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
University Graduate (Events/Hospitality)
0-1 yearSkills to master
- Translating academic knowledge into practical on-site execution, mastering specific event tech platforms, understanding real-world budget constraints.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully managed at least one small event or a significant workstream within a larger event during studies.
- Demonstrated strong organisational skills through coursework or extracurricular activities.
- A clear understanding of the realities of event production (long hours, problem-solving).
- 2
Administrative Assistant / PA with Event Exposure
1-2 yearsSkills to master
- Adapting general administrative skills to event-specific logistics, learning event industry terminology, managing external vendors effectively.
You're ready to move on when
- Proven track record of managing complex schedules, travel, and budgets for senior executives.
- Experience coordinating meetings or small internal events from start to finish.
- Strong references highlighting reliability, attention to detail, and proactive problem-solving.
- 3
Production Runner / On-Site Crew
0-1 yearSkills to master
- Understanding the 'back of house' operations, learning technical production basics (AV, staging), developing rapid on-site problem-solving skills.
You're ready to move on when
- Extensive experience working on live events in a support capacity, demonstrating initiative and reliability.
- Familiarity with event terminology and the fast-paced nature of on-site work.
- A strong desire to move into a more planning and coordination-focused role.