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Event Coordinator

Note: Completion of a TAFE SA course does not guarantee an employment outcome. Formal requirements other than educational qualifications (eg licensing, professional registration), may apply to some occupations.

Job Prospects
Openings 5 years to November 2019: 10,001 to 25,000
Salary
Median weekly earnings: $1051 to $1300
Source
Australian Government Department of Employment 2015
Brief
When you don't have the expertise or time to organise that all important function, there are professional event coordinators who can assist.

Event coordinators are responsible for planning and organising special events, such as parties, wedding receptions, banquets, meetings, conferences and conventions.

  • Introduction

    If you've ever tried to organise a large party or a school ball you'd be aware of all the potential headaches, when bands pull out at the last minute or there's not enough food for the hungry hordes! Event coordinators organise or manage special events from wedding receptions to conventions and conferences.

    Many a future bride and corporate executive would agree, that in today's busy environment, engaging a function coordinator takes the stress out of organising events. Event coordinators are responsible for organising and overseeing all sorts of functions making sure that they run smoothly and successfully.

  • Education Requirements

    Skills gained through undertaking Diploma level courses in Events are considered highly relevant for this role.

    TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Events. Pathways include Certificate III in Events.

    Studying at TAFE SA is one of the easiest and most successful pathways towards a University Degree. Dual offer courses are available to TAFE SA and Flinders University in the Diploma of Events/Bachelor of Business, Diploma of Events/Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship), Diploma of Events/Bachelor of International Tourism and the Advanced Diploma of Events/Bachelor of International Tourism.

  • Career Path

    Event coordination is an interesting and varied role; many event coordinators work in larger and small hotels, venues and function centres. Event coordinators also work for professional conference organisers, professional associations, meetings and event management companies, charities and regional festivals.
    Because of the wide variety of work, it is difficult to determine the exact nature of future demand. Employment is largely dependent on the level of business event, tourism and economic activity. There are possible prospects for self-employment.

  • Nature of the Job

    The event coordinator's role can include venue selection and event marketing and ensuring that the client's needs can be met within their budget, confirming how many guests or delegates will be attending the event, organising any catering requirements and ensuring that proceedings will run according to time specifications are the details they attend to. The event coordinator is also responsible for making special arrangements such as ordering entertainment, centrepieces or decorations and staging for special theme nights.

  • Typical Physical Working Environment

    People working as event, function and convention coordinators agree that the most fulfilling aspect of their work, given the time and effort that's invested, is watching all of the arrangements come together smoothly. Organisation is the key to effective functions, so it goes without saying that good organisational skills are a must. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail will ensure that the client's needs are met satisfactorily. It also means that they will most likely keep you in mind when planning their next function. Event coordinators tend to work in an office environment but much of their work is conducted on site at hotels and function centres. Working after hours or on the weekend is very common.

  • Typical Occupational Example

    Event coordinators are usually employed by the larger hotels and convention venues and companies that specifically provide a convention or event management service.

    The event coordinator liaises regularly with the client to ensure that all of the client's requests are met and completed on time. Sourcing locations and facilities, as well as compiling any materials needed are some of their main duties. Some of the requirements for an event could be the availability of audiovisual equipment for presentations as well as access to email and the Internet. It's also up to the coordinator to suggest ways that the client's planned event could be improved.