Do You Have What It Takes To Be An Event Manager? Ever wonder how your event manager got their position? Depending on your experiences with event managers, you could have read that in either an annoyed or inspired tone. Many who want to be an event manager may want to out of thinking they can do a better job than the event managers they work with. But then there are others who want to be an event manager because the event managers they’ve worked with are so good at their job that it makes others feel that they can be an event manager too. Either way, it goes, there are considerations you may need to think over other than the pay rate.
Being an event manager is serious business. Event companies spend a lot of energy putting together an event from conception to pre-event. That’s a lot of trust to hand over to an event manager to execute on their behalf for their client. There are many moving parts to run an event on-site. Do you think you could handle the weight?
Here are some things to know and consider to be included in the offer:
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Keep in mind, that not all events will require the same skillset but it’s common that event managers receive the shipment for the event, must report on-site before the team, meet-ups with the client before and/on during the event, manage set-up, run the event, troubleshoot devices, ensure the team is signed in and looking appropriate, execute training, conduct tear-down, handle emergencies, meet demands while running the active action, run errands for the event, document notes, submit reports, collect data, keep team morale up, liaison between multiple personnel including venue contact, be accountable for the failure or success of the event, return the equipment, enforce protocol, complete walk-through, follow safety procedures... I could keep going, but I hope you understand that running a team is a small fraction of what event managers do.
You must be able to adapt, rally your team, problem-solve on the spot, anticipate your needs, work with what’s available to you, be a people person, able to lead instead of boss, remain organized in chaos.
Will you be using any of your special licenses to complete your responsibilities? (food certs., liquor certs, CDL, DOT, CDLA, CDBL, CPR)
How does the booking offer amount compare to other similar tour manager rates compared to your going rate?
How many activations within the tour altogether and per week and how are you getting to each activation? What attire are you expected to wear while with the client, on-site, during activation, etc.? And who is providing that for you?
UNDERSTAND THE OFFERS
So let’s talk money. You pay should compensate for your time and responsibilities. So with each event you get, you need to understand what is being expected of you for the assignment. Although everything single detail may not be able to be laid out as to what all you will encounter as the event manager for the gig, you want to make sure you read the contract and understand the contract in its entirety as well as have a conversation about the gig especially if you’re traveling or the tour manager.
More information to know:
How Much Is The Pay Per Week?
When will you be paid and how (i.e. direct deposit, paper check, wire transfer, etc.)? If you’re on tour getting paid weekly, you may want access to your money as you work.
Who’s paying for the fuel?
Will you paid for mileage?
Will you be provided lodging?
Will you be given a stipend, per diem, allowance, etc.?
Are your allowances or per diem paid upfront or on the back end?
How many hours are you expected to work?
How many people are you managing?
What are your responsibilities?
Break down the pay by the hours you're expected to work?
How pays for unexpected runs to Home Depot, etc.?
Will you be paid for days off? Will you still be paid per diems, fees, etc. on those days off?
Will you be working with another event manager?
Is the job a W-2 or 1099?
KNOW THE START AND END DATES PLUS THE OFF DAYS IN BETWEEN
What date and time do they expect you to be in market?
The event may start on Friday, but the setup is on Thursday but the company wants you in market by Wednesday.
What date are you allowed to conclude the tour?
You want to know what the last day of the tour is because you can begin booking other gigs accordingly.
When are your days off? And are you still considered on-call, on stand-by or free to book another event (with another company) if you chose or just free to do what you want? This is important because some events need you to be able to handle things if need be even though you’re not reporting for a shift. Make sure you get compensation of some sort for that.
Do you get a cancellation fee if they cancel the rest of the tour while on the tour?
Do you get a cancellation fee if they cancel the tour before your first day?
TRAVELING ARRANGEMENTS
Who's responsible for booking your lodging? And who’s paying for it?
Does your lodging provide breakfast?
Because that helps you save money on your end.
What vehicles will you be provided to use in-market, if applicable?
What vehicles will you be expected to drive and/or transport?
How do they expect you to get in market?
Who is paying for parking and tolls during your travel?
IN CONCLUSION:
Know what you’re getting into. Overtime, catch on to what all it takes to be an event manager. Get better at negotiating your terms and pay. Never forget your worth. Anddddddddddd get everything in writing.
TIP: Find a tour manager that you can talk to about your offer that has your best interest in mind.
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