What does an Event Organizer do?

An event organizer (UK: event organiser) is the person or company that plans and runs an event, taking charge of the venue, budget, suppliers, promotion and delivery on the day. Organisers range from freelancers running weddings to companies producing festivals and conferences.

What an event organizer does

An organiser's work follows the event from idea to wrap-up:

  1. Brief and budget: agree aims, audience and budget with the client or their own business.
  2. Venue: find and book a venue, often after site visits and a walkthrough.
  3. Suppliers: contract suppliers for catering, AV, staging and staff.
  4. Paperwork: handle contracts, insurance, permits and risk assessments.
  5. Promotion: market the event and manage tickets or guest lists.
  6. Delivery: run the event on the day and solve problems as they come up.

With so many tasks and deadlines in play, many organisers track tasks and owners in Crescat so nothing is missed.

Event organizer vs event technical director

An event organiser manages the whole event: logistics, budget, suppliers and the client. An event technical director specialises in the technical side, such as sound, lighting, video and staging. On larger events the organiser hires the technical director.

Skills an event organizer needs

  • Planning and time management across many deadlines
  • Budgeting and negotiation with suppliers
  • Clear communication with clients, crews and guests
  • Knowledge of safety, licensing and insurance
  • Calm problem-solving when plans change

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an event organizer and an event planner?

The terms often mean the same thing. Where a difference is made, a planner focuses on designing and arranging the event, while an organiser also takes responsibility for running it and, for public events, the financial risk.

How do event organizers get paid?

Organisers working for clients usually charge a fixed fee, a day rate or a percentage of the event budget. Organisers running their own public events earn from ticket sales, sponsorship and bars, after costs.

Do event organizers need a licence?

The organiser doesn't usually need a personal licence, but the event does. In the UK that may mean using a licensed venue, applying for a premises licence or giving a Temporary Event Notice for smaller events.

Related terms