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Tourism & Hospitality

Event Manager

You plan concerts, weddings, conferences and festivals down to the last detail.

Starting salary
R10 000 – R20 000
Job demand
Steady demand
Key subjects
Business Studies, Tourism
Steady demand

What do they do?

You plan concerts, weddings, conferences and festivals down to the last detail.

A day in the life

You book venues and suppliers, manage budgets and run the event live on the day.

Skills you need

  • Organisation
  • Negotiation
  • Calm under pressure
  • Creativity

School subjects that help

  • Business Studies
  • Tourism
  • English
  • Mathematics or Maths Literacy

How long does it take?

3 main steps after school, usually 1–3 years of study, or longer at university.

Study path

  1. 1High school
  2. 2Event management qualification
  3. 3Coordinator
  4. 4Event manager / own company

Ways in: University of Technology · TVET College · Work-based training · Entrepreneurship. University is not the only route.

Where can I study?

  • Tshwane University of Technology
  • Cape Peninsula University of Technology
  • Durban University of Technology
  • University of Johannesburg
  • TVET Colleges nationwide

Admission requirements differ by institution, always check the official website.

What can I earn?

Entry level

R10 000 – R20 000

per month (estimate)

Mid career

R25 000 – R45 000

per month (estimate)

Experienced / senior

R50 000 – R100 000+

per month (estimate)

Estimated salary ranges only. Salaries vary based on experience, qualification, industry, location and employer.

How to start preparing now

  • • Organise a school event end-to-end
  • • Learn budgeting
  • • Build a supplier contact list

Try this career

Plan a school fundraiser: budget, timeline, suppliers and marketing.

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This tool is designed to help you explore career possibilities. It does not replace professional career counselling, school guidance or official university admission requirements.