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

May 4, 2023 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The rise of digital technology has had a significant impact on event strategists. As technology has become more advanced, it has allowed event strategists to create virtual events and communicate with audiences in ways that were not previously possible. This has enabled event strategists to reach a wider array of people in different locations simultaneously, allowing them to create more efficient and effective events.

event strategists have access to new tools such as artificial intelligence and analytics that can help them gain insights into their audiences and better understand their preferences, which can lead to better event outcomes. As a result, the role of event strategists is becoming increasingly important as they are able to leverage these new technologies to create more engaging and successful events.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. In order to be an event strategist, you'll need to have a bachelor's degree in a field related to event planning. Make sure to take courses in marketing, communications, and business management.
Get Professional Experience. Once you have your bachelor's degree, it's important to start gaining professional experience in the event planning industry. Consider interning at an event planning company or working as an assistant for an experienced event strategist.
Develop Your Network. Networking is key to success in the event planning industry. Work on developing relationships with vendors and other professionals in the field. This will help you stay informed on the latest trends and get access to more opportunities.
Learn About Public Relations. Event strategists need to be well-versed in public relations and understand how to develop and execute effective PR campaigns. Consider taking classes or reading books on the subject.
Keep Up With Trends. Event planners must be able to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to new trends and technologies in the industry. Follow blogs and attend conferences to stay informed.
Develop Your Own Strategies. It's important for event strategists to develop their own unique strategies for events. Think creatively about ways to make events more successful and memorable for attendees.
Get Certified. Consider getting certified as an event planner by a professional organization such as the International Live Events Association (ILEA). This will help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise.

The success of any event depends on the expertise of the event strategist. An ideal and competent event strategist must possess a range of skills, such as excellent organizational skills, strong communication and interpersonal skills, creativity and the ability to stay calm under pressure. In addition, they must have an in-depth understanding of event planning, marketing and social media.

Without these skills, an event strategist will not be able to effectively plan, coordinate and manage all the necessary tasks associated with an event. As a result, the event may not be successful and attendees may become dissatisfied, leading to a negative public perception of the event. Therefore, it is essential for event strategists to possess the right skills in order to ensure that events are successful.

You may want to check Event Logistics Coordinator, Event Assistant, and Event Audience Engagement Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Develop and execute event strategies that meet program goals and objectives.
Establish and maintain relationships with event vendors and other stakeholders.
Research and analyze event trends, demographics and industry data.
Identify new opportunities to increase event attendance and engagement.
Create budgets and manage event expenses.
Monitor event progress and track success metrics.
Develop promotional materials, media outreach plans, and press releases.
Ensure events are compliant with industry regulations.
Develop post-event reports to measure event effectiveness.
Manage day-of operations, including event setup and takedown.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Strategic Planning: Ability to develop a detailed plan for successful event outcomes.
Project Management: Proficiency in managing projects from start to finish, with an eye for detail and organization.
Budget Management: Knowledge of budgeting process and ability to work within a set budget.
Creativity: Ability to conceive and develop innovative ideas to create engaging events.
Client Relations: Experience in building relationships with clients and understanding their needs.
Problem Solving: Ability to identify problems and develop solutions in a timely manner.
Negotiation: Skill at negotiating with vendors and suppliers to obtain the best prices for event supplies and services.
Communication: Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with staff, clients, and vendors.
Public Relations: Ability to develop and maintain positive public relations with sponsors, media, and attendees.
Networking: Proficiency in networking with event industry professionals to stay abreast of new trends and ideas.

Organizational and problem solving skills are essential for a successful event strategist. The ability to identify and analyze problems, develop solutions, and think critically are the foundation of this role. An effective event strategist has the ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines and objectives.

they must be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders, clients, and vendors in order to build successful relationships. Furthermore, having an appreciation for the creative and design elements of events is essential, as this will help them to produce memorable experiences for their attendees. Finally, having a good understanding of the latest event trends and technologies is important for a successful event strategist, as this knowledge will allow them to create experiences that are both innovative and engaging.

By mastering these skills, an event strategist can create successful events that meet or exceed the goals of their clients.

Event Chef, Event Security Manager, and Event Lead Generator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

How would you best describe your experience in event strategy?
What do you believe makes a successful event?
Describe a time when you successfully managed an event from start to finish.
How do you approach project management when it comes to event planning?
How do you stay organized and manage multiple tasks when planning an event?
What strategies do you use to ensure successful event execution?
Describe a challenging event that you have faced and how you overcame it?
What methods do you use to engage target markets before, during, and after events?
How do you identify and assess potential risks when planning events?
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends in event strategy?

Common Tools in Industry

Event Planning Software. This software helps event planners manage their events, create itineraries, and track budgets. (eg: Eventbrite)
Project Management Software. This software helps event strategists plan and manage complex projects, track progress, and collaborate with teams. (eg: Asana)
Social Media Analytics Tools. These tools help event strategists analyze social media engagement and performance, measure the success of campaigns, and generate insights. (eg: Hootsuite)
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software. This software helps event strategists store and manage customer data, track interactions, and create personalized customer experiences. (eg: Salesforce)
Collaboration Tools. These tools help event strategists stay connected with teams, share documents and files, and communicate in real-time. (eg: Slack)
Survey and Polling Tools. These tools help event strategists collect feedback from attendees, measure satisfaction levels, and gain insights about their events. (eg: SurveyMonkey)

Professional Organizations to Know

Event Industry Council
International Live Events Association
Meeting Professionals International
Professional Convention Management Association
International Association of Exhibitions and Events
International Special Events Society
Society of Government Meeting Professionals
Event Marketing Association
American Society of Association Executives
Events Industry Alliance

We also have Event Consultant, Event Logistics Manager, and Event Controller jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Event Planning. The process of organizing and coordinating all aspects of an event, such as budgeting, scheduling, venue selection, and staffing.
Event Management. The process of overseeing all aspects of an event, from conception to completion. This includes planning, coordinating, promoting, and executing the event.
Event Design. The creative process of designing an event to create a memorable experience for attendees.
Project Management. The process of planning, organizing, and managing resources to achieve a specific goal or set of goals.
Risk Management. The process of identifying, assessing, and managing potential risks associated with an event.
Branding. The process of creating a recognizable identity for an organization or event.
Public Relations. The practice of building relationships with the public and media to increase visibility and manage reputation.
Audience Engagement. The process of engaging with and connecting to the audience before, during, and after an event.
Social Media Management. The practice of managing online presence on social media platforms in order to promote an event and its content.
Analytics. The practice of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data in order to measure the success of an event.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Event Strategist?

An Event Strategist is a professional who plans, manages and executes events to achieve an organization's objectives. They are responsible for developing an event strategy, budgeting, and managing logistics.

What skills are needed to be an Event Strategist?

An Event Strategist should possess excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills. A good understanding of marketing, social media, and public relations is also beneficial.

How much does an Event Strategist typically earn?

According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for an Event Strategist is $58,947.

What is the role of an Event Strategist in the planning process?

An Event Strategist is responsible for guiding the event from start to finish, including crafting a strategy, budgeting, and managing logistics. They are also responsible for monitoring the event's progress and ensuring that it meets the organization's goals.

What types of events do Event Strategists typically plan?

Event Strategists typically plan a variety of events, including conferences, trade shows, corporate meetings, product launches, award ceremonies, and more.