How to become an Events Coordinator

Events coordinators plan and organise special events, including parties, wedding receptions, product launches, banquets, meetings, conferences and conventions.

Personal requirements for an Events Coordinator

Enjoy working with people
Good organisational and time management skills
Attention to detail
Good interpersonal and supervisory skills
Good communication skills
Neat personal appearance
Able to negotiate, delegate and work under pressure

Education & Training for an Events Coordinator

You can work as an events coordinator without formal qualifications, but employers usually require Year 10. You will probably get some informal training on the job. Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications and/or experience in the tourism and hospitality industry. You may like to consider a VET qualification. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further information. You can also become an events coordinator through a traineeship in Events. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Duties & Tasks of an Events Coordinator

Events coordinators:

Talk with clients about events and offer suggestions to ensure their requests can be met
Negotiate the type and costs of services to be provided, in line with a budget
Organise the venue and ensure that it is appropriately set up, with regard to seating and decor
Consult with management to ensure adequate staff members are rostered for duty, and with catering staff to plan the menu
Consult with service providers such as entertainers and transport companies
Coordinate staff to ensure the program of events occurs on time (for example, speeches and the serving of food and refreshments)
Oversee work by contractors and report on variations to work orders
Find solutions to any problems that arise concerning services or programs provided
Advise senior management on matters requiring their attention and implement their decisions
Follow up with clients to arrange payment and, after the event, to evaluate the service provided
Collect and analyse data on projects undertaken, and report on project outcomes.

Tasks

Responding to inquiries concerning services provided and costs for room and equipment hire, catering and related services
Negotiating the type and costs of services to be provided within budget
Overseeing work by contractors and reporting on variations to work orders
Organising registration of participants
Promoting conferences, conventions and trade shows to potential customers
Meeting with clients to discuss their needs and outlining package options to meet these needs
Arranging and coordinating services, such as conference facilities, catering, signage, displays, audiovisual equipment, accommodation, transport and social events, for participants

Working conditions for an Events Coordinator

Depending on the size of the establishment, events coordinators may work independently or as part of a team. They often work irregular hours, and on weekends and public holidays.

Employment Opportunities for an Events Coordinator

Events coordinators work in large hotels, function and conference centres, community centres and tourist resorts. There are also opportunities for self-employment. Events coordinators may specialise in particular kinds of events such as weddings. Employment prospects depend on the number, size and frequency of special events.

Specializations

Events Coordinator

Events coordinators plan and organise special events, including parties, wedding receptions, product launches, banquets, meetings, conferences and conventions.

Average age
34
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
67% female
Average full-time
41 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,538
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
76%
Employment Size
34,000
Employment by state
ACT: 2.3%
NSW: 36.4%
NT: 0.7%
QLD: 18.2%
SA: 5.6%
TAS: 1.3%
VIC: 26.9%
WA: 8.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.4%
20-24: 12.4%
25-34: 38.2%
35-44: 24.5%
45-54: 14.7%
55-59: 4.3%
60-64: 2.6%
65 and Over: 1.8%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 21.5%
Bachelor degree: 34.7%
Certificate III/IV: 9.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 7.8%
Year 10 and below: 4.4%
Year 11: 2.7%
Year 12: 18.9%