Are you struggling to land interviews for event manager positions despite your proven track record of delivering exceptional events and leading successful teams? You’re not alone. Many experienced event managers find themselves overlooked simply because their resume doesn’t effectively showcase their ability to strategise large-scale events, manage substantial budgets, and drive business outcomes that Australian corporations, venues, and agencies desperately need.
Whether you’re an event coordinator looking to step up to management level, transitioning from another management role into events, or re-entering the workforce after further study, crafting a compelling event manager resume is your gateway to securing interviews with leading event management agencies, corporate marketing departments, and major venues across Australia. This comprehensive guide will walk you through creating a professional resume that highlights your strategic planning abilities, team leadership skills, and business impact – all tailored specifically for the Australian events industry.
From understanding the preferred resume formats used by Australian event companies to showcasing your experience with complex event portfolios, stakeholder management, and revenue generation, we’ll cover everything you need to know. You’ll discover how to present your strategic achievements, highlight relevant qualifications, and create a professional summary that immediately captures the attention of directors and senior executives looking for their next event management leader.
Event Manager Resume (Text Version)
Alexandra Chen
Event Manager
Phone: 0491 234 567
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alexandrachen-eventmanager
Portfolio: alexandrachenevents.com
Address: Sydney, New South Wales 2000
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Strategic Event Manager with 8+ years of experience leading end-to-end event management for high-profile corporate conferences, product launches, and large-scale public events up to 10,000 attendees. Expertise in strategic event planning, team leadership, and stakeholder management with proven track record of generating $15M+ in event revenue while maintaining exceptional client satisfaction. Skilled in budget optimisation, venue negotiations, and cross-functional team coordination with comprehensive understanding of Australian event regulations and international best practices. Passionate about delivering transformative experiences that drive brand engagement and business growth.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Senior Event Manager | Platinum Events Group | January 2020 – Present
• Lead strategic planning and execution for portfolio of 25+ premium events annually, including international conferences, award ceremonies, and product launches with budgets ranging from $500K-$2M
• Manage and develop team of 8 event coordinators and project specialists, implementing performance management systems that improved team productivity by 35%
• Drive business development initiatives, securing $3.2M in new client contracts through strategic relationship building and innovative event solutions
• Negotiate high-value contracts with venues, suppliers, and talent agencies, achieving average cost savings of 20% while maintaining premium service standards
• Develop and implement comprehensive risk management protocols, reducing event-related incidents by 90% and ensuring full compliance with safety regulations
• Establish strategic partnerships with technology providers and international event agencies, expanding service capabilities and market reach
Event Manager | Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre | March 2018 – December 2019
• Managed venue operations for 150+ events annually including trade shows, corporate conferences, and cultural exhibitions generating $8M+ in venue revenue
• Led cross-departmental coordination between sales, operations, catering, and technical teams to ensure seamless event delivery
• Developed innovative event packages and service offerings, increasing average event spend by 28% and improving client retention to 85%
• Supervised event setup and breakdown operations, coordinating teams of 20-50 staff members and contractors
• Implemented customer service excellence programs, achieving 96% client satisfaction rating and industry recognition for service quality
• Mentored junior staff and coordinated professional development programs, reducing staff turnover by 40%
Event Coordinator | Corporate Events Australia | June 2016 – February 2018
• Coordinated execution of corporate events, product launches, and incentive programs for Fortune 500 clients
• Managed event budgets up to $800K, consistently delivering projects within financial parameters while exceeding quality expectations
• Built and maintained relationships with premium suppliers and venues across Australia, creating preferred partner network
• Developed comprehensive event proposals and presentations, contributing to 75% proposal success rate
• Supported senior management with strategic planning and business development activities
EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | University of Sydney Business School | 2019
Specialisation: Marketing and Operations Management
Relevant coursework: Strategic management, marketing strategy, operations optimisation, leadership and change management
Bachelor of Event Management | Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School | 2015
First Class Honours
Relevant coursework: Event strategy and design, venue and facilities management, event marketing, risk management, hospitality operations
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
• Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) – Events Industry Council (Current)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (Current)
• Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) – International Special Events Society (2022)
• Digital Event Strategy Certification – Event Marketing Institute (2023)
KEY COMPETENCIES
• Strategic event planning and portfolio management
• Team leadership and organisational development
• Budget management and financial planning ($100K-$2M+ budgets)
• Stakeholder relationship management and client service
• Venue negotiation and supplier relationship management
• Risk management and compliance oversight
• Business development and revenue generation
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully managed Australian Technology Summit 2023 – 8,000 attendees, $1.8M budget, featured 50+ international speakers
• Led crisis management during COVID-19, pivoting 80% of events to hybrid/virtual format with 95% client retention
• Developed award-winning sustainability program adopted across event industry, reducing waste by 60% and carbon footprint by 45%
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Event Manager of the Year – Australian Event Awards (2023)
• Excellence in Leadership – Platinum Events Group (2022)
• Rising Star Award – Meeting and Events Australia (2019)
What is The Best Format for an Event Manager Resume?
