The Kingpin

Event Production Consultant Rohit Sequeira Lets us in on What It’s Like to Work in the Field of Sports Event Management

Job Profile and Responsibilities
As an event production consultant, my main responsibility is getting the venue ready within the time frame available. Other responsibilities include choosing the right vendors for specific events, choosing venues, pre-event venue inspection, working production budget, creating a working schedule, etc. Responsibilities change according to different kinds and scales of events. Sometimes coordinating with police, security and emergency services are also responsibilities of the production team.

Best Thing About the Job
Travelling and meeting new people is what I like the most about my job. Not having to sit in an office from nine to five comes next.

Additional Perks
I basically became a consultant after working for various event management companies. So the time off between events is what I enjoy.

Growth Opportunities
There are growth opportunities in sales (sponsorship), team or player management, tournament operations, design (look and feel) to name a few. In fact, there is a bigger growth opportunity in sport events than in the event management industry as a whole.

Remuneration
Salaries are directly linked to efficiency and experience of the individual. I believe, a sports event manager can earn as much as any other profession.

The challenges
After ten years in this profession most challenges, whatever they may be, can be tackled.

A Typical Day at Work
There is no such thing as a typical day in this field of work. From meetings to planning to on-site visits and execution, it could be anything. No formulae as such.

Skill Sets and Qualities
Good planning and foresight goes a long way. Quick decision-making for last minute problems. Damage control when things are not working out. People skills are very important. Good communication is also very important.

Educational Background
I joined the industry after graduating in commerce (economics). I would say that it hasn’t helped me much besides getting my first job!

Scope in India
There are a whole lot of opportunities in sports event management. Big, annual sports events are directly related to the economic growth of a country. India is now one of the fastest growing countries. IPL has the highest viewership when it comes to televised events. Formula 1 is now an annual event in the Indian sport calendar. So is the World Series Hockey and Chennai Open (tennis). In the future, there will be more sporting events in India. So there is a big scope for sports event management in India.

One Thing He would Like to Change About the Job
Beside a hike in salary, absolutely nothing else!

There are growth opportunities in sales (sponsorship), team or player management, tournament operations, design (look and feel). In fact, there is a bigger growth opportunity in sport events than in the event management industry as a whole.

 

Volume 2 Issue 2