B.S. TESM, Event Management

Earn a backstage pass to the hottest ticket in town

If you love behind-the-scenes work and creating unforgettable experiences, the event management major is your backstage pass to the fast-paced, global world of event planning. Whether it’s staging epic concerts, coordinating international trade shows, or planning the hottest ticket in town, you’ll gain the skills to make it all happen—from corporate events to weddings to mega-events, and everything in between.

Learn in the heart of Indy alongside internationally renowned event pros who blend theory with hands-on practice. Through curated experiences, these leaders will help you master the art of crafting memorable events, perfecting logistics, and handling the unexpected with professionalism and ease. You'll earn credit for some of these experiences, and prior learning credit is also an option. 

You'll secure a business foundations certificate from the Kelley School of Business along the way, giving you business savvy and positioning you for success. