Event coordinator
Plan and organise exciting events for different organisations. Publicise the events and make sure they are successful.
Also known as: event planner, event organiser, conference and exhibition organiser
About the job
What it's like
You would plan and organise conferences and events for different organisations where people do not have the time or expertise to do it themselves.
You’d run trade shows, exhibitions and conferences. You’d work closely with people from the organisation to ensure that you understand what they want at the event. You’d make sure everything is organised on time and on budget.
There are three main areas of work: marketing, operations and sales. You might specialise in one area or work in all three.
In marketing, you would:
research the level of interest in an event
find suitable venues and dates
publicise events
organise design and printing for tickets, posters and promotional items
In operations you’d be responsible for making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day. You would:
plan timetables
book venues
supervise and pay contractors and suppliers, such as exhibition designers and caterers
work closely with venue staff during events
handle enquiries from exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and visitors
supervise health and safety issues, and ensure that venues are cleared safely
If you work in sales you would contact potential exhibitors and persuade them to buy space for a stand in the exhibition where they can advertise their products or services. You’d also arrange sponsorship for events.
Hours
You would normally work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. However you will need to be prepared to work unsocial hours if required, including evenings and weekends when events might take place. You may also have to work longer hours immediately before the start of a conference or exhibition to make sure everything is ready for the opening.
Environment
You would mainly be based at an office and would spend a lot of time on the telephone.
Travel
You would travel to meet potential sponsors and exhibitors, and visit venues and contractors.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Top specialised skills
These are the top specialised skills that have been found in job vacancies across Scotland. From March 2024 to March 2025.
- event planning
- event management
- upselling
- social work
- development management
- public service
- care standards act 2000
- spatial planning
- urban design
- hotel operations
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- negotiating
- making decisions
- time management
- managing resources
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Art and Design (Design)
Creative Arts
Graphic Communication
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
Foundation Apprenticeship: Business Skills
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Most events organisers have a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in subjects such as
event management
hospitality management
public relations
business
marketing
media
You can enter some events or hospitality management National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers. Some universities ask for qualifications to be gained in one sitting.
You can also enter a degree with a relevant Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8). With Advanced Highers, HNC or HND qualification you may enter the second or third year of some degree courses.
With a suitable honours degree and relevant experience you can apply to a masters (SCQF level 11), such as an MSc in International Event and Festival Management.
Experience in events organisation, hospitality, marketing, public relations or fundraising or relevant work-based qualifications such as a Professional Development Award in Events Operations (SCQF level 7).
An apprenticeship in Creative and Cultural (SCQF Level 6) would be a good fit.
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