Event Management as a career choice

Ranjan K Baruah *

We have entered another year with new hopes and expectations. Hopes and expectations can be a reality when we start planning and action. Hope and dream will be nothing if we do not take action and execute our plans and ideas. From career perspectives there are options which are also related to new year cele- bration or organizing different activities. One of the career options in this regard is event management.

Let us look into the depth of these career avenues and how we can get associated with this option.

Event management is the application of project management to the creation and development of small and/or large-scale personal or corporate events such as festivals, conferences, ceremonies, weddings, formal parties, concerts, or conventions. It involves studying the brand, identifying its target audience, devising the event concept, and coordinating the technical aspects before actually launching the event.

The events industry now includes events of all sizes from the Olympics down to business breakfast meetings. Many industries, celebrities, charitable organizations, and interest groups hold events in order to market their label, build business relationships, raise money, or celebrate achievement. Events may be purely commercial or charity based.

Though it seems to be easy, the fact is that it is one of the challenging and demanding options. It is always good for those who are creative and punctual. One of the most important components is time management and people who are punctual are more fit for event management.

The process of planning and coordinating the event is usually referred to as event planning and which can include budgeting, schedu- ling, site selection, acquiring necessary permits, coordinating transportation and parking, arranging for spea-kers or entertainers, arran- ging decor, event security, catering, coordinating with third-party vendors, and emergency plans.

We should learn that events can be classified into different categories which include cultural events and celebrations, arts and Entertainment events, business and trade events, different sports events, educational and scientific events, political events, etc.

Central Govt or State Govts also conduct and organize events related to programmes or missions, etc. There are press events like press meets or press briefing, etc. We are aware of different tourism marts of programmes conducted by different agencies.

Apart from big events there may be some smaller events like wedding or birthday party or New Year party, etc. big or small but the fact is that the event management industry of India is a dynamic and flourishing sector.

So, the scope of event management as a career in India is immense for those who are trained, skilled or experienced. There are online events too which need technical expertise apart from other skills.

There are short term courses related to event management and this is part of management courses and mass communication. There are benefits of studying event planning and management as it is a fast-growing and dynamic industry. It is best for creative people and one may start working independently as freelance opportunities are also available.

One must remember that there might be stress as lots of activities need to be coordinated and many people are associated with events. In spite of that it is profitable for those who know how to execute.