Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
•   Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.

Working Life

A Venue manager is an expert on a specific space, which may be an arena, a concert hall, or a ballroom, where they know how the layout, logistics and ambiance will work for a variety of events. They may also be in charge of sales and marketing for the space, to bring in new events and promote upcoming shows.

Venue managers can be employed by hotels, sporting arenas, theatres/concert venues, universities and by any business with a venue to be promoted for events.

Events can range from weddings and private parties, to educational or professional conferences, conventions, trade shows or concerts and sporting events.

As a venue manager, you respond to inquiries about the space, the costs involved, the equipment available, catering and any other related services on offer. You also meet with clients to discuss their needs and create suitable package options.

Depending on where you work, you may also arrange and coordinate conference facilities, catering, signage, volunteers and/or event staff, displays, ICT equipment, accommodation, transport and social events. If it’s a large event, you could be in charge of organising and overseeing work of contractors.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Review financial statements, sales or activity reports, or other performance data to measure productivity or goal achievement or to identify areas needing cost reduction or program improvement.
• Direct and coordinate activities of businesses or departments concerned with the production, pricing, sales, or distribution of products.
• Direct administrative activities directly related to making products or providing services.
• Prepare staff work schedules and assign specific duties.
• Monitor suppliers to ensure that they efficiently and effectively provide needed goods or services within budgetary limits.
• Direct or coordinate financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximise investments, or increase efficiency.
• Establish or implement departmental policies, goals, objectives, or procedures in conjunction with board members, organisation officials, or staff members.
• Perform personnel functions, such as selection, training, or evaluation.
• Plan or direct activities, such as sales promotions, that require coordination with other department managers.
• Set prices or credit terms for goods or services, based on forecasts of customer demand.

Further Information

• Career Path: Music Venue Manager- from: Event Academy
• Venue Manager- from: Berklee

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

You will generally need some relevant work experience to be considered for a Venue Manager position. An academic qualification can certainly boost your chances of getting the job, but it is not always required.

Typically, a Venue Manager has experience from working in sales and marketing roles, and may have a Degree in Business and Event Management.

As a Venue Manager you need to have good knowledge of the venue you are in charge of, as well as a network of service providers to liaise with for events. You also need to keep up-to-date on the market, pricing and be able to identify potential clients.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: accounting, business, administration.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: accounting and finance, business and sales, travel and tourism, hospitality and event management, marketing.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Sales, Recruitment.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: accounting and finance, business and sales, travel and tourism, hospitality and event management, marketing.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: sales, marketing, hospitality management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Springboard Courses: digital marketing, sales, analytics, event marketing, management NFQ level 6-9 Search Springboard courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

You may want to progress your career by specialising in one type of event, or set up your own event management business, in line with AIPCO membership.  

Local Enterprise Offices 

Enterprise Partnership Offices

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €65k

Salaries vary based on employer, role, location, experience, and duties. part of the role may also involve Sales & marketing. 

Data Source(s):
Excel / Morgan McKinley/ Sigmar/ Lincoln/ Prosperity.ie

Last Updated: July, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Hotel and accommodation managers; Hotel and accommodation proprietors; Restaurant and catering establishment managers and proprietors; Publicans; managers of licensed premises.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Despite a lower than average employment growth rate for this occupation over the five-year period, employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022 with an additional 5,700 persons employed, surpassing 2019 levels. Approximately a third working in these roles were non-Irish citizens, above the national average, and employment permits issued related to roles for restaurant managers, hotel, duty and accommodation managers.

Advertised vacancies in the OVATE data grew strongly (by nearly a third), albeit from a low base. Vacancies advertised through DSP Jobs Ireland were primarily for restaurant managers but also for managers in catering, food and beverage and hotel. The future demand for hospitality managers will depend on the performance of the different segments of the hospitality sector, with a greater requirement for restaurant managers likely compared to accommodation-related managers.

• Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers (AIPCO)

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