Research ArticleBusiness, Management & CommerceOpen Access · CC BY 4.0

Professionalization of Event Management in Indian Rural Areas

P. Saritha Kumari*PG Department of Commerce, Sree Devi Kumari Women's College, Kuzhithurai, Tamil Nadu, India

* Corresponding author

Published in: Vol. 2, No. 1 (2026)Article: 5Pages: 20–25Published: 25 July 2026

Abstract

Event management is the art of planning and coordinating events. It encompasses the creation and execution of successful events. An event manager has to plan the budgeting, scheduling, site selection, transportation and parking facilities, decorations, etc. The success of event management depends on functions such as event planning, execution, logistics and coordination, risk management, evaluation and post-event analysis, and maintaining client relationships. The objectives of the study are to understand the concept, the role of creativity and the various types of event management; to know about the roles and responsibilities of the people involved in planning and delivering events; and to analyse the financial problems faced by event managers. The data, collected from primary and secondary sources, were analysed using the chi-square test and the Garrett ranking technique. The study concludes that event management is a glamorous profession which demands a lot of hard work and dynamism. Event management is one of the fastest-growing professions in rural areas. The research concludes that event management involves the planning, coordination and execution of various events, ensuring their success from inception to post-event analysis.

Keywords

1. Introduction

Event management is the art of planning and coordinating events. It encompasses the creation and execution of successful events. An event manager has to plan the budgeting, scheduling, site selection, transportation and parking facilities, decorations, etc. The success of event management depends on functions such as event planning, execution, logistics and coordination, risk management, evaluation and post-event analysis, and maintaining client relationships.

2. Review of Literature

  • Singh (2020), in her article entitled “Sustainability in Event Management: A Case Study of Indian Events”, explored the concept of sustainability in event management, with a focus on how Indian events can adopt eco-friendly practices and contribute to environmental conservation.
  • Sharma and Arora (2018), in their book entitled “Event Management and Marketing: Theory, Practical Approaches and Planning”, explained the basic principles of each topic covered in event management. The main purpose of this book is to help the reader understand the phenomenal growth of the event management industry.

3. Research Methodology

The study is both descriptive and analytical in nature. The required data for the study were collected from both primary and secondary sources. The sample was selected using the convenience sampling method. First-hand information pertaining to the event managers was collected from 50 respondents. The chi-square test and the Garrett ranking technique have been used for the study.

4. Objectives of the Study

  • To understand the concept, the role of creativity and the various types of event management.
  • To know about the roles and responsibilities of the people involved in planning and delivering events.
  • To analyse the financial problems faced by event managers.

5. Demographic Background of the Respondents

Table 1. Demographic background of the respondents
Sl. No.Demographic backgroundCategoryNo. of respondentsPercentage (%)
1AgeBelow 253060
25–351632
35–4524
Above 4524
Total50100
2Marital statusMarried1020
Unmarried4080
Total50100
3EducationBelow SSLC24
SSLC24
HSC612
Graduate2142
Postgraduate612
Diploma1326
Total50100
5Employment statusEmployed full-time2856
Employed part-time2244
Total50100
6ExperienceEmployed full-time2856
Employed part-time2244
Total50100
7Annual incomeLess than 50000918
50000–1000001224
100000–2000002040
More than 200000918
Total50100

Table 1 summarizes the demographic background of the respondents. It is identified from the analysis that the majority of the respondents, 30 (60%), come under the age group of below 25 years. It is clear that the majority of the respondents, 40 (80%), are unmarried. It shows that 42% are graduates. It explains that 28 (56%) of the respondents are employed full-time. It reveals that 29 (58%) of the respondents have 1–5 years of experience working in the event management field. Of the respondents, 40% earn an annual income of 100000–200000.

6. Process of Event Management

Table 2. Process of event management
Event management processSl. No.AttributesFrequency%
Concept of event management1Planning and coordinating to create a successful event1734
2Creating memorable experiences2346
3To meet specific objectives and audience needs1020
Total50100
Creativity incorporation1Through unique themes, décor, entertainment choices2040
2By designing interactive experiences and activities1632
3By collaborating with artists, designers714
4Personalization and customization714
Total50100
Measurement of success1Attendee numbers1020
2Audience feedback1938
3Financial performance1428
4Satisfaction survey714
Total50100
Responsibilities of the event manager1Setting event goals and objectives2346
2Budgeting and financial management1632
3Coordinating logistics and set-up1122
Total50100
Skills of the event manager1Organizational skills1428
2Communication skills1224
3Problem-solving skills1122
4Creativity1326
Total50100
Satisfaction level1Very satisfied132
2Satisfied340
3Neutral1020
4Dissatisfied36
5Very dissatisfied12
Total50100

Source: Primary data.

