Scope of Event Management as a Career In India in 2024

India has plenty of opportunities when it comes to event management and many aspiring managers wonder if there is a good scope of event management as a career in India.

Do you have a bend for creativity? Are you a creative enthusiast who has an eye for details? If yes, then event management can be a good career option for you. The scope of event management as a career in India is broad as the events and activations industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in India.

Events and festivities are the heart and soul of India. There are thousands of events held every year which are professionally managed. From corporate seminars to diplomatic talks, and from regional fairs to weddings, event management companies plan and organize events of all sorts.

So, if you want a sneak peek into the world of event management, then you’ve landed at the right place. I will equip you with all the necessary details of event management as a career in India.

Event managers do not lead a simple life. The stressful schedules and the irregular working hours are some of its prime characteristics. But, those in this field believe that they can endure it all to experience the satisfaction they get from hosting a successful event.

So, let’s begin by discussing what event management exactly is and what’s the scope of event management as a career in India.

What is event management?

Before we dive in to discuss the scope of event management as a career in India, let us understand the concepts of events and management.

An event is a social gathering conducted with an intent to celebrate, educate, persuade, promote, or motivate. Management is the art of getting things done by others for accomplishing a common goal.

So, we can derive that event management is the art of planning and organizing an event that can be personal, social, educational, or corporate in nature.

It is a branch of project management that focuses on analyzing:

• The aims and objectives of the brand
• Its target audience
• Conceptualizing and customizing the event
• Planning logistics
• Optimum utilization of physical, human, and financial resources
• Executing the event as per the proposed plan.

The sequential flow of event management is broadly divided into three categories. There are as follows:

• Pre-event activities
• During-event activities
• Post-event activities

The pre-event activities are the most crucial stage which takes place before the event. The process begins when the creative conceptualizer plans the theme of the event and continues as the various departments of communications, design, and marketing coordinate together to organize the event.

The During-event activities are the actual implementation of the proposed event plan. The event manager or the overall coordinator of the event must be present at the event venue to monitor the departments.

The post-event activities include event evaluation and performance appraisal of the coordinators and departments. Seeking feedback about the event is an important step that is used to measure customer satisfaction and obtain suggestions for the future.

You’ll understand the concepts of event management and planning in-depth as we discuss the different types of events that are often being held.

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Categorization of events

Events and festivities are the souls of India. We always have a different reason to celebrate. So, in such a diverse country, it won’t be wrong to say that the scope of event management in India is enormous.

Having said that, let me now acquaint you with the various categories of events.

Based on the content, events can be classified into six major categories. These are as follows:

1. Cultural events and celebrations
2. Arts and Entertainment events
3. Business and Trade events
4. Sports events
5. Educational and Scientific events
6. Political and state events

Apart from these major categories, there are several events conducted to attract international tourists. Signature cultural and niche events along with international sports events are some of them.

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6 Major Categories of Events

• Cultural Events and Celebrations

Vibrant India celebrates; and celebrates with its heart and soul. From the divine harvest festivals to the bizarre regional fests and fairs, they are all a part of the cultural events of India.

India is home to hundreds of regional communities and nurtures this diversity with care. So, the festive get-togethers, regional fairs, and bazaars, regional gatherings, and carnivals can be classified as cultural events.

The great Indian wedding industry has emerged as a boon. Indians are ever ready to throw lakhs for their perfect destination wedding. Private functions like birthday, anniversary, and retirement parties can also be categorized under cultural events. So, it won’t be wrong to say that these cultural events are the profound elements of the Indian event management industry.

• Arts and Entertainment Events

Art exhibitions and workshops are often held with the purpose to educate and promote Indian art and heritage amongst the youth. Several local haats and bazaars are organized across the country to celebrate the craftsmanship of the traditional artisans. These artistic fests often drive international tourism.

The Entertainment sector of India is a massive industry and events are often held for the launch of movie teasers, autobiographies, and music albums. The task of organizing the Award Ceremonies is often outsourced to international event management companies. Musical concerts and tours are also a part of this category of awards.

• Business and Trade Events

Corporate events like board meetings, conventions, and business dinners are outsourced to event management companies. They are the formal meetings of members and are planned to focus on the brand value of the business.

Trade fairs and product launches are often organized to promote the new products and services of the company. Such events are planned with a professional approach and might be covered by media as well.

Seminars and conferences are important business events for the training of managers and employees. Events are also organized to reward and incentivize the employees. They are focused on developing team spirits and motivation.

• Sports Events

With the advent of the sporting leagues across the nation, a new branch in event management emerged that is solely concerned with the handling of sports events. This branch of sports management deals with the various aspects of sports, from team management to sports venues and award ceremonies.

Sporting events and competitions need extensive planning as they are not a single-day activity. The event management companies interact with local, national as well as international clubs and franchises to organize the various sporting events.

It is important to remember that athletic events need similar financial and operational models like any other business to reach the masses.

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• Educational and Scientific Events

Educational events like field visits and trips are often planned by the schools and colleges. The purpose is to provide students with experiential learning. Such school excursions are handled by local event management agencies.

