COMMUNICATION & EVENTS MANAGER

PRESENTATION

As a result of globalization and competition, communication has become an essential element in the running of a company. The communication manager therefore occupies an important place in the organizational chart of a hotel establishment.

WHAT IS A COMMUNICATION & EVENTS MANAGER? 

The hotel industry is a driving force behind the French economy. Every year, the hotel industry creates new jobs. The number of employees in this sector has risen by 25% over the last fifteen years. The industry is booming and the rate of hiring is set to accelerate even further over the next few years.

Event project manager, external or event communication manager – whatever you call them, communication managers are one of the key players in this evolution.

Indeed, the communication manager is the person who draws up an action plan to support the group’s communication strategies. To build, improve and consolidate the renown of the corporate brand and its visual representation (motto, logo, slogan, corporate values), the communication manager must monitor the market, social context and regulations in order to create internal and external diagnoses, while expressing their requirements on the problems to be solved.

They will then be in a position to define a precise communication strategy in line with the desired objective, taking into account logistical and budgetary management, media, drafting and dissemination.

The communication manager is also responsible for setting up related activities (conferences, exhibitions, seminars, etc.), supervising communication before and after the event. They also monitor the associates involved in these communication projects in relation to the company’s communication campaigns. Together, they analyze customer satisfaction and the media impact of an event.

To fulfill all these missions, the communication manager can work either directly in the corporate communication department or in a communication agency.

WHAT ARE THE COMMUNICATION & EVENTS MANAGER’S TASKS? 

In practice, the communication manager plans and implements various communication tools and media to promote the hotel’s brand image and increase its visibility. For example, they are responsible for producing flyers, programs, digital communications and managing the hotel’s social networks.

With the rapid expansion of these networks, the communication manager needs to keep a close eye on the media and influencers to ensure that their hotel has the best possible visibility. With the help of the team they manage, they ensure the activity and development of these networks.

They also have to write an activity report on the impact of this digital communication and ensure that the hotel enjoys a good reputation on websites.

Depending on the budgets set by the establishment, the communication manager will have the opportunity to seek out a number of partners and service providers for the establishment.

The role of communication manager also entails responsibility for the hotel’s internal communications. Here too, they organize events for the company’s employees. The aim of these events is to encourage dialogue between employees and senior management.

Every day, communication managers coordinate relations with the press and coordinate influence strategies with their network of key players.

Finally, the communication manager must always be able to advise different clientele groups, from customers to members of management.

WHAT QUALITIES AND SKILLS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A COMMUNICATION AND EVENTS MANAGER? 

The job of communication manager calls for a high level of organization and responsiveness, because they need to be able to manage their event at every level. During an event, they must anticipate all potential problems, thus avoiding the unexpected.

Organizing events requires the communication manager to be precise, methodical, punchy and available.

Certain skills are essential to become a communication manager. Not only do you need to know about the world of global communication, you also need to know how to use management and design software.

The communication manager’s job is multi-faceted, so they need to be able to write and speak fluently.

The communication manager must also be patient, able to make proposals, resist pressure, and have the necessary skills to supervise, direct and federate a team or service providers.

The marketing and communication manager will need to be creative and inquisitive in order to reinvent themselves, event after event, and stand out from their competitors.

Here is a list of other skills required to become a communication manager:

• Strategic analysis
• Team spirit and sense of autonomy
• Interpersonal skills
• Media and social networking skills

WHAT ARE THE SALARY AND PROSPECTS FOR COMMUNICATION & EVENTS MANAGERS?

The salary of a novice communication manager is not the same as that of an experienced executive. At the start of a communication manager’s career, the salary varies between €1,900 and €2,500 per month, i.e. around €30,000 gross per year. With time and experience, this salary may increase to €40,000 or even €50,000 per year. Obviously, this salary may vary depending on the company.

As their career progresses, communication managers may find opportunities as directors of communication in the fields of events, marketing communication or public relations.

HOW DO YOU BECOME A COMMUNICATION & EVENTS MANAGER? 

To become a communication manager, you’ll need a 2-year higher education degree (e.g., a BTS in communication), but a master’s degree will enable you to enter the job market more quickly and take on more responsibility more easily.

If you’re looking for a career in this field, look no further than the CMH Academy.

If you’ve just passed your baccalaureate, we can offer you the Grande École Program, which will take you up to bac+5 level, or the Bachelor’s program, which will take you up to bac+3 level and specializes in hospitality communication.

If you are more advanced in your studies, we can also offer you an MBA if you already have a bac+3 (bachelor’s or professional degree).

Two-thirds of CMH’s Bachelor of Communication graduates are currently working as communication managers in the hotel and tourism sector.

WHERE ARE THEY TODAY?