Differences Between Event Management and Event Production

Hosting a successful event, from planning to execution, involves a multitude of different parts and roles working together. Knowing what each stage and aspect of an event encompasses, requires, and achieves allows you to create a comprehensive strategy that aligns with your ultimate goals.

Two critical components of event success are event management and event production. Although the two interweave in some aspects, like coordination and planning, each holds distinct roles and responsibilities that affect different parts of hosting an event. Understanding the differences between event management and event production ensures that each decision made before, during, and after the event contributes to the intended event experience and goals.

Scope of Work

The distinct roles and responsibilities of an event manager and an event producer form the backbone of any event, and it is crucial that these roles do not overlap. Instead, they should complement each other. Event managers and event producers have distinct scopes of work that all work toward the same goal—to deliver a successful event that meets or exceeds client expectations.

Event Management

Event Management involves the strategic planning and coordination of all aspects of an event, including logistics, sourcing venues, booking vendors, managing budgets, and coordinating schedules. Event managers are the central point of contact, liaising with all involved parties to ensure the event runs smoothly and successfully.

Event Production

Event production is the technical aspect of creating an event. Production teams focus on the design, setup, and operation of technical elements such as sound, lighting, staging, and audio-visual equipment. The event producer oversees the production process, ensuring the technical elements align with the event’s overall vision and objectives.

If you want to host a corporate event that’s professional and engaging, event producers might employ state-of-the-art audio systems to ensure clear and impactful sound throughout the venue. They might choose simple lighting instead of bright, colorful party hues, making the ambiance comfortable yet professional. On top of setting the tone, event producers will also ensure that any electronic or technical aspect of your event, from videos to speakers, operates as intended.

Skills Required

For both event managers and event producers, certain skills are critical to execute their respective roles effectively. Event managers should possess outstanding organizational skills, with the ability to multitask and navigate through complex logistics. Strong communication and leadership abilities are essential as they coordinate with various stakeholders and lead teams. They also require problem-solving skills to handle unforeseen situations or crises that may arise during an event. Other key skills of event managers include:

• Proficient in budget management
• Contract negotiation
• Marketing
• A keen eye for detail

Event producers need a strong technical background. They should understand the nuances of sound, lighting, and video production. Event producers often work with complex audio-visual equipment and software, making knowledge of the latest technology trends a crucial part of the job. Other essential skills for event producers include:

• Creativity for designing immersive event experiences
• High level of precisions
• The ability to work under pressure
• Critical thinking for troubleshooting technical issues

Despite the differences in their roles and skills, event managers and event producers need to be team players, have strong interpersonal skills, and share a passion for delivering outstanding events.

Event Planning and Preparation

Prior to an event, event managers are responsible for planning and coordinating various logistical facets of the event. They book venues, secure permits, find vendors, determine and oversee budgeting, and set up marketing. Event managers also create detailed event plans and schedules, ensuring all necessary preparations wrap up on time. Event planners collaborate and manage every little detail of event planning.

Event producers, in the pre-event phase, work on designing the technical elements of the event. They collaborate with the event manager to understand the vision and establish the intended tone, purpose, and atmosphere. After determining whether the event is professional or casual, intimate or grande, or an educational or social opportunity, event producers devise a production. They arrange for required technical equipment, such as cameras for live streams and microphones for speakers, and oversee the design layout for sound, lighting, and staging of the venue.

During an Event

During the event, event managers coordinate the activities according to the schedule and ensure everything runs smoothly. They are the go-to people for handling any issues that arise, liaising with vendors and staff, and ensuring attendees have a positive experience.

Event producers manage the technical production during the event. They ensure the sound, lighting, and visual effects go as planned, troubleshoot any technical issues, and coordinate with the backstage crew to ensure seamless transitions and operations of any technical component.

After an Event

After the event, event managers have a role in dismantling and clean-up, returning the venue to its original state. They also handle post-event tasks like settling invoices with vendors, conducting event analysis, and gathering feedback from attendees for future improvements.

Event producers just handle technical dismantling. They also review the production process to identify areas of improvement and update their equipment inventory for future events.

Knowing Who To Hire When

When organizing an event, knowing who to hire and at what stage can significantly influence the event’s success. Whether you hire assistance for event management or production depends on the type of help you need and the event you are hosting.

For overall help with planning, logistics, and execution of any event, from socials to conferences, event managers are the ones to call. At L!VE, we offer specific corporate management services—event management specializing in corporate events. From the event’s preparation stages to post-evaluation, event managers play a key role in getting all the fine details sorted out and guaranteeing successful execution.

Event producers usually step in once the basic planning wraps up and the event’s concept and vision are clear. They come into play when it’s time to translate the event vision into a tangible, immersive experience. If your event heavily relies on technology such as virtual events, stage performances, and sound systems, event producers can provide the assistance you need to prevent technical difficulties.

While event management and event production might seem similar at first glance, they each have distinct differences in the roles they play. Event managers take a broad, strategic view, handling the overall planning, coordination, and communication, while event producers focus on the technical elements, bringing the event’s vision to life. By working in tandem, event managers and event producers ensure an event exceeds expectations, delivering a memorable experience for all stakeholders.