For event manager positions in Australia, the reverse chronological format is strongly recommended as it clearly demonstrates your career progression from coordination roles through to senior management responsibilities. This format allows hiring managers to quickly assess your most recent leadership experience and understand how your expertise with complex events, team management, and strategic planning has evolved, which is crucial for senior roles where proven management capability and business impact are essential.
Font and Typography Guidelines:
• Heading Font: Use 18-22pt for your name and 14-16pt for section headings
• Body Font: Stick to 10-12pt for all body text to ensure readability
• Font Style: Professional fonts like Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri convey executive presence while maintaining readability
• Margins: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides to provide adequate white space
• File Type: Always submit as PDF unless specifically requested otherwise, as this preserves formatting across different systems
Essential Resume Sections:
Header: Include your full name, phone number, professional email address, LinkedIn profile, portfolio website, and city/state. As a senior professional, consider including your portfolio to demonstrate the scale and quality of events you’ve managed.
Summary: Provide a compelling 3-4 line overview highlighting your management experience, strategic capabilities, team leadership achievements, and business impact. This section should immediately establish your credentials as a senior events professional.
Experience: List your work history in reverse chronological order, emphasising leadership responsibilities, strategic initiatives, business outcomes, and team management achievements.
Education: Include your qualifications, particularly any advanced degrees, and ongoing professional development that supports senior management roles.
Other Sections: Consider adding professional certifications (CMP, PMP), notable achievements, awards and recognition, and memberships in organisations like Meeting and Events Australia.
What Experience Should Be on Your Event Manager Resume?
Your experience section should emphasise your ability to lead strategic initiatives, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and drive business results through exceptional event management. Focus on quantifiable achievements that demonstrate your impact on revenue generation, team performance, and organisational growth. Australian event employers value experience with large-scale events, proven leadership capabilities, and understanding of the commercial aspects of event management including P&L responsibility and business development.
Highlight specific leadership responsibilities, strategic initiatives you’ve led, team sizes managed, and any experience with Australian event industry regulations and international best practices. Include metrics around revenue generation, cost optimisation, team development, and client satisfaction that showcase your effectiveness as a senior event management professional.
Correct Example:
Event Manager | Melbourne Event Solutions | February 2019 – Present
• Lead strategic planning and execution for premier event portfolio generating $4.5M annual revenue across corporate conferences, incentive programs, and cultural festivals
• Manage and develop high-performing team of 12 event professionals, implementing talent development programs that reduced turnover by 45% and increased team capability ratings
• Drive business growth through strategic client relationship management and new market development, securing 15+ new enterprise clients worth $2.8M in combined revenue
• Negotiate complex multi-year contracts with international venues and suppliers, achieving 25% cost optimisation while expanding global service delivery capabilities
• Implement comprehensive quality management systems and KPI frameworks, improving client satisfaction scores from 85% to 97% over 3-year period
• Champion innovation in event technology and sustainability practices, positioning company as industry leader and winning 3 major industry awards
Incorrect Example:
Event Manager | Event Company | 2019 – Present
• Managed events
• Led team members
• Worked with clients
• Handled budgets
• Made events successful
Entry-Level Event Manager Resume Samples [Experience]
For entry-level management positions, focus on progression from coordination roles, leadership experience in any context, and demonstrated ability to take on increased responsibility. Emphasise your strategic thinking, team collaboration, and any experience mentoring others or leading projects.
