How to Be Event Consultant - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 13, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The success of an event consultant is dependent on their ability to effectively plan and organize events. They must be able to manage all aspects of the event, ranging from the budget to the logistics to the marketing. Poor planning can lead to missed deadlines, inadequate resources, and unsatisfied guests.

The use of effective project management techniques such as creating a timeline and assigning tasks to team members can help ensure a successful event. an event consultant must be well-versed in marketing and public relations in order to promote their events and create a positive public image. Making use of digital marketing strategies such as social media campaigns, email blasts, and website updates can help attract more guests and ensure the event is a success.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. Event consultants typically have a bachelor's degree in hospitality, business, communications, or marketing. This provides a strong foundation for the job and can be helpful when applying for positions.
Gain Experience. Many event consultants have experience in the hospitality industry. Working as a waiter, bartender, or event planner can all provide useful experience for this job. It is also important to have excellent customer service skills and be able to work with a variety of people.
Develop Connections. Networking with other event professionals can help an individual gain valuable contacts and knowledge. Joining professional organizations, attending conferences and workshops, and volunteering at events are all great ways to make connections.
Get Certified. Earning a professional certification is a great way to demonstrate expertise and credibility in the field. The Convention Industry Council offers a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification that is internationally recognized.
Consider Starting Your Own Business. Many event consultants work as independent contractors or start their own businesses. This requires additional training in business management and marketing, as well as the ability to secure clients.

Staying updated and capable as an event consultant requires dedication, resourcefulness, and knowledge. Dedicating time to stay informed of the latest trends in the event industry, networking with other professionals, and taking continuing education courses can help keep event consultants ahead of the curve. Resourcefulness is also key as event consultants need to be able to think quickly and come up with creative solutions to ensure the success of their events.

Finally, staying knowledgeable on the different event planning processes, techniques, and technology is essential in order to be able to successfully plan and execute any event. By dedicating time, being resourceful, and remaining knowledgeable, event consultants can remain updated and capable in their field.

You may want to check Event Planner, Event Security Manager, and Event Sales Representative for alternative.

Job Description

Develop event concepts and plans for client approval.
Oversee event budget and expenditures.
Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of services and products.
Negotiate contracts with vendors and suppliers.
Source venues, catering, entertainment and other services as required.
Liaise with vendors to ensure event runs smoothly.
Monitor event progress and act promptly to resolve any issues that arise.
Create detailed event timelines and schedules.
Oversee event setup and breakdown.
Greet attendees and respond to inquiries.
Develop relationships with existing clients to secure repeat business.
Generate post-event reports to analyze success and areas for improvement.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Excellent communication skills
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Highly detail-oriented
Good problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Knowledge of event management software and technology
Budgeting and financial management experience
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
Creative thinking and creative problem solving
Ability to handle stress and work under pressure
Knowledge of venue requirements, regulations, and safety procedures
Ability to manage vendors and event personnel
Ability to negotiate with vendors and suppliers

Time management is an essential skill for any successful event consultant. Without it, projects can quickly fall off schedule and deadlines can be missed. Poor time management can lead to stress and frustration for both the consultant and their clients.

In order to avoid this, a consultant must be able to plan, prioritize and organize their tasks effectively. They must also be able to remain flexible and adjust when necessary. Furthermore, strong communication skills are essential for any event consultant, as they must be able to communicate their needs and expectations to their clients in a professional manner while also listening to their clients feedback.

Finally, problem-solving skills are of the utmost importance, as consultants must be able to quickly identify and address any potential issues that may arise during the planning process. By having these skills, event consultants can ensure that projects are completed on time and with a high level of satisfaction.

Event Assistant, Event Designer, and Event Public Relations Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in event planning?
What makes you an ideal candidate for this role?
How have you handled difficult client expectations in the past?
How have you handled budget and timeline constraints for events?
How would you ensure that all details are taken care of for an event?
Describe how you would go about creating a successful event from start to finish.
What techniques do you employ when dealing with vendors?
How do you stay organized and on top of deadlines?
What do you consider to be the most important aspects of event planning?
What do you think sets you apart from other event consultants?

Common Tools in Industry

Event Management Software. Software designed to help plan and manage events, such as conferences, meetings, and trade shows. (Eg: Cvent)
Event Budgeting Software. Software designed to help plan and manage event finances, such as budgeting, forecasting, and tracking expenses. (Eg: QuickBooks)
Online Survey Software. Software designed to create, distribute, and analyze surveys to gather customer feedback. (Eg: SurveyMonkey)
Social Media Management Software. Software designed to help plan and manage social media accounts, such as scheduling posts and analyzing engagement metrics. (Eg: Hootsuite)
Event Scheduling Software. Software designed to help plan and manage event schedules, such as organizing speakers, sessions, and activities. (Eg: Eventbrite)
Event Planning Checklist Software. Software designed to help plan and manage checklists for events, such as tasks, timelines, and logistics. (Eg: Airtable)
Event Registration Software. Software designed to help manage event registrations, such as collecting payment information and tracking attendance. (Eg: RegFox)
Event Promotion Software. Software designed to help promote events, such as creating website pages, distributing emails, and managing ticket sales. (Eg: Eventbrite)

Professional Organizations to Know

International Special Events Society (ISES)
Meeting Professionals International (MPI)
Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA)
International Live Events Association (ILEA)
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
Convention Industry Council (CIC)
International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE)
Association Forum of Chicagoland
Event Marketing Institute (EMI)
Event Planner Association (EPA)

We also have Event Operations Manager, Event Technical Support Specialist, and Event Execution Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Event Management. The process of overseeing the planning, organization, and execution of events such as conferences, meetings, ceremonies, and trade shows.
Event Planning. The process of researching, organizing and managing all of the details involved in producing an event.
Event Design. The creative process of creating an event or experience that meets objectives, satisfies the guests and creates a memorable experience.
Logistics. The process of managing the transport, delivery and storage of goods and services for an event.
Budgeting. The process of setting a budget and monitoring it throughout the event planning process to ensure costs are kept within budget.
Vendor Management. The process of selecting, negotiating and managing vendors who provide goods or services to an event.
Promotion. The process of advertising and marketing an event to generate interest and attendance.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing and mitigating risks associated with an event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Event Consultant?

An Event Consultant is a professional that specializes in helping individuals and organizations plan and execute events such as conferences, trade shows, weddings, and more. They provide guidance on topics such as budgeting, venue selection, vendor management, and event logistics.

What qualifications do Event Consultants need?

Event Consultants typically need a bachelor's degree in event management, hospitality management, or a related field. They may also have to obtain certificates or certain licenses depending on the type of events they are planning. Additionally, they must have excellent organizational and communication skills.

How many hours do Event Consultants typically work?

This can vary greatly depending on the type of events that they are working on. Event Consultants may work anywhere from 10-20 hours per week to 40+ hours per week during busy times.

What is the average salary for an Event Consultant?

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for an Event Consultant is $48,077. However, salaries can range from $30,000 to $80,000 depending on experience and location.

What are some common challenges that Event Consultants face?

Event Consultants often face tight timelines, budget constraints, and difficult clients. They must also be able to think quickly and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the event planning process. Additionally, they must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and stay organized.

Web Resources

Special Events | Event Consultants - NYU Stern www.stern.nyu.edu
What Does an Event Planner Do? - Western Governors University www.wgu.edu
Professional Event Management Certificate - Recreation, Park & Tourism rpts.tamu.edu