they’re hiding their Sergio Rossi heels and trying to sneak out the door barefoot. And by 9 they have their car vouchers in hand, ready to leave me at my desk looking like the picture on the right (hmm…by 9 at night I would feel that way about my boss too, whether she ate or starved herself – the latter being more likely).At the same time when we finally do walk out the door there’s a sense of satisfaction to completing a day’s worth of work (actually it’s a day’s worth of work for 12 people being completed by 5 people but that’s what happens in the events world). While I like to think that most companies are understaffed as mine, the type of events and the hours you work will really depend on the type of event job that you have. While I love to execute and thrive on the event diet not all companies run this way. Below are some basic breakdowns of the type of event companies in New York and some pointers on the different types of events.
Types of event positions in New York:
- Event departments: by interning in an events deparment it's possible to get a job offer but don't bet on it. These departments are infamous for using interns as full time employees. The more interns the better - this is also known as slave labor. One good thing about a working for a department in a company is that you'll be exposed to other areas. It's possible that they'll also freelance you for specific projects if they like you and if they get additional head count they're often loyal to people who have worked with them in the past. In my opinion the larger the company the better. For this type of job, contact the companies directly.
- Promotions/Marketing departments that puts on events: These events are often a different type of event. There's strategy behind this department and the events you'll throw. This means it isn't just flowers and lights - you'll have to have premiums, branded placements, work with various departments to make sure you're meeting your goals (ad sales, pr, affiliate marketing, intergrated marketing, etc.). There's a point behind the event - usually the event is the end or the realization of a bigger plan. And the event is one aspect to the marketing plan. You'll also probably get paid more than other places and you're job is a little more stable. You need to be interested in more than events to work for a promotions or marketing department. You need to be somewhat professional and a marketing degree or experience is key. Again larger companys (Sony, MTV, NBC, Time Warner, Disney) are all great. If you're interested in a job with this company contact the companies directly. They all have great career websites.
- PR departments: PR departments in companies are not event departments. You will go to quite a few events but you will go because your company is sponsoring an event, your company is throwing an event, or you're invited to events other companies are throwing. You will not go because you're putting on the event (at least not the cool events). This is the key difference between a PR agency and a PR department. PR agencies often throw events, PR departments in larger companies primarily work the phones, send out press releases, and develop relationships. The events/marketing department of a company will actually throw the event.
- Promotion Agencies/Fulfillment Agencies: working for one of these agencies will expose you to various industries, various types of events, and you will get to travel (a lot). I think this is probably one of the best ways to explore different areas. You'll never get bored. Note: these agencies tend to be smaller. They often hire freelancers and guerilla marketing staff who are willing to travel. If you're not on staff here, you're probably in and out of work. This usually is not a permalance gig (think mobile marketing, trips to NY to escort winners, any type of sweepstakes prize you've heard of they do, etc.).
- Marketing agencies are similar however they often offer a variety of marketing services including events.
1) Don Jagoda & Associates If you're not quite ready for the harsh life of events but want to ease into it with a friendly staff, here's the place to do it. You must also be willing to commute for an hours outside of the city.
Contact: Kara, 631.454.1800
2) POP2Life - one of the best agencies to work for in New York City. Highly recommended! Cutting edge.
Contact: Eric Murphy, 247 Centre Street, 6th Floor, NY, NY 10013; P: 866-767-2533
3) Graffiti Communications: Think young and fun. Not sure if they have an office in New York but they're here often enough. Bad website, really great shows. They did a great show a few years ago for Elle Girl and Kodak.
Contact: Barbara Graff, 310.589.9300, barbara@graffiticommunications.com
- PR agencies: Similar to event departments in major entertainment companies, PR agencies are known for working their employees to the bone. Yes, the perks are amazing...you're cool just to be on the team...but starting salary for someone immediately out of school - $23,000.
1) Harrison Shriftman - be prepared to be tortured. I've heard horror stories about this agency. They do throw great celebrity filled events, a great "in" to the industry, but you'll also be sitting on the floor typing on a lap top for most of your time there and working late nights at every event (almost every other night of the week). They have a great closet with designer pieces (where they'll hold your interview) but not so great benefits or pay. I've heard that one of the two bosses calls just to test the employee answering the front desk phone. Viewer beware yelling will insue. The best thing to do is call the front desk - if you can get past this snotty 22 year old then you're golden. fashio
2) Full Picture: Classy and on-point. You'll learn a lot be the stereotypical PR girl (tall, blonde, etc.) is necessary for a job here.
Contact: Jesse Parker Stowell, jstowell@fullpic.om
There are numerous PR agencies out there. Don't be taken advantage of.
- Event companies: Event companies often specialize in specific types of events. Know what you want to do: parties, corporate events, weddings, fashion shows, etc.
2) Benarroch Productions: Serious business. Cutting edge. Stunning. You need to be on point for this one.
3) Publicis : Be ready to do anything, go anywhere, and smoke cigarettes.
- Radio Stations: Radio stations are great to work for. You will get a ton of hands on experience in the promotions department at most stations. They're looking for people to work for them. They also often sponsor club nights, concerts, and local events. Even though you won't be planning these events you'll get to see how they are put together.
- Hotel:
Work for a hotel. There are quite a few hotels that host amazing events every day. If you work in the entertainment sales department or even the catering department you’ll be able to learn how to plan for larger events (from food, to flowers, to set-up). While not terribly exciting, it is a great way to develop contacts across numerous industries. Try W Hote in NYC. Ask for the Complex Entertainment Sales Team Manager.
Favorite Job Search Engines: www.mediabistro.com
Outside of New York?
- No worries. Do the same thing you would do in New York. Try radio stations (these are generally your best bet), hotels, event spaces. Have a particular city or question let me know and I'll see if I can get you an answer.
Where not to find a job:
- Craigslist (seriously) - from a woman to a woman, if you are desperate and choose this route to find a job please be careful.
- Staffing agencies - when I first came to New York I interviewed with quite a few of these and found nothing but empty promises. Most staffing agencies (from my experience) push you to do something you don't want to do. If you're in New York and you are desperate for a job the one agency I would recommend is: Jemstone Associates, ask for Jeff or Russell (212.551.1154)
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