A day in the life of an event manager – behind the scenes at ELLIS EVENTS
“What does an event manager actually do all day?”
It’s a question we hear a lot. Many people picture glamorous events, travel, and exciting venues. And yes, that’s certainly part of it. But above all else, behind every successful event lies a great deal of planning, organisation and teamwork.
Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes to show you what a typical working day at ELLIS EVENTS looks like.
08:00 – The day begins with an overview
The first coffee is on the desk and the diary is full.
First, we check our emails, reply to client enquiries and set priorities for the day. Often, we are working on several projects simultaneously – for example, a conference in Germany, an incentive trip in Spain and an international roadshow.
Each event is at a different stage and requires individual attention.
09:30 – Coordination with clients and partners
It’s now time for phone calls, planning and coordination.
We finalise programmes with clients, discuss participant numbers and implement last-minute changes. At the same time, we liaise with hotels, venues, technical service providers and caterers.
After all, successful events only happen when everyone involved works together seamlessly.
Would you like to know what services we offer? Discover our range of services for conferences, roadshows, incentives and corporate events on our Services page.
11.00 am – Detailed planning down to the smallest detail
Now, the idea is turned into a concrete event.
Checklists are updated, participant lists are maintained, transfers are organised, and timetables are adjusted.
This often involves seemingly minor details:
- Is the meeting room set up correctly?
- Is the presentation working?
- Have all the name badges been prepared?
- Have international guests been informed about their transfers?
It is precisely these details that determine whether an event runs smoothly.
2.00 pm – Creativity meets project management
Event managers don’t just organise.
They develop new event concepts, research suitable venues and devise exceptional supporting programmes.
Every client has different objectives.
That’s why, at ELLIS EVENTS, we don’t offer standard solutions, but rather bespoke concepts tailored precisely to your company.
Be inspired by our previous projects.
4.00 pm – As the start of the event draws nearer, the final arrangements become more intense.
Flight times change.
Participants register at short notice.
A speaker needs additional technical equipment.
A hotel has to rebook rooms.
This is precisely when the experience of a well-coordinated team really comes into its own.
Remaining calm, finding solutions and reacting flexibly are all part of an event manager’s daily routine.
On site: Every second counts
On the day of the event, the working day often begins much earlier.
The team checks the technical equipment, signage, catering, participant management and the entire programme.
While the guests enjoy a perfectly organised event, the project team usually works unseen in the background.
That’s exactly how it should be.
The greatest compliment is:
‘Everything just worked perfectly.’
What makes the role of an event manager so special?
No two days are the same.
Today, it’s an international kick-off meeting.
Tomorrow, a roadshow.
The week after that, a conference lasting several days.
If you enjoy organising, communicating, devising creative solutions, and maintaining your composure in stressful situations, you’ll find event management to be an incredibly varied career.
At ELLIS EVENTS, we’ve been bringing people together for decades through exceptional business events, both nationally and internationally. We support our clients as a full-service partner, from small meetings to events with several thousand attendees.
An event may only last a day.
However, planning often begins months in advance.
Every successful event is the result of experience, passion, and a strong team.
That’s exactly what life at ELLIS EVENTS is all about every day.
Ultimately, it’s not just about organising an event — it’s about creating unforgettable experiences.
Are you planning your next business event?
Whether it’s a conference, roadshow, incentive trip or international corporate event, we’ll support you from initial concept to successful execution.