Correct Example:
Assistant Event Manager | Brisbane Convention Centre | June 2023 – Present
• Support senior management team in coordinating 40+ large-scale events annually, including international conferences and trade exhibitions with attendance up to 5,000 delegates
• Lead project teams of 6-8 coordinators and support staff, implementing workflow improvements that increased team efficiency by 20%
• Manage client relationships for mid-tier events with budgets up to $400K, achieving 94% client satisfaction and 80% repeat booking rate
• Develop comprehensive project plans and risk assessments, ensuring compliance with venue policies and regulatory requirements
• Coordinate with senior leadership on strategic initiatives including service development and operational improvements
• Apply MBA knowledge in strategic planning and operations management to enhance event delivery processes and business outcomes
Incorrect Example:
Junior Event Manager | Event Place | 2023
• Still new to management
• Learning to lead teams
• Help with event planning
• Work with senior managers
• Hope to grow in the role
How to Write the Education Section for your Event Manager Resume
The education section is particularly important for event managers, as senior roles often require advanced qualifications that demonstrate strategic thinking, business acumen, and leadership capabilities. Many Australian event management positions, especially at senior levels, prefer candidates with tertiary education in business, marketing, hospitality, or event management, often supplemented by MBA or other advanced qualifications.
Include your degrees, institution names, graduation dates, and relevant coursework that applies to senior event management. If you’ve completed advanced qualifications like an MBA, project management certification, or industry-specific credentials, highlight these prominently to show your comprehensive preparation for leadership roles. Many Australian event companies highly value ongoing professional development and industry certifications.
Event Manager Resume Example [Education]
Master of Business Administration (MBA) | Melbourne Business School | 2021
Specialisation: Strategic Management and Marketing
Relevant coursework: Strategic planning and analysis, leadership and organisational behaviour, financial management, marketing strategy and innovation, operations management
Bachelor of Event Management (Honours) | Griffith University | 2018
First Class Honours – Dean’s List
Relevant coursework: Event strategy and planning, venue and facilities management, event marketing and sponsorship, risk management, hospitality operations, project management
Executive Education:
• Strategic Leadership Program – Australian Graduate School of Management (2023)
• Advanced Event Technology and Innovation – Event Marketing Institute (2022)
• Sustainable Event Management Certification – Green Events Australia (2021)
How to Write the Skills Section for your Event Manager Resume
The skills section of your event manager resume should strategically emphasise leadership competencies alongside advanced event management and business skills that Australian employers prioritise for senior roles. Aim for 12-18 carefully selected skills that demonstrate your comprehensive capability as an event manager who can lead teams, drive strategy, and deliver exceptional business outcomes. Focus on skills that differentiate you from coordinators and reflect the strategic, commercial, and leadership aspects of senior event management.
This section should complement your experience by highlighting specific leadership abilities, business competencies, and advanced technical skills that contribute to successful event program management and organisational growth.
