Everything you need to know about the Veranstaltungskaufmann/-frau profession

What is a Veranstaltungskaufmann/-frau (Event Management Assistant)?

A Veranstaltungskaufmann/-frau is an event management professional who plans, organizes and coordinates all kinds of events: concerts, trade fairs, conferences, festivals, corporate events, cultural and sports events. They accompany the project from the first idea through planning and execution to the final evaluation.

How is the training structured?

• Dual vocational training lasting 3 years

• Practical work in event agencies, congress centers, hotels, cultural institutions and marketing departments

• Theoretical classes at a vocational school (Berufsschule)

• Final nationwide recognized exam (IHK – Chamber of Industry and Commerce)

Typical daily tasks

Planning and preparation

• Developing the event idea and overall concept

• Creating timelines, schedules and detailed checklists

• Setting up the budget and continuously monitoring costs

Coordination with partners and service providers

• Booking venues, stages, light and sound equipment, catering and security

• Negotiating with service providers, sponsors and exhibitors

• Obtaining necessary permits from local authorities

Marketing and promotion

• Designing online and offline marketing campaigns

• Managing social media, newsletters and event websites

• Liaising with press and media, sending press releases

On-site organisation

• Supervising the event on the day of execution

• Coordinating technical teams, artists, speakers, guests and security

• Handling unforeseen problems and ensuring smooth operations

Follow-up after the event

• Evaluating success (visitor numbers, feedback, KPIs, goal achievement)

• Debriefing with clients, sponsors and partners

• Preparing invoices, final budgets and evaluation reports

Where do Veranstaltungskaufleute work?

• Event and live communication agencies

• Marketing and advertising agencies

• Hotels, congress and exhibition centers

• Cultural institutions, associations, sports clubs and NGOs

• Concert and festival promoters, trade fair organisers

• Large companies with in-house event or marketing departments

Required skills

• Strong organisational skills and time management

• Creativity and solution-oriented thinking

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• Flexibility and willingness to work evenings, weekends and travel

Career opportunities

• Project manager or event manager for large-scale events

• Team leader or department head in event and live communication

• Self-employed event consultant or owner of an event agency

• Bachelor’s studies in event management, business administration, marketing or tourism management

• Specialisation in sports events, cultural events, trade fairs & congresses, corporate events

Difference between Veranstaltungskaufmann/-frau and Hotelfachmann/-frau

Summary

The profession Veranstaltungskaufmann/-frau is perfect for people who enjoy dynamic environments, creativity and structured organisation, and who love creating unique experiences for others.

• Combines planning, marketing and project management

• Offers broad job opportunities in Germany and internationally

• Opens attractive career paths in events, culture, tourism and entertainment