You could come to events management from a range of backgrounds. You often do not need particular qualifications, because employers will look for relevant experience or strong transferable skills.
However, you may have an advantage with a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND in events management, as courses often include work experience placements. See the Association of Exhibition Organisers ' website for a list of events management courses.
Other useful subjects include hospitality management, marketing, public relations or business studies.
Whatever qualifications you have, you should ideally have practical experience in organising events. This could have been from a related industry like hotel conference and banqueting, travel or public relations.
Alternatively, you may have organised events as part of your role in another job such as personal assistant or human resources officer.
You could also start as an administrator or assistant in an event management company or an organisation's marketing department, possibly through temporary work ('temping'). You could then progress to organising your own events as you gain more responsibility and experience.
You could gain useful experience by organising events and activities in your personal or social life. Paid or unpaid work as a steward at large events or exhibitions can also be a good way of building contacts in the industry.
You may be able to get into the industry through an Apprenticeship in events or hospitality - see www.apprenticeships.org.uk for more information.