Career in Event Management: Courses, Eligibility, Jobs, and Salary

Event management today is no longer about arranging chairs and booking venues. It has evolved into a professional service industry where strategy, creativity, logistics, and execution intersect. Events are now used as tools for branding, marketing, engagement, and cultural representation.

With corporate expansion, destination weddings, live concerts, influencer-led launches, and year-round festivals in India, the demand for trained event professionals continues to rise. This has made event management a viable long-term career, not a side hustle.

What Is Event Management?

Event management is the systematic planning, coordination, and execution of events such as corporate conferences, product launches, exhibitions, concerts, weddings, festivals, and promotional campaigns.

An event manager is responsible for:

• Understanding client objectives

• Planning budgets and timelines

• Coordinating vendors and teams

• Managing on-ground execution

• Ensuring the event delivers a seamless experience

This field rewards people who can handle pressure, solve problems quickly, and deliver results without excuses.

Event Management Courses

Students interested in this field can pursue certificate, diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs. Course duration ranges from 3 months to 3 years, depending on the level.

Diploma and Certificate Courses (After 12th)

• Diploma in Event Management

• Diploma in Wedding Planning and Management

• Certificate in Event Planning and Marketing

• Certificate in Corporate Event Management

• Online short-term certifications

These courses focus on practical exposure and fast entry into the industry.

Undergraduate Courses

• BBA in Event Management

• BA in Event Management

• B.Sc. in Event and Hospitality Management

• Bachelor of Event Management (BEM)

• B.Des. in Event and Exhibition Design

UG programs provide structured learning along with internships and live projects.

Postgraduate Courses

• MBA in Event Management

• MBA in Hospitality and Event Management

• M.Sc. in Event Management

• PG Diploma in Event Management (PGDEM)

Postgraduate programs are suitable for leadership roles, large-scale project handling, and entrepreneurship.

Course Curriculum

Most event management programs cover:

• Principles of Event Management

• Event Planning and Coordination

• Marketing and Promotion

• Public Relations and Media Handling

• Budgeting and Financial Control

• Sponsorship and Fundraising

• Logistics and Vendor Management

• Hospitality and Venue Operations

• Stage, Set, and Exhibition Design

• Legal, Safety, and Risk Management

• Event Technology and Software Tools

• Entrepreneurship and Business Development

Eligibility Criteria

Undergraduate Courses

• 10+2 passed from any stream

• Minimum 45–50% marks (varies by institute)

• Admission mostly merit-based; some colleges conduct entrance tests

Postgraduate Courses

• Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

• Minimum 50–55% marks

• Admission through exams like CUET PG, CAT, MAT, or university-level tests

Diploma and Certificate Courses

• Diploma: 10+2 passed

• Certificate: 10th or 12th passed

• Mostly direct admission

Admission Process

• UG and PG admissions are done through CUET UG / CUET PG in many universities

• MBA programs require CAT, MAT, or equivalent exams

• Diploma and certificate courses usually offer direct admission

Key Skills Required

This industry doesn’t tolerate weak execution. You need:

• Strong organizational ability

• Clear communication and negotiation skills

• Creativity with practical thinking

• Leadership and team coordination

• Budget and cost control

• Crisis and risk management

• Technical awareness of event tools and software

Without these, qualifications alone won’t save you.

Top Colleges and Institutes

Some well-known institutes offering event management programs include:

• National Institute of Event Management (NIEM)

• Pearl Academy

• Amity School of Communication

• EMDI Institute of Media and Communication

• Indian School of Media

• Christ University

• Savitribai Phule Pune University

• AAFT

• International Institute of Event Management

Institute reputation matters, but industry exposure matters more.

Career Scope and Job Opportunities

The Indian event management industry is valued at ₹10,000+ crore and continues to grow at 15–20% annually. Corporate events, weddings, exhibitions, political events, and entertainment shows drive consistent demand.

Graduates can work with:

• Event management companies

• Wedding planning firms

• Corporate houses

• Media and entertainment agencies

• Government and NGOs

Entrepreneurship is also common after gaining experience.

Job Profiles

• Event Planner

• Event Coordinator

• Event Manager

• Wedding Planner

• Conference Organizer

• Exhibition Manager

• Logistics Manager

• Sponsorship Coordinator

• Marketing and PR Executive

• Production Manager

• Venue Manager

• Celebrity or Artist Manager

Top Recruiters

• Wizcraft

• Percept Limited

• DNA Networks

• Cineyug Entertainment

• Showtime Events

• Fountainhead MKTG

• E-Factor Entertainment

• Touchwood Group

• Sercon India

Salary and Earnings

Event management income depends on experience, project scale, and client type.

• Freshers: ₹3–5 LPA

• Mid-level professionals: ₹5–9 LPA

• Senior consultants and managers: ₹10+ LPA

Freelancers can earn ₹25,000 to ₹3 lakh per event, and high-profile weddings or corporate projects can pay significantly more.

This industry rewards performance, not degrees.

Books and Study Material

• A Textbook of Event Management

• Event Management and Marketing

• Public Relations and Event Management

• Event Planning and Management

• The Event Manager’s Bible

Final Reality Check

Event management is not glamorous all the time. Long hours, high pressure, and zero tolerance for mistakes are part of the job. But if you can execute under stress and deliver results, this career can be financially and professionally rewarding.