Entertainment Manager

Entertainment managers plan and organise events of many kinds, from cabaret and discos, to children's activities, street festivals and full entertainment programmes.

Their work varies according to each job and employer, but may include coming up with new ideas to entertain audiences and booking venues and entertainers.

Typical tasks may include:

• sourcing venues and assessing facilities
• managing budgets and the entertainment diary for a whole season/calendar year
• researching and booking suitable performers, either direct or via agents
• negotiating bookings and fees
• booking equipment for specific acts
• marketing and publicising the event
• overseeing each performance/event, to ensure everything runs smoothly
• ensuring that health and safety and insurance regulations are followed
• gathering feedback from the audience.

Entertainment managers usually work flexible hours. They can be employed permanently or on a fixed-term contract. Others are self-employed and work on separate contracts for each job. Some of the work is seasonal. Many entertainment managers, especially those in holiday resorts, would also be required to be active performers also. Some travel is likely. For the holiday industry it is usually necessary to re-locate and live on resort, or stay away from home for long durations.

Salaries may range from £12,000 a year to £30,000 or more.

An entertainment manager should:

• be confident, positive and outgoing
• possess excellent people and motivational skills
• be highly skilled in theatrical and production events
• have strong administrative, marketing and negotiation skills
• be fully informed of health and safety regulations.

Entertainment managers are employed by a variety of organisations, including local councils, hotel and leisure companies, cruise and holiday park operators, clubs and individual entertainment/event organisations. Jobs are available throughout the UK and overseas. Some of the work is seasonal.

There is no set entry route, but previous experience in stage management and performing is useful, and often required. Qualifications in business, marketing, hospitality, event management or performing arts may be useful. The Diploma in creative and media and the Diploma in hospitality may be relevant to this area of work. Entertainment managers will often work with children or vulnerable adults so would need to undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks. Creative Apprenticeships in music live events & promotion and community arts & education are available.

Training usually involves informal, on-the-job learning. Individual employers may provide training in the form of short courses and workshops, covering topics such as health and safety, first aid, leadership of people, budgeting and event management. Those working in premises serving alcohol may also need to undertake specific qualifications.

In large organisations, it is usual to start as a team leader or assistant manager, and then work up to a management position. It is then possible to progress to head of department or to a wider management role. There are plenty of opportunities to work overseas, especially in the hospitality and travel sectors.

Further details