Educational seminars, webinars, and conferences are held to enrich the learning experiences of students. Workshops and seminars are also held for the training of the teaching and administrative staff of institutions. The main aim is upskilling. It equips teachers with the latest innovations in the teaching sector.

• Political and State Events

Diplomatic summits and conference meetings are often held between parties, officials, and governments of states and nations. Such events can be classified under political and state events.

VIP visits and press conferences along with party rallies are some other political events that are outsourced to event management companies.

Current Scenario in the Event Management Industry of India

The event management industry of India is a dynamic and flourishing sector. According to a report of The Economic Times, the Events and activations industry, which was at ₹5,631 crores in the fiscal year of 2016-17 has been growing at 16% CAGR.

So, the scope of event management as a career in India is immense. This career provides a unique opportunity to rephrase our social beliefs. Hosting events can redesign the structure of a city by facilitating economic growth, employment opportunities, urban development, and promoting indigenous culture and heritage.

To drive national and international tourism, my states and cities are investing in physical, human, and financial resources to host and conduct major events.

Effect Of The Covid-19 Pandemic on Event Management Industry of India

With the announcement of the lockdown, each sector of the economy came to a standstill. The event management industry was no stranger to this drift.

According to a recent report of the Event and Entertainment Management Association, the events and exhibition industry is expected to face a loss of ₹1 trillion.

Now, you must be wondering if the Covid-19 Pandemic has limited the scope of event management as a career in India. But, it has not.

Like other sectors of the economy, the event and exhibition industry has also adapted itself to the new normal. Some of the measures adopted are as follows:

• Virtual live events
• Use of advanced technologies like AI
• Modern advertising and promotional techniques

The event management industry is shifting to the online mode and is now handling virtual events quite efficiently. The events organized are either live webinars or are pre-recorded events. The increase in social media consumption has forced event management companies and agencies to promote their content extensively on social media platforms.

As the process of Unlock has started in most of the cities, the local event management agencies have started to conduct small gatherings, weddings, and business conventions.

Let us now move on to understand the benefits and limitations of event management as a career in India.

Benefits of Event Management As A Career In India

Several benefits of studying event planning and management:

• Fast-growing and dynamic industry
• Decent job prospects
• Freelance opportunities available
• Fuels creativity and out of the box thinking

Limitations of Event Management As A Career In India

Like every profession, event management also has a few disadvantages. Some limitations of event management as a career are:

• Long working hours
• Irregular and stressful tenure
• Lack of stability
• Handling diverse needs and requirements

Now that you know about the benefits and limitations of event management as a career in India, let us discuss the essential skills that recruiters of this industry look for.

Essential Skills Required In The Event Management Industry Of India

• Creativity is the essence of event management and planning

Event management is a dynamic profession but you’ll have a smooth sail if your heart blooms with creativity. Here, creativity refers to the ability to create, innovate and invent something unique for every single event. Out-of-the-box thinking is not a prerequisite but the ability to transform existing ideas and models are.

A creative enthusiast who is ready to deal with all sorts of challenges can go a long way in the event and exhibition industry. Creativity is the ability to accept changes with a flexible outlook.

Creativity in event management helps to tackle problems by looking for solutions from different perspectives. The role of creative managers emerges at the point of event conceptualization. They suggest that employees brainstorm ideas and embrace the non-traditional viewpoints which help the companies grow and adapt their way to success.

• Leadership and managerial skills

Event management is a multitasking profession, so good managerial skills are bound to take you for a smooth sail. As a manager, you must motivate your colleagues and try to develop a healthy working environment. This will foster productivity and help the company in the long run.

Not all managers are leaders but a leader is always a good manager, motivator, and guiding light for his employees and colleagues. As a leader, you must set high standards so that others look up to you for inspiration and direction. Apart from leadership and managerial skills, recruiters also look for organizational skills.

• Interpersonal skills and networking

Interpersonal skills are the behavioral attributes that a person uses to interact with others. It is one of the important skills that recruiters look for.

Teamwork, empathy, and optimism help to corporate and coordinate with different departments of the company. You must be able to communicate your ideas, beliefs, and problems effectively. Being a good listener is another interpersonal skill that you must master.

Networking refers to the process of developing professional relations and contacts in your field. Networking helps to:

• Find clients
• Meat supplies
• Arrange media coverage

• Problem Solving Skills

Were you born with great problem-solving skills? Chances are that you were not. This can’t be true because it’s not something we are born with; it is something we gain after practice and experience.

So, once you are placed at an event management agency you must look to solve problems by understanding them from different perspectives. Employing efficient problem-solving skills helps to tackle everyday issues more logically.

Problems must be handled by employing a creative approach. You must be able to tackle the problem by utilizing the available resources judiciously. Constructive feedback and suggestions should be a part of the process.

• Passion for Planning

If you want to pursue event management as a career, you should have a knack for planning. This may seem too obvious but it was important to include this point here.