Event Manager Resume Skills (Hard Skills)
• Strategic event planning and portfolio management
• Budget management and financial planning ($500K-$5M+ budgets)
• Team leadership and performance management
• Business development and revenue generation
• Contract negotiation and vendor relationship management
• Risk management and compliance oversight
• Project management methodologies (PMP, Agile, Scrum)
• Event technology integration and platform management
• Data analytics and performance measurement (ROI, KPIs)
• Stakeholder management and executive presentation
• Marketing strategy and brand management
• International event logistics and cultural adaptation
Event Manager Resume Skills (Soft Skills)
• Visionary leadership and strategic thinking
• Executive communication and stakeholder management
• Change management and organisational development
• Crisis management and decision-making under pressure
• Creative problem-solving and innovation leadership
• Cultural intelligence and global business awareness
• Emotional intelligence and team motivation
• Negotiation and persuasion at senior executive level
• Time management and priority setting across multiple projects
• Conflict resolution and diplomatic relationship management
• Public speaking and media relations
• Mentoring and talent development capabilities
How to pick the best Event Manager skills:
1. Analyse the job description thoroughly and identify leadership competencies, strategic requirements, and business skills mentioned by the employer, particularly those related to team management and commercial outcomes.
2. Match your skills to organisational level – corporate event managers need business development and stakeholder management skills, while venue managers may prioritise operations management and facility coordination.
3. Emphasise advanced and strategic competencies such as business planning, change management, and executive leadership that distinguish management roles from coordination positions.
4. Include both people leadership and technical expertise that demonstrate your ability to lead teams while understanding the operational and technological aspects of modern event management.
5. Highlight commercial and business skills that show your understanding of event management as a profit centre and your ability to drive revenue growth and operational efficiency.
Event Manager Resume Examples [Skills]
Leadership Skills:
• Team development – Built and led high-performing event team of 15 professionals, achieving 92% employee engagement score and industry-leading retention rates
• Strategic planning – Developed 3-year business strategy resulting in 40% revenue growth and expansion into new market segments
• Change management – Led successful digital transformation initiative, implementing new event technologies that improved efficiency by 35%
Business Skills:
• Revenue generation – Secured $3.5M in new business through strategic client development and innovative event solutions
• Budget optimisation – Managed complex event budgets up to $2.5M, consistently achieving 15% cost savings while maintaining quality standards
Strategic Skills:
• Stakeholder management – Built executive relationships with C-suite clients, achieving 95% client retention and expanding account values by average 50%
• Innovation leadership – Pioneered sustainability and technology initiatives adopted industry-wide, positioning organisation as market leader
Should I Add Bonus Sections to My Event Manager Resume?
Additional sections can significantly enhance your event manager resume by demonstrating thought leadership, industry recognition, and comprehensive qualifications that distinguish you as a senior professional. These sections are particularly valuable for management-level positions in the Australian events industry, where strategic thinking, professional recognition, and industry influence are highly valued by employers and boards.
Awards and Recognition: Industry awards, professional recognition, and leadership honours provide concrete evidence of exceptional performance and peer acknowledgement at senior levels.
Notable Events: Highlighting major events you’ve managed demonstrates your capability with high-profile, complex, or innovative projects that showcase your strategic and operational excellence.
Professional Associations: Leadership roles in industry organisations, board positions, or committee memberships show your influence and engagement within the events community.
Speaking Engagements: Conference presentations, panel discussions, or thought leadership activities demonstrate expertise and industry recognition.
Publications: Industry articles, research contributions, or thought leadership pieces establish your expertise and influence within the events profession.
Advanced Certifications: Executive-level certifications and continuing education show commitment to professional excellence and staying current with industry developments.
