Sports Events Organizer : job description

A Sports Events Organizer is responsible for managing all aspects of organizing a competition or event, regardless of its scale. This could range from regional competitions to major international events like the Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup, or national tournaments. The role involves extensive planning and collaboration with various stakeholders, ensuring that the event runs smoothly from start to finish.

In this role, you will often work closely with the company offering event management services, vendors supplying necessary equipment and services, and other partners. Whether you're organizing a local charity event or a large-scale international competition in California, your goal is to bring your expertise to ensure that everything runs seamlessly. This involves working with athletes, fans, and a team of experts to deliver a successful event that meets all safety and legal requirements. Being a Sports Events Organizer means being in constant contact with various stakeholders, including financial experts who help manage budgets and vendors who provide the necessary services.

On a daily basis, the primary activities of a Sports Events Organizer include:

• Planning the stages of an event : This involves detailed event planning, from conceptualization to execution. The organizer must consider every aspect, including scheduling, venue selection, and participant management, ensuring a seamless experience for all involved. A successful event planner must offer comprehensive solutions tailored to the specific needs of the event and its audience.
• Feasibility studies for projects: Before an event can be confirmed, the organizer conducts thorough feasibility studies to assess the viability of the event, taking into account the budget, location, and potential audience. This often involves working with financial experts to ensure that the event is financially viable and aligns with the goals of the company hosting the event.
• Coordination with various partners and service providers: Effective management requires close collaboration with vendors, including venue owners, equipment rental companies, and other service providers. These partnerships are crucial for the successful execution of the event. Organizers also need to manage the logistics of the event, including setup, security, and the safety of all participants and attendees.
• Supervising tasks and managing operational teams : The organizer is responsible for leading the event management team, ensuring that all tasks are completed on time and within the allocated budget. This includes coordinating the efforts of the marketing, legal, and operational teams. Event planners must be able to connect and communicate effectively with their teams and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations.
• Logistical and material organization: Organizing and managing the logistics of the event is a key responsibility. This includes arranging transportation, setting up the venue, and ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and functioning properly. Additionally, ensuring the security and safety of all participants and spectators is paramount, requiring careful planning and coordination.
• Anticipating unforeseen circumstances: A successful event manager must be proactive, anticipating and addressing potential issues before they arise. This involves close monitoring of all aspects of the event to ensure a smooth operation. Planners must also be prepared to offer solutions to any unexpected challenges that may arise on the day of the event.
• Preparing budgets : Budgeting is a critical aspect of event management. The organizer must create a detailed budget, tracking expenses and ensuring that the event remains financially viable. This involves working closely with financial experts to ensure that all costs are accounted for and that the event generates revenue as planned.
• Promotion and marketing : Effective marketing is essential for attracting participants and spectators. This includes creating a marketing plan, managing social media platforms, and executing promotional campaigns to raise awareness and drive ticket sales. Engaging with the community, both online and locally, is key to building a strong audience and ensuring the success of the event.
• Maintaining and expanding professional networks : Building and maintaining relationships within the industry is vital. This includes connecting with sponsors, clubs, and other key players to secure support and resources for future events. Event managers must also be able to provide custom solutions to meet the needs of their clients and participants.

To become a successful organizer, in addition to your passion for athletics, you'll need the following skills:

• Strong organizational and planning abilities: The ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines is crucial. Organizers must be adept at creating detailed plans and schedules to ensure the smooth execution of events.
• Anticipation skills: Being able to foresee potential issues and address them proactively is key to preventing disruptions during the event.
• Adherence to deadlines and budgets: Staying within the allocated budget and meeting deadlines are essential for the successful management of events.
• Excellent knowledge of the relevant sport and its ecosystem : A deep understanding of the competition you are organizing is necessary to ensure that the event meets the expectations of participants, fans, and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure : The fast-paced nature of event management requires the ability to remain calm and effective under pressure, particularly during the event itself. Event planners must also be adept at managing last-minute changes and ensuring that all elements of the event are ready on time.
• Desire to maintain and expand professional networks : Networking is crucial in this field. Building strong relationships with industry professionals can lead to new opportunities and resources for future events. Maintaining contact with past clients and collaborators can also lead to repeat business and referrals.

If you aspire to be part of organizing teams for major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, Rugby World Cup, Tour de France, Roland Garros, or the Olympic Games, you'll need to hold a master's degree (Bac +5) from a reputable school specializing in sports management. These programs offer a wide range of courses designed to equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the field.

The Master of Science in Sports, Entertainment & Lifestyle offered by emlyon business school trains you over 18 months to develop a comprehensive understanding of the industry, preparing you for a fulfilling career in this field. This program covers all aspects of event management, including marketing, planning, and the use of specialized management software.

You'll learn from internationally renowned experts and benefit from networking opportunities with the school's partners, which include prestigious companies, sponsors, and clubs. The program also emphasizes the importance of digital skills in today's market, equipping you to manage online platforms and social media campaigns effectively. The curriculum is designed to offer key features that are essential for organizing and managing successful events.

Delivered in English and open to candidates with a bachelor's degree (Bac +4) or equivalent (Bac +3 with exceptions), this highly specialized program equips you to meet the current needs of the market in an international and digitally-driven context. The curriculum includes courses on event housing management, ticket management, and sponsorship, ensuring that you have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of event management.

On average, the salary of a Sports Events Organizer evolves as follows:

• Junior: €45,000 per year;
• Experienced: €57,000 per year;
• Senior: €79,000 per year.

However, these averages may vary significantly depending on the position, the prestige of the events organized, and the level of responsibility. Additionally, working with international events or high-profile athletes can lead to higher compensation, reflecting the increased complexity and scope of these events. The ability to bring innovative solutions to the table, manage financial aspects effectively, and deliver a successful event on time can significantly impact your earning potential.

With experience, an organizer can specialize in their preferred sport, become a project manager in event management, or move into a leadership role within a club. The role also offers opportunities to transition into related fields such as sports marketing or event marketing, allowing for a diverse and dynamic career path. Experienced planners may also take on roles in event management companies, focusing on organizing and managing large-scale events for various businesses.

In summary, the Sports Events Organizer is responsible for conceptualizing, organizing logistics, and promoting events. As the guardian of smooth competitions or demonstrations, this enthusiast plays multiple roles, including manager, logistician, communication professional, and networker. The role requires a unique blend of skills, including event management, planning, and the ability to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders, from sponsors to participants. Successful event managers must be able to handle a variety of tasks, from ticketing and promotions to ensuring safety and security, all while delivering a seamless experience for everyone involved.

emlyon business school's reputation for excellence is built on its innovative pedagogical methods and its impressive network of corporate partners and alumni spanning 130 countries. With an average job placement rate of 98% within 6 months, emlyon consistently ranks among the top French and European business schools. The school's programs are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of their chosen field, ensuring they are well-prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in their careers.

The school offers a range of services to support students, including career counseling, networking events, and access to a dedicated online platform for job placements. Additionally, emlyon's focus on digital skills and international exposure makes it a leader in preparing students for the global job market. Whether you are interested in event management, marketing, or another related field, emlyon business school provides the tools and resources needed to achieve your career goals. The school's programs are also designed to be user-friendly, offering flexible options to accommodate the needs of a diverse student body.