Case Study - Event Manager

Name: Alan Rafferty
Job: Business Development Director (www.hobmanagement.ie)

My first appetite for event management came at UCD where I did an Arts degree. Over the four years, I had a number of positions for various Clubs/ Societies such as Year Representative, P.R officer, Vice Chairman of the Student’s Union, and I was involved with every Faculty Day (Arts Day, Comm. Day). I was elected 90th Auditor of the Commerce & Economics (C&E) Society in my final year. As this was a great opportunity, I stayed in college for a further year to fulfil my duties. This involved everything from coordinating the committee, to selling tickets to events, and organising sponsorship and advertising. These events included the Freshers’ Ball, Valentines Ball, Beach Ball and various sporting events. I then went on to complete a Masters in Public Relations in DIT.

On leaving college I went to Australia working with Tourism Ireland and worked with a number of PR companies. On my return to Ireland I was given the opportunity to work on the 2006 Ryder Cup as Ryder Cup Coordinator. This entailed liaising with over 300 resort staff in the build up to the event and acting as the communication link between the US PGA and the European Tour with regard to both teams. In spite of the demands and pressures that came with this role it was a most enjoyable experience. It gave me access to a wide range of contacts that resulted in me moving into my current role.

Today, I work with Helen O’Brien Management in Dublin. We work on over 25 events a year in Ireland, UK and Europe. We organise a wide variety of events for our clients such as conferences, gala dinners and product launches.

To be successful in event management you need to possess good organisation and social skills. Creative flair and a resourceful nature are also beneficial characteristics, as is an ability to respond well to pressure. There is an expectation of long working hours, and chasing suppliers can be a frustrating task; however, it is an exciting career choice. This field promises to be challenging and interesting. Each job is different and the process of following an event from conception to completion is a rewarding one. Travel is likely to be a part of your role; we have just returned from completing The Cheltenham Race Festival 2008 in the UK and are now currently working on two product launches which will be taking place in Dublin and Cork.