Master the Art of Event Management

Event management is the process of envisioning, designing, producing, and delivering live or virtual events. Event types range from business conventions, trade shows, training seminars, press conferences, and industry conferences to brand management events, concerts, festivals, weddings, parties, and more.

A Master’s in Event Management (MSEM), also known as a Master of Science in Event Management, equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for planning and managing events across various industries.

The event industry is brimming with jobs and career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for meeting, convention, and event managers is expected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. With a Master’s degree in Event Management, you could become:

• an event producer
• a venue manager
• a sponsorship manager
• a marketing manager
• a wedding planner
  
  

A master’s degree in event management can significantly enhance your career and help you advance into leadership roles. Completing an event management master's program at the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality provides a strong professional network, a competitive advantage, and advanced skills in the event industry.

Earning your master’s degree in event management in New York City — known for its large-scale public events, corporate events, private events, and vibrant event scene —  provides unparalleled hands-on experience. It also gives you an opportunity to learn from top professionals in the field and to complete internships at major event venues, event production companies, and in-house event departments.

For event design, event managers need to be creative and innovative, so that they can produce successful events that surprise and delight their guests. In addition, they need to be detail-oriented project managers, who can coordinate all of the different event suppliers, manage event budgets, secure event permits, and negotiate event contracts.

The cost of earning an MS in Event Management at the NYU SPS Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality depends on the number of credits and whether you're attending part-time or full-time. Please visit the NYU SPS Tuition page for tuition information, the SPS Financial Aid and Scholarships page for financial aid and scholarship information, and the Tisch Center Scholarships page to learn more about the scholarship funds available exclusively for the Tisch Center's graduate and undergraduate students.

Event management can be challenging but equally rewarding. The complexity of the field can vary greatly depending on the scale and type of events being managed. It requires a blend of creativity, business acumen, and organizational skills.

An event planner focuses on the concept and logistics of the event, such as selecting the venue, hiring caterers, and coordinating vendors. An event manager oversees the execution of the event, manages staff, and handles issues that arise.

The highest salary for meeting, convention, and event planners was more than $99,010 in 2023 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salaries can vary based on several factors including education, certifications, additional skills, and years of experience in the profession.

A good event manager should possess the following skills and qualities:

• Organizational skills
• Problem-solving abilities
• Detail-oriented
• Listening skills
• Ability to multitask
• Tech-savvy
• Critical thinking
• Decision-making skills
• Flexibility
• Creativity
• Passion
• Leadership
• Budgeting capabilities
• Interpersonal communication
• Attention to detail
• Time management
• Risk management
• Change management