Overview
Event managers plan and execute corporate events, weddings, conferences, exhibitions, sports events, music festivals, and brand activations. India's organised event management industry has grown to a ₹35,000+ crore market, driven by corporate event spending, IPL and ISL sponsorship activations, the booming Indian wedding industry (₹4 lakh crore), music festivals (NH7 Weekender, Sunburn, Ziro), and trade exhibitions. Major employers include Wizcraft, Encompass, Percept, DNA Networks, BookMyShow Live, Procam (sports events), plus the highly fragmented wedding and corporate-event ecosystem.
Day-to-day responsibilities
Conduct client briefings and develop event concepts; manage budgets and vendor procurement; coordinate venues, catering, AV production, transportation, decor; plan and execute on-ground event operations; manage celebrity and artist liaison; oversee technical production (stage, lighting, sound, visuals); ensure permits and security compliance; lead post-event evaluation; build long-term client relationships.
Skills required
- Project management for live events
- Vendor and supplier management
- Budget management and cost control
- Negotiation with venues, AV, catering, decor
- Risk and contingency planning
- On-ground crisis management
- Client relationship and communication
- Knowledge of permits (police, fire, traffic, FSSAI)
Education path
BBA / B.Com / BA + PG Diploma in Event Management. Top programmes: NIEM (National Institute of Event Management) Mumbai, EMDI Institute Mumbai, IIEM Bengaluru, Wizcraft School of Mass Communication. MBA Event Management at MICA, NMIMS, Symbiosis. Most event managers enter through apprentice / executive roles at agencies and learn on the job. Strong network and event execution track record matter more than degree.
Career progression
- 1Event Executive (0-2 yrs)
- 2Event Manager (2-5 yrs)
- 3Senior Event Manager (5-9 yrs)
- 4Account Director / Operations Head (9-14 yrs)
- 5VP Operations / Founder of own agency (14+ yrs)
Top employers in India
Useful certifications
- NIEM PG Diploma
- EMDI Institute Diploma
- CMP (Certified Meeting Professional, EIC)
- CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional)
- PMP for large-scale events