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EVENT MANAGER
Gender Representation
87% Female
Median Age
34
Median Weekly Earnings
$1380
Average Weekly Hours
38 Hours
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES
An Event Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning and delivery of events—from intimate functions to large-scale conferences and festivals. They work closely with clients to understand their vision and goals, then bring it to life through effective planning, budgeting, and coordination. Responsibilities include venue sourcing, managing suppliers, organising staff and logistics, handling permits, and ensuring that events run smoothly on the day. Event Managers must be prepared to handle unexpected challenges and make quick decisions under pressure while maintaining a positive client and guest experience.
This role requires strong project management skills, creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills are key to working with diverse stakeholders including caterers, entertainers, AV technicians, and venue managers. Event Managers work in hotels, event agencies, councils, and corporate teams, or may operate freelance. A Diploma of Event Management or Hospitality Management is typically required, and practical experience in event planning, logistics, or hospitality is highly valued.
MARKET SIZE & ECONOMIC IMPACT
Australia’s hospitality industry is one of the country’s largest and most dynamic sectors, employing over 900,000 people and contributing approximately $71 billion annually to the national economy. Encompassing food services, accommodation, tourism, and events, the industry plays a critical role in both domestic activity and international trade.
Hospitality spans a wide range of venues and services—including cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, resorts, catering services, and event operations. It is a cornerstone of the Australian lifestyle and a major employer of young people, students, and migrants, offering accessible entry points into the workforce and long-term career opportunities.
The industry is vital to regional economies, supporting local producers, tourism operators, and cultural attractions. From outback retreats to coastal dining hubs, hospitality businesses drive local spending, job creation, and community vibrancy. In major cities, the sector supports nightlife, business travel, and international tourism—contributing to Australia's global reputation for quality service and food culture.
As international borders reopened and domestic travel surged post-pandemic, the industry has seen strong recovery momentum, fuelled by government stimulus, workforce rebuilding, and renewed consumer confidence. This resurgence has reignited demand for trained hospitality professionals across all levels, from kitchen and front-of-house staff to venue managers and event coordinators.
With the sector continuing to grow alongside population, tourism, and consumer trends, hospitality remains a resilient, people-focused industry offering diverse career paths, creative expression, and economic value across every corner of Australia.
EMERGING TRENDS & FUTURE OUTLOOK
Australia’s hospitality industry is rapidly evolving in response to changing consumer expectations, global travel trends, and advances in service technology. As the sector rebounds post-pandemic, there is a renewed focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences, supporting workforce development, and creating resilient, future-ready business models.
One of the most significant trends is the integration of technology and personalised service, where venues are adopting tools such as digital ordering systems, contactless payments, AI-powered reservations, and customer loyalty apps. These innovations are streamlining operations while allowing hospitality teams to focus on the guest experience, creativity, and service excellence.
There is also a growing emphasis on inclusive, culturally aware hospitality practices, especially when catering to diverse domestic and international audiences. Hospitality professionals are increasingly being trained in customer care that is respectful, accessible, and welcoming—particularly for First Nations visitors, culturally and linguistically diverse guests, and those with additional support needs.
Sustainability is another driving force in the industry, with a strong shift toward ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and eco-conscious design. From carbon-neutral hotels to zero-waste kitchens, businesses are adapting to both consumer demand and regulatory pressures around environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead, the hospitality sector is expected to expand steadily as tourism, population growth, and event culture continue to drive demand. Initiatives such as the THRIVE 2030 strategy are setting the direction for long-term, sustainable growth in Australia’s visitor economy. This will create high demand for skilled, adaptable professionals across food service, event management, hotel operations, and venue leadership.
The future of the hospitality industry is people-driven, experience-focused, and tech-enhanced—offering vibrant, fast-paced career opportunities for those passionate about service, creativity, and cultural connection.
CURRENT & EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
Advance to Senior or Executive Event Roles
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Step into roles like Event Director, Head of Events, or National Events Manager overseeing large teams and high-profile campaigns.
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Manage multi-venue or multi-day events with national or international reach.
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Shape event strategy, brand partnerships, and commercial outcomes at scale.
Specialise in Niche Event Types
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Build expertise in specialised areas such as corporate conferencing, weddings, not-for-profit galas, festivals, or sports events.
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Develop a reputation in high-demand sectors like medical events, product launches, or luxury hospitality.
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Curate custom experiences for specific industries or audiences.
Move into Marketing, Sponsorship, or Brand Experience
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Transition into roles that focus on brand activations, partnership management, or experiential marketing.
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Use your events expertise to create engaging brand touchpoints across digital and in-person channels.
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Lead client relationship strategy and post-event ROI reporting.
Start Your Own Events Business
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Launch your own boutique agency or freelance as an event consultant or producer.
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Develop your own client base and signature style, whether in weddings, exhibitions, or creative pop-ups.
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Enjoy flexibility, creative control, and scalability.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH
CORE SKILLS YOU NEED
Project & Time Management
Client & Stakeholder Communication
Budgeting & Financial Oversight
Creativity & Event Design
Crisis Management & Problem-Solving
Do you have a flair for organisation, creativity, and bringing people together? Event Managers are responsible for planning and executing everything from corporate conferences to weddings, festivals, and brand activations.
You don’t need a university degree to get started, but formal training will help you stand out in a competitive industry—especially when managing budgets, logistics, and client expectations. To become an Event Manager, you’ll typically need to complete a nationally recognised course such as:
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Diploma of Event Management
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Advanced Diploma of Event Management
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Short Courses in Digital Event Planning, AV Technology, or Event Styling