Eventful Career

by DUKSANGH SHERPA

FROM ISSUE # 168 (December 2009) | IN THIS ISSUE
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Have you ever played host to a party or a gathering at home? And did you enjoy it all the while? If you did, then event management might be a career option for you. WAVE talked to Mandil Pradhan of Partynepal, Prabhat Rimal of Vogue Event Management and Prabuddha Jung Khadka of Red Carpet Nepal about the career prospects, requirements and more.

What is event management?
Although the term has a very broad usage abroad, in Nepal the concept brings to mind partying and clubbing. Internationally, event management is about festivals and events to either brand a product on various scales or to cover whole pan-community events such as the Asian Games or even the Olympics. Event management could be applied to anything from road shows to concerts to parties and press meets. The concept is relatively new for Nepal though and more often than not, it loses its essence here.

In contrast to what is generally thought about event management, it's not only about running large events and gatherings but is equally about managing the miniscule details of the event in question to make sure that everything runs smoothly from beginning to end. "It is like cooking," says Prabhat Rimal of Vogue Event management, "just like the final dish shows how good the cook is."

What does it take?
Basically it requires bringing together all the small things for an event. It is a full-time job and compared to other professions, requires a lot of pre-planning. One has to be fully dedicated to the project and should have the passion for the job. Says Mandil of Partynepal, "You've got to be passionate about what you do because unlike other jobs, you're not making a product, you're delivering a memorable experience."

Like every other job in the service industry, this job is more dependent on your personal ability and skills rather than educational qualifications. But a degree in any field, preferably in management, can be an added benefit. Good management skills are a must though. How well this profession can help you make a living depends on how willing you are to be on the go and out and about. Any discomfort with travelling may hinder your success. And because networking is vital to the profession, good communication skills are important.

"If you're looking for an easy way out then this is not a profession for you. It takes a lot out of you in terms of creativity and time," says Prabuddha of Red Carpet Nepal. "Dedication and patience should be the mantra if you are planning to enter this field," he adds.

How much does it pay?
This may be where you should think twice before you enter this profession. You do not get paid regularly. You get paid per event. On average, for a party, you earn between 30-60 thousand rupees, and for events other than parties like corporate events or product launches, you earn around 2 lakhs. 

Event management is in its developing stage. People still have confused feelings about it and there are only a few institutions that offer Event Management as an academic subject. It will take some time for people to come out of their cocoons and explore. In the long run though, because of its rapidly growing market, its acceptance seems inevitable.

In every job, the initial point is always tough. Likewise, event managers will have to go through their share of struggles in the beginning. After gaining some recognition and momentum things will seem a lot easier.

"This job is challenging but profitable if you are able to hold on to it," says Prabuddha of Red Carpet Nepal.