You may learn to foster creativity and leadership skills with experience but you should instill a systematic approach to tackle tasks. Event management is all about forecasting every possibility and preparing for it in advance.

Planning is the most crucial factor that determines the success of any event and you should embrace this process to take on event management as a career.

Eligibility Criteria Of Event Management Courses In India

Eligibility For Undergraduate Courses

• You may pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA Honors) or a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in event management after clearing 10+2 with an aggregate percentage of 50% and above from any recognized educational institution/board.
• Admissions are confirmed on a merit basis of class 12 results but some universities also conduct entrance examinations.
• You may have to appear for entrance exams like CAT for admission in BBA courses.

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Eligibility For Post Graduate Courses

• To pursue a master’s degree in event management and planning you must have secured 60% and above in graduation.
• You may have to appear for entrance exams of various universities to pursue an MBA degree.

Eligibility For Certificate and Diploma Courses

• To pursue a diploma course in event management and planning, you must have passed 10+2 with an aggregate of 50% and above.

The scope of event management as a career in India is immense as people from diverse educational backgrounds can pursue it as a career. However, companies prefer candidates who have certificates in the allied fields of public relations, tourism, marketing, management, and hospitality.

Event Management Institutes In India

Amity University

• Name of the course offered: BA (Hons) Event Management
• Location: Noida
• Established in: 2005
• Course Duration: Full Time – 3 years
• Special features of the course:
  • Regular interaction with professionals from the event management industry
  • Analysis of event management in different sectors
  • Students gain project management skills needed to successfully conduct events as per the needs of the clients

National Institute of Event Management

• Name of the course offered:
  • Diploma in Event (DE)
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Event (PGDE)
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Advertising, Media and Event (PGDAME)
• Location: Mumbai
• Established in: 2000
• Course Duration: 11 months
• Special features of the course:
  • Excellent placement opportunities
  • Practical training on live events with various event management companies
  • Excellent faculty and regular workshops in interaction sessions are held

National Academy of Event Management and Development

• Name of the course:
  • Undergraduate courses: Bachelor of Management Studies in Event Management & PR (BMS)
  • Post-Graduate courses: MBA in Management & PR

• Location: Mumbai
• Established in: 2000
• Course Duration:
  • Undergraduate courses: 3 years
  • Post-Graduate courses: 2 years

• Special features of the course:
  • Focuses on holistic development through regular interaction sessions
  • Innovative and interactive learning technology
  • Multilevel placement process, providing opportunities at local, national, and international levels
  • Excellent internship opportunities available

EMDI Institute of Media and Communication

• Name of the course offered:
  • Undergraduate courses:
    • Bachelor of Business Administration in Event Management
    • Bachelor of Business Administration in Sports Management

• • Post-Graduate courses:
    • Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management
    • Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Experiential Marketing
    • Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management and Experiential Marketing- Global
    • Post Graduate Diploma in Sports Management
    • Post Graduate Diploma in Global Sports Management

• • Diploma Courses:
    • Diploma in Event Management
    • Diploma in Sports Management
    • Diploma in Wedding Planning

• Location: Mumbai
• Established in: 2002
• Course Duration:
  • Undergraduate courses: 3 years
  • Post-Graduate courses: 2 years

• Special features of the course:
  • Wide varieties of courses available
  • Practical exposure: opportunities provided to work on top live events
  • 100% placement assistance

National Academy of Media and Events

• Name of the course:
  • Professional Diploma in Event Management, Digital Marketing, and Marketing Entrepreneurship
  • Diploma in Event Management and Wedding Planning
  • Certification in Event Management
• Location: Kolkata
• Established in: 2014
• Course Duration:
  • Diploma Courses: Full time- 1 year
  • Certificate Courses: 6 months with compulsory internship

• Special features of the course:
  • Culture of research and involvement of experts & professionals
  • Compulsory internship and guaranteed placement
  • Weekend master sessions and workshops held for an intensive learning experience

Online Event Management Courses

Apart from the traditional institutes, there are several online courses available that provide the benefits of self-paced distance learning. Some of the topics which can be covered through online courses are as follows:

• Principle of marketing event
• Event risk management
• Event Management Planning
• Event Planning Documentation
• Corporate Event Management
• Organizing Conferences
• Celebrity Events
• Wedding planning
• Role of an event manager

Conclusion: Is Event Management and Planning For Me?

Let us now address the primary question that is “Is Event Management and planning for me?”.

Yes, it is.

The scope of event management as a career in India is vast. It’s a thriving industry and is home to a million people. So, if you have a knack for creativity and want to redesign the perceptions of society, the event management industry is all for you.

Several job designations that you can hold in the event management and exhibition industry are as follows:

• Event planner
• Creative conceptualizer
• Creative director
• Event coordinator
• Event manager
• Public relations officer
• Event legal executive
• Event executive
• Finance manager

With that said, it’s important to remember the responsibility that is bestowed upon you in the event management industry. You’re just not planning out the events of your clients, you are planning and shaping their memories which they will cherish forever.