focused on learning about the basics of event management, graphics design, business protocols and leadership skills.
Career Paths After Event Management Graduation
The event management industry is set to grow in the years to come. According to a reputable research company, IBISWorld, there’s been a 3.8% increase in planning events from 2022 to 2023. They also concluded that there have been more than 44,000 events organized in the United States alone last year.
Taking into consideration that the vast majority of event management employees are increasingly optimistic about their careers in the future, it’s worth exploring some of the most popular jobs in the industry.
Event Coordinator
Event Coordinator is considered an entry-level role in the industry. That’s because Event Coordinators usually manage the inventory, set up and follow through with deadlines. They also make sure all guests are happy and satisfied. According to our salary methodology, it’s estimated that the median salary of an Event Coordinator is $54,362 per year.
Event Planner
Being an Event Planner can often be stressful but also highly rewarding. In this role, you’re expected to oversee the entire event and make sure that big tasks, such as budgeting and communicating with stakeholders, are running smoothly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in this role, you can make $62,280 per year, on average.
Event Manager
Becoming an Event Manager requires a couple of years of experience in previous event management roles. These are the people who develop processes and procedures from start to finish. They are also tasked with post-analysis and identifying areas for growth. Event Managers make around $78,729 per year in the U.S.
Important Things to Consider When Applying for an Event Management Job
Given that the competition can be fierce, you want to increase your chances of getting hired when applying for a job in the event management sector. This includes going through some of the most commonly asked questions in the interview that involve your technical knowledge, leadership and problem-solving skills.
Always make sure to emphasize your ability to multitask and exceed clients’ expectations. Focus on your biggest strengths and elaborate on some real-life examples of excellent customer service you’ve provided in the past. Also, mention your passion for succeeding in the field and continuously improving your knowledge of the industry.
Do You Need an Event Management Degree?
In most cases, employers are looking for event management professionals who have a good balance of academic knowledge and hands-on experience. If you’re starting out, you should actively look for opportunities to learn alongside senior colleagues while studying. However, if you’re already a senior, obtaining a hospitality certificate from a reputable institution could potentially help you land more lucrative job offers.
