How to Break Into the Event Industry: A Q&A with Brian Toner
- Posted by brian@eventionsproductions.com
- On September 21, 2015
- 0 Comments
- Name
Brian Toner
- Organization
- What is your current job title?
President
- Can you briefly describe your role?
As the president of the company, my job boils down to the success of the production, the execution, and ROI of each event. On a smaller scale, I oversee the various teams we have. Sales, productions, marketing, and advertising are the key components of our company that drive our accomplishments. I am responsible for all the financials, marketing to new customers, and sales of our services.
- How did you get started working in this industry?
I started out in high school simply D.J.ing in my parent’s garage. From there, I worked my way through college doing small gigs, grew into the event marketing side of the business, and eventually worked my way into special events such as weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs, and corporate happenings.
- What is your favorite part of your job?
Every event, every week, and every weekend is something totally different. At Eventions Productions, we are constantly working towards making each event better then the last one. A constant progression forward is what we strive for!
- What is your least favorite part of your job?
Administrative work
- What do you think is the biggest growth area in event marketing?
Experiential events. Instead of just being a party, it is an experience with the use of social media, photo booths, and interactive activities. By including these experiences, you are adding value to the event and giving your attendees something to look forward to after the event itself is over.
- What skills and traits do you look for in new, entry-level hires? What advice would you give someone like me who is looking to break into the events industry?
Advice: It’s not who you know, but it’s who you get to know that really counts. In order to break into the events industry, you need to find and, more importantly, get in contact with the key players and key influencers. Make it a point to go meet them through networking events, researching on social media to see where they hang out, or simply sending them a note via e-mail or LinkedIn.
New hires: When hiring a new team member, personality, drive, and an open mind, are key traits I look for. Someone who is interested in what we do and how it gets done. I look for candidates who have the guts to voice their own opinion if they feel strongly about something going on within the company. I look for a “partner in business, not a minion to call me Sir”.
