Athletic events can have a great economic impact on your organization. Some of the most crucial responsibilities belong to sports event managers, whose job is to ensure each event goes off without a hitch. And that’s precisely why sports event management is key.
What Does Event Management Entail?
All events start with a clear definition of the event objectives. Sounds obvious enough, but it’s oftentimes overlooked. Understanding the purpose of the event is crucial in breaking the process down.
For instance, a golfing event that targets high-level business executives is very different from sports event management for a world-class tennis match, but it still requires careful planning and specialized resources. Both these events have unique considerations that don’t necessarily overlap. What’s more, chances are the very things that make an event unique are the keys to making it successful.
Event Managers Take on The Following Key Responsibilities
- Logistics management
Among the first tasks is determining the who, the what, the how, and the where of the event.
Accordingly, some of the key responsibilities of a sports event manager may include:
- Bidding for sporting events
- Collaborating with PR professionals and communicating with broadcasters and members of the press
- Identifying an appropriate venue for an event
- Negotiating agreements with sponsors and vendors
- Implementing security measures for athletes and attendees
- Coordinating ticket sales for the events that require them
- Recruiting staff and volunteers to manage the needs and flow of both the athletes and spectator
A sports event manager is tasked with putting on a great show, which requires them to deliver on the expectations of their client. This requires quite a bit of adaptability and a great deal of knowledge of the specific sport.
- Purpose and branding of the event
Brands generate business value, and the sports business is no exception. Sports events provide a unique promotional platform for an organization, charity, city, region, or country to brand itself. The branding possibilities also extend to individuals, as well.
Each event conveys a message to the world and it’s up to sports event managers to craft this message. Branding ensures that the value and integrity of the event are maintained. It also distinguishes similar sporting events from one another.
- Feasibility and financial analysis
Sporting events can be expensive to run, requiring an in-depth analysis of all the costs and risks involved to ensure a suitable return on investment. As such, the financial aspects of sports event management can entail finding and negotiating sponsorships and funding.
Sports Sponsorship Event Management
Sponsorships, in particular, provide opportunities for sporting events to reach their maximum potential. Big-name sponsorships can also generate attention for an event and increase viewership and attendance.
- Expertise and event-environment specifics
There are plenty of moving parts in organizing a sporting event, requiring sports event managers to proactively adapt their tactics to a variety of situations. Their job is to balance the needs of athletes, attendees, and communities to create an unforgettable experience, no matter the scale of the event. That being the case, the event manager is the go-to person for all safety and security concerns — as well as logistical, participant, and spectator needs.
Bring Better Sports Events to Life for Your Charity or Organization With van Dillen Partners
Pulling together a sporting event can be a little tricky, which is why you should partner with the right sports event management team.
vDP has the experience and professional expertise to manage any sporting event, from inception to completion. Specializing in sports and entertainment, we create meaningful, memorable and measurable sports events. Reach out to us today for a no-obligation conversation.