From Table 2, it is observed that the largest group of respondents (46%) define “Creating memorable experiences” as the concept of event management, and 20% of them define it as “To meet specific objectives and audience needs”. Of the respondents, 40% incorporate creativity in event planning “Through unique themes, décor, entertainment choices”, and 14% each agree with “By collaborating with artists, designers” and “Personalization and customization”. It is found that 38% and 28% of the respondents measure the success of an event through “Audience feedback” and “Financial performance”, respectively. The table indicates that 46% of the respondents said that “Setting event goals and objectives” is their prime responsibility in the field of event management. The largest group of respondents (28%) think that “Organizational skills” are essential to becoming a successful event manager. It is observed from the analysis that the largest group of respondents, 20 (40%), are “Satisfied” with their present job.

7. Relationship Between Income and Measurement of Success

Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant relationship between annual income and the measurement of success.

Table 3. Cross-tabulation of annual income and measurement of success
Annual incomeMeasurement of successTotal
Attendee numbersAudience feedbackFinancial performanceSatisfaction survey
Less than 5000023319
50000–100000352212
100000–200000485320
More than 20000013419
Total101914750
Table 4. Chi-square test result: annual income and measurement of success
Calculated value2.45
Degrees of freedom9
Table value16.919

Since the calculated value (2.45) is less than the table value (16.919), the alternative hypothesis (H1) is accepted; this means there is a significant relationship between the variables.

8. Relationship Between Age and Creativity Incorporation

Hypothesis (H1): There is a significant relationship between age and creativity incorporation.

Table 5. Cross-tabulation of age and creativity incorporation
AgeCreativity incorporationTotal
Unique themes, décor, entertainmentDesigning interactive experiences and activitiesCollaborating with artists, designersPersonalization and customization
Below 2514104230
25–35552416
35–4510102
Above 4501012
Total20167750
Table 6. Chi-square test result: age and creativity incorporation
ParticularsValue
Calculated value18.732
Degrees of freedom9
Table value16.919

Since the calculated value (18.732) is higher than the table value (16.919), the alternative hypothesis (H1) is accepted; there is a significant relationship between age and creativity incorporation.

9. Types of Events Ordered by Society

Table 7. Garrett ranking of the types of events ordered by society
Sl. No.Event nameMean scoreGarrett rank
1Marriage function67.52I
2Birthday function55.12II
3Baby shower47.38IV
4Festivals48.8III
5Conferences29.18V

Source: Primary data.

It is observed from the Garrett ranking table (Table 7) that “Marriage function” has been ranked first as the type of event that most often takes place in society, with a mean score of 67.52, and “Conferences” has been ranked fifth.

10. Biggest Financial Challenge When Planning Events

Table 8. Garrett ranking of the financial challenges faced when planning events
Sl. No.Financial challengeMean scoreGarrett rank
1Budgeting accurately56.48II
2Managing unexpected costs43.2III
3Securing sponsorships or funding40.88IV
4Technology and equipment costs59.44I

Source: Primary data.

The Garrett ranking table (Table 8) reveals that “Technology and equipment costs” has been ranked first among the financial challenges encountered when planning events, with a mean score of 59.44. “Budgeting accurately” is ranked second, with a mean score of 56.48, and “Managing unexpected costs” third, with a mean score of 43.2. “Securing sponsorships or funding” is ranked fourth.

11. Difficulties Faced in the Event Management Profession

Table 9. Garrett ranking of the difficulties faced in the event management profession
Sl. No.DifficultiesMean scoreGarrett rank
1Funding62.96I
2Entertainment cancellation52.46IV
3Weather36VII
4Not enough attendees51.48V
5Technological challenges56.46III
6Managing multiple events32.44VIII
7Overspending or not having enough money47.46VI
8Time management59.74II

Source: Primary data.

It is observed from the ranking table (Table 9) that “Funding” has been ranked first among the difficulties faced in event management, with a mean score of 62.96. “Managing multiple events” on a particular day has been ranked eighth, with a mean score of 32.44, among the kinds of difficulties faced by event management professionals.

12. Conclusion

Event management is a glamorous profession which demands a lot of hard work and dynamism. Event management is one of the fastest-growing professions in rural areas. The research concludes that event management involves the planning, coordination and execution of various events, ensuring their success from inception to post-event analysis.

References

  1. Sharma, A., & Arora, S. (2018). Event management and marketing: Theory, practical approaches and planning (1st new ed.). Bharti Publications.
  2. Singh, P. (2020). Sustainability in event management: A case study of Indian events. Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences, 41(5), 1291–1297.

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