Event Manager Resume Examples [Other Sections]
Correct Example:
NOTABLE EVENTS MANAGED
• Asia-Pacific Economic Forum 2023 – 12,000 delegates, $3.2M budget, 15 international locations
• Olympic Games Corporate Hospitality Program – 50,000+ guests, $8M revenue generation
• Australian Open Tennis Championships VIP Experience – 5,000 guests, international media coverage
• G20 Summit Cultural Program – Government stakeholder management, international protocol
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
• Outstanding Event Executive – International Association of Event Managers (2023)
• Business Leader of the Year – Australian Event Industry Council (2022)
• Innovation Award – Meeting and Events Australia (2021)
• 40 Under 40 Leaders – Business Events Australia (2020)
PROFESSIONAL LEADERSHIP
• Board Member, Meeting and Events Australia (2022 – Present)
• Chair, Event Industry Sustainability Committee (2021 – Present)
• Advisory Panel, Australian Event Management Education Council (2020 – Present)
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
• Keynote Speaker: “The Future of Hybrid Events” – Asia Event Management Conference (2023)
• Panel Chair: “Leadership in Crisis” – Australian Event Summit (2022)
• Featured Speaker: Multiple presentations at international event management conferences
Incorrect Example:
OTHER STUFF
• Managed some big events
• Won some awards
• Member of event groups
• Spoke at conferences
• Good at managing events
• Live in Sydney
Tip: Include relevant interests that demonstrate executive qualities valuable to senior event management, such as board positions that show governance experience, international travel that demonstrates global perspective, or community leadership that reflects your ability to influence and inspire others.
How to write an Event Manager Resume Objective or Resume Summary
Your professional summary is critical for event managers as it must immediately establish your leadership credentials, strategic capabilities, and track record of delivering exceptional business outcomes through event management. This 3-4 line section should highlight your management experience, strategic achievements, team leadership success, and the unique value you bring to driving organisational growth and market presence through world-class events.
For experienced event managers, focus on quantifiable business outcomes, strategic initiatives led, team development achievements, and industry recognition. Those stepping into management roles should emphasise their progression from coordination, leadership potential, strategic thinking abilities, and commitment to driving business results. Always tailor your summary to reflect the specific organisational level and strategic focus mentioned in the job advertisement.
Key elements to include:
• Years of management experience and scale of events/teams led
• Strategic achievements and business impact delivered
• Leadership capabilities and team development success
• Industry recognition and thought leadership
• Vision for transforming organisations through exceptional event experiences
Event Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Visionary Event Manager with 10+ years of progressive leadership experience delivering world-class events and driving $25M+ in combined revenue across corporate, government, and cultural sectors. Expert in strategic planning, team development, and stakeholder management with proven track record of transforming event operations, building high-performing teams, and establishing market leadership positions. Recognised industry thought leader with multiple awards for innovation and excellence, currently serving on industry boards and driving sector-wide sustainability initiatives. Passionate about leveraging events as strategic business tools to build brands, engage stakeholders, and create lasting organisational impact.
Incorrect Example:
Event manager with experience leading teams and managing events. I have worked on many different types of events and I’m good at managing people and budgets. I want to find a role where I can continue to grow my management skills and work on bigger events.
For those transitioning into management roles, focus on your coordination experience, leadership potential, strategic thinking development, and commitment to advancing both your career and the organisations you serve through exceptional event management.
Entry-Level Event Manager Resume Summary Examples
Correct Example:
Strategic Event Professional with 4+ years of progressive experience and recent MBA qualification, ready to transition into senior management role. Demonstrated leadership through mentoring junior coordinators and leading cross-functional project teams on events up to $1M budget. Combines strong operational foundation with advanced business education and strategic thinking capabilities. Proven track record of driving innovation, improving processes, and exceeding client expectations while building collaborative, high-performing teams. Eager to apply strategic vision and leadership abilities to drive organisational growth and event excellence at management level.
Incorrect Example:
Event coordinator who wants to move into management. I have some experience leading small teams and I think I’m ready for more responsibility. I have good organisational skills and I understand event planning. I want to learn more about managing bigger events and leading larger teams.
How to Update Your LinkedIn Profile When Updating Your Event Manager Resume
Maintaining alignment between your resume and LinkedIn profile is crucial for event managers, where thought leadership, industry influence, and executive presence significantly impact career advancement opportunities. Your LinkedIn profile should complement your resume while leveraging the platform’s unique features to showcase your strategic thinking, industry insights, and leadership within the Australian events community.
