Many people associate event management with spectacular productions, unique venues and unforgettable moments. But what does the day-to-day reality of the profession actually look like? And what should newcomers know before starting their first role at an event agency?
We spoke to Leah Argow and Bernard Wieynk. Both have been working in the events industry for around five years and gained their first practical experience while studying. Today, they work as Project Managers at the Berlin-based event agency GPM LiveMarketing, overseeing national and international event productions of all sizes.
In this interview, they share honest insights into starting their careers, discuss the challenges they faced in their early years and explain why nothing can replace hands-on experience in event management.
Many people associate event management with large-scale productions, exciting venues and memorable experiences. Does that reflect reality?
Leah: To some extent, yes. The memorable moments certainly exist, but they are the result of months of preparation. Most of our work takes place long before the event itself: developing concepts, managing budgets, creating schedules, coordinating suppliers and aligning countless details.
The event is really just the visible tip of the iceberg. It’s the moment when everything that has been planned over months — and sometimes even more than a year — finally comes together. Anyone entering the industry quickly realises that success is not created on stage, but long before the doors even open.
What makes the profession so demanding?
Bernard: Event management is fundamentally about communication, organisation and forward planning. Our role is to bring together people with different interests, expectations and priorities and ensure that everything works seamlessly in the end.
It’s not enough simply to complete tasks as they arise. Good project managers think several steps ahead and identify potential issues before they become problems.
A typical example: the caterer requires a high-voltage power supply in exactly the same location the technical production team has already allocated for a lighting installation. Or a project appears to be fully costed until additional expenses emerge after completion, such as artists’ social security contributions.
Recognising these connections early helps avoid conflicts, control costs and keep projects running smoothly. However, developing that instinct takes time and experience.
How can newcomers find their way in such a complex environment?
Bernard: First of all, it’s important to accept that nobody masters this profession from day one.
Every project is different, every team works differently and every event brings its own challenges. Particularly at the beginning, that can feel quite overwhelming.
A solid technical foundation helps enormously. Being able to read technical plans, for example, or understanding the basics of venue and event regulations allows you to gain confidence more quickly and better understand how everything fits together.
Personally, I also benefited from seeing the industry from different perspectives. After university, I completed placements with an event technology provider and a catering company before joining a Berlin event agency. Understanding the challenges faced by other disciplines continues to help me today.
Leah: Equally important is being willing to ask questions. Nobody expects graduates or career starters to know everything already.
Many aspects of the job can only be learned through real project experience. That’s why experienced colleagues who are willing to share their knowledge and provide guidance are incredibly valuable during the first few years of your career.
What is the most effective way to learn event management?
Leah: Above all, through practical experience.
Of course, there is a great deal of theory you can learn. But you only truly understand event management by working on real projects. Learning by doing is inseparable from this profession — and that includes making mistakes.
Recently, while trying to work particularly efficiently, I overlooked an important detail in a technical rider. As a result, additional crew members were booked who ultimately weren’t needed. It was frustrating and led to unnecessary costs, but it was also a valuable learning experience.
Professionalism doesn’t mean never making mistakes. Professionalism means recognising mistakes early, addressing them openly and learning the right lessons from them.
What helps newcomers develop as quickly as possible?
Bernard: Open communication.
Many people entering the industry believe they need to have an answer for everything from the very beginning. The opposite is true. Those who raise uncertainties early and actively seek support tend to learn much faster.
Collaboration is equally important. Great events are never the result of one person’s work alone. They are always the product of close cooperation between clients, suppliers, partners and the project team.
That’s why networking in our industry is about much more than collecting business cards. It’s about building long-term relationships and learning from one another.
Finally, honest project reviews are invaluable. Regularly reflecting on what worked well and what could be improved next time is one of the best ways to continue developing professionally.
What mindset is needed for long-term success?
Leah: Curiosity, teamwork and a willingness to take responsibility.
Just as important, however, is being prepared to help wherever support is needed. Anyone who wants to succeed in event management should never consider any task beneath them.
Some days you’ll be working on budgets and project plans; on others, you’ll be carrying equipment on site, preparing name badges or solving last-minute operational issues.
It’s precisely through these experiences that you develop a deep understanding of how projects really work.
You also need strong organisational skills, resilience and the ability to stay calm under pressure. Above all, though, you must be willing to keep learning.
The events industry is constantly evolving. New technologies, new requirements and new event formats mean that even after many years in the profession, there is always something new to learn.
What is your advice for anyone considering a career in the events industry?
Leah: Event management involves far less glamour than many people initially expect. Instead, day-to-day work revolves around planning, communication and responsibility.
With every project, you learn something new, take on greater responsibility, build confidence and continue to grow.
You don’t become good at event management overnight. But that’s exactly what makes the profession so rewarding. There is always more to learn.
Bernard: And agency life, in particular, never becomes boring. One day you might be working on an automotive event, the next on a healthcare congress, and the day after on an incentive programme for a financial services client.
Every project introduces new people, new challenges and new perspectives.
If you are looking for a career in which learning never stops, an event agency provides exactly that environment. Experience cannot be fast-tracked — and that is precisely where the appeal lies. Every project helps you grow both professionally and personally. That’s what continues to make event management so fascinating for me.
Interested in finding out more?
If you would like to learn more about starting a career in event management or have questions about what day-to-day life at a Berlin event agency is really like, we would love to hear from you.
Get in touch at: ed.evil-mpg@reerac