Subscribe

Event Management

Kent County is home to conventions, festivals, corporate gatherings, and community celebrations that drive tourism and economic impact. Event management professionals are the planners, problem-solvers, and creative thinkers who make these experiences seamless.

You might begin supporting registration, setup, vendor coordination, or event logistics. Over time, those roles can evolve into planning, production, sponsorship, marketing, and executive leadership positions.

This pathway develops highly transferable skills: organization, communication, budgeting, vendor negotiation, and strategic planning.

If you love working behind the scenes to create something memorable, event management offers clear growth opportunities within a destination that continues to attract regional and national events.

Event Management Roles

Grow here. Start anywhere.

Entry Points

Learn the basics and get hands-on experience.

  • Event Assistant
  • AV Crew
  • Guest Services Staff

Build Skills

Expand expertise and gain leadership experience

  • Event Coordinator
  • AV Lead
  • Catering/Event Lead

Lead & Specialize

Lead teams, manage large-scale events, and shape guest experiences.

  • Event Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Production Director

Start anywhere. Grown everywhere.

quote
quote
I started behind the scenes handling set-up, security, and facility work — now I’m responsible for every detail that makes an event successful.
- Adam S., Director of Operations & Event Services, DeVos Place

By the Numbers

  • Thousands of local events annually in Grand Rapids, from conferences to festivals
  • Entry-level pay: $14–$18/hr; managerial roles up to $100K+
  • Projected growth of 5% annual employment increase over the next decade, faster than average for all occupations
  • $59,440 (2024, Bureau of Labor Statistics) median salary for planners

Career Pathways Quiz

Not sure where to start? Take our Career Match Quiz!

The image shows a smiling woman wearing a black sweater and glasses, standing in what appears to be a cafe or restaurant setting with various decor and furnishings visible in the background.
Workforce Development

A Day in Event Management with Paola Mendivil

  • 5 min

A Way to Show Care “I always think of hospitality as a way to show care for my people,” says Paola Mendivil, Vice President of Catering for El Granjero Mexican Grill, a Bridge Street restaurant…

Pathways

#CraftYourCareerGR

© 2026 Experience Grand Rapids. All rights Reserved.

Made by Simpleview