How To Become A Senior Event Manager: What It Is and Career Path

What is a senior event manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

Duane Sunwold,

Mark Zanter

Senior event managers oversee and coordinate activities that would have an effect on the target demographic. They ensure that the activities are fruitful and cost-effective, paying attention to the budget and time constraints. The senior event planner is, above all, a project manager who knows publicity and promotional strategies.

On a daily basis, senior event managers plan the event from start to finish according to expectations, target audiences, and priorities and come along with recommendations to maximize the success of the event. They prepare budgets to ensure compliance and source and deal with manufacturers and suppliers. They are also in charge of hiring personnel and coordinating all operations.

To work as a senior event manager, you need to possess a bachelor's degree in marketing, hospitality management, or a related field. Some employers may prefer candidates who have proven experience working as an event manager. It is also important to be computer savvy and proficient in MS Office. Businesses want to see enthusiastic applicants with new ideas and the leadership experience needed to leave little to chance about a case.

What general advice would you give to a senior event manager?

Duane Sunwold

Instructor, Spokane Community College

Look for employment in Private Clubs, Supermarket Baking, Resorts, Casinos

ScoreSenior Event ManagerUS Average

Salary

7.1

Avg. Salary $91,373

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.6

Growth rate 18%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

4.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.24%

Asian 5.89%

Black or African American 11.34%

Hispanic or Latino 16.34%

Unknown 4.70%

White 61.48%

Gender

female 66.55%

male 33.45%

Age - 36

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 36

Stress level

7.6

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.0

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a senior event manager

Explore senior event manager education requirements

Most common senior event manager degrees

Bachelor's

78.5 %

Associate

9.0 %

Master's

8.4 %

Start to develop specific senior event manager skills

Skills	Percentages
Digital Marketing	10.61%
Customer Service	10.08%
Event Management	9.49%
Event Planning	8.13%
Event Production	6.26%

Complete relevant senior event manager training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-2 years on post-employment, on-the-job training. New senior event managers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a senior event manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real senior event manager resumes.

Research senior event manager duties and responsibilities

Manage attendee database for hotel rooming list and transportation manifests, including room blocks and VIP arrangements.
Advise, manage, supervise, and coordinate all special events, programs, ceremonies and VIP visits.
Manage all aspects of these events and act as onsite manager to ensure meeting are delivered effectively and professionally.
Prepare contracts, BEOs and restaurant group reservations and distribute to appropriate managers.

Get senior event manager experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a senior event manager. The most common roles before becoming a senior event manager include event manager, event coordinator team lead and catering sales manager.

Prepare your senior event manager resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your senior event manager resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a senior event manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable senior event manager resume templates

Build a professional senior event manager resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior event manager resume.

Apply for senior event manager jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a senior event manager job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

How do senior event managers rate their job?

-/5

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 star

Senior event manager reviews

A zippia user wrote a review on May 2021

Pros

I was a theater major who received my CMP and realized I could put on a production in the corporate world. Event Planning allows me to utilize my skillset in a way I didn't know was possible. I also have the opportunity to travel and most venues treat you well when you're the planner (if you're the one in charge of the event).

Cons

There is nothing more stressful then this job. As you get closer to an event, the days get longer and the job can become 24/7, especially while the event is happening. If you're looking for a job you clock out from at 5pm, this is not the job for you. You're also in charge of budgets, F&B, Centerpieces, Entertainment, Speakers, Content, App Development, Registration, the list is endless. If you aren't good under pressure, this is not the job for you.