Unlike your resume, LinkedIn allows for an expanded professional narrative that can include strategic insights, industry commentary, and thought leadership content that establishes your expertise and influence. This is particularly valuable for event managers, as senior roles require demonstrated capability to think strategically about events as business tools and lead industry conversations about trends and innovations.
LinkedIn Headline Optimisation for Event Managers
Your LinkedIn headline should immediately communicate your management credentials and strategic focus, appealing to senior executives, board members, and industry leaders who may view your profile.
Effective Headlines:
• “Event Manager | Strategic Leadership | $15M+ Portfolio | Team Development & Business Growth | Sydney”
• “Senior Event Manager | Corporate & Government Events | Innovation Leader | Award-Winning Results”
• “Event Management Executive | P&L Leadership | International Events | Driving Business Impact Through Experience”
Ineffective Headlines:
• “Event Manager”
• “Senior Event Professional”
• “Event Management Leader”
LinkedIn Summary vs Resume Summary: Key Differences
While your resume summary focuses on measurable achievements and management credentials, your LinkedIn summary can articulate your strategic vision, leadership philosophy, and industry perspective. This narrative approach is essential for senior positions where strategic thinking and thought leadership are key differentiators.
Your LinkedIn summary should expand on your approach to event management as a business strategy, highlight your vision for industry development, and demonstrate your understanding of events as tools for organisational transformation. Include keywords that executive recruiters and senior leaders commonly search for, while maintaining an authoritative voice that reflects your management expertise and industry influence.
Showcasing Event Manager Experience on LinkedIn
LinkedIn’s format allows you to provide comprehensive case studies and strategic context that bring your management capabilities to life. Use this expanded space to describe the business challenges you’ve solved, the transformative strategies you’ve implemented, and the organisational impact you’ve delivered through exceptional event management.
Consider sharing strategic insights, industry analysis, or leadership perspectives that demonstrate your thought leadership and establish your voice as an industry expert. These posts help differentiate your profile and provide evidence of your ability to think strategically about events and their role in business success.
LinkedIn Skills and Endorsements for Event Managers
Select 15-20 skills that represent the full spectrum of event management leadership competencies, emphasising strategic, commercial, and leadership abilities over operational skills. Prioritise skills frequently mentioned in senior event management job postings, such as “Strategic Planning,” “Team Leadership,” “Business Development,” “Stakeholder Management,” and industry-specific expertise.
Actively seek endorsements from senior colleagues, clients, board members, and industry peers. These endorsements serve as executive references and are particularly valuable for management positions where leadership capability and business impact are fundamental to success.
LinkedIn Profile Tips for Australian Event Managers
Network Strategically: Connect with C-suite executives, board members, senior marketing leaders, and other event industry executives across Australia and internationally. Join executive-level LinkedIn groups and industry leadership communities.
Share Thought Leadership: Regularly publish strategic insights about event industry trends, business applications of events, or leadership perspectives that position you as an industry thought leader and strategic thinker.
Demonstrate Industry Influence: Highlight board positions, speaking engagements, award recognition, and other indicators of industry leadership and influence that support your candidacy for senior management roles.
Your LinkedIn profile serves as a platform for executive thought leadership and industry influence, allowing you to build relationships with senior leaders while demonstrating your capability to drive organisational success and industry advancement through exceptional event management leadership.
Creating an exceptional event manager resume requires careful emphasis on your strategic capabilities, leadership achievements, and business impact rather than operational details. By following these guidelines and tailoring your content to highlight your management expertise, team development success, and strategic business outcomes, you’ll be well-positioned to secure interviews with leading event management companies, major corporations, and prestigious venues across Australia.
Remember to complement your strong resume with an equally compelling cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of the specific organisation’s strategic objectives, market position, and growth aspirations. For additional guidance on crafting the perfect application package, explore our related resources on event manager cover letters and analysis of senior-level event management job advertisements to ensure your application materials work together effectively to showcase your qualifications and vision for advancing your event management leadership career.
