The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Hybrid Events Specialist (L2) at another company
2-3 years in an L2 role, then 5-8 years total experience.Skills to master
- Taking full ownership of event components, managing smaller budgets, basic vendor negotiation, and demonstrating strong project management for specific event workstreams. You'd need to show you're ready to step up to full event ownership.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed 5+ event components end-to-end (e.g., registration, virtual platform setup, speaker management) for medium-to-large events.
- Consistently delivered assigned tasks on time and to a high standard, with minimal supervision.
- Received positive feedback from managers and peers on your reliability and proactive problem-solving.
- Started informally mentoring junior colleagues or new joiners.
- 2
Senior Events Coordinator (L2) with a strong hybrid focus
3-4 years in a coordinator role, with exposure to hybrid events.Skills to master
- Moving from executing tasks to owning entire projects, developing a holistic understanding of event logistics (both physical and virtual), and beginning to manage smaller event budgets independently. You'd need to show you can lead, not just support.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently took initiative on projects, identifying improvements or anticipating issues.
- Successfully managed all logistical aspects for at least 3-4 smaller events (e.g., internal workshops, webinars) from start to finish.
- Demonstrated strong vendor communication and basic negotiation skills.
- Actively sought out opportunities to learn more about virtual event platforms and hybrid strategies.
- 3
Marketing Manager with event specialisation
5-7 years in a broader marketing role, with significant event experience.Skills to master
- Deepening event-specific operational skills, understanding the nuances of hybrid event production, and transitioning from a marketing strategy focus to hands-on event execution and project management. You'd need to show you're ready to get into the weeds of event delivery.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led the marketing strategy and promotion for several events, but now wants to own the full execution.
- Demonstrated strong project management skills in other marketing campaigns.
- Expressed a clear passion for the logistics and operational side of events.
- Has a solid understanding of event ROI and how events contribute to marketing goals.