Planner, manager, producer: Which do you want to be?

When starting out in events there are many options for specialisation. Not only event type but also event role.

The high level breakdown of event type is commonly private, corporate or public. Beneath those banners are a myriad of different events with many event profs specialising in just one type. Wedding planner, conference producers, festival managers etc

Then there is ‘role’; planner, manager or producer? While there is a fair amount of cross-over between roles, and probably quite a bit of regional differences in the understanding of the roles broadly speaking they break down as follows;

Event Manager

Event manager is a pretty broad term. Most event managers have the attitude that they will do whatever is required to make the event happen so they are not restricted to a finite role. In the main, event managers are logistical. Find the venue, set up registration, book the vendors, and ensure the event runs without a hitch on the day. In general, event managers deliver what the client asks as opposed to advising the client on what they need.

Event Planner

An event manager plus content and strategy.

Event planners take on more responsibility for the success of the event. While many of their responsibilities are the same as an event manager they take on the additional responsibility of delivering a specific outcome. They will get more involved in developing the program and audience experience as well as advising the client on the best approach to achieve their stated objective. All the work plus added responsibility. 

Event Producer

There can be a lot of crossover between managers, planners and producers, but the key delineator is the producer will be more focused on what is going on on stage. Producers get into the detail of content creation, performer rehearsals, AV requirements, and the run of show. 

Which do you want to be?

All three roles are absolutely critical to event success and highly rewarding. If salary is what motivates you then you should know that event producers generally get paid more than event managers. Event planners more often than not run their own businesses. But pay scale is more dependent on event type rather than role. However, life is more than just money so after every event take some time to think about the elements you found most interesting and pursue that. There is so much opportunity in this industry which means you can shape your own destiny and become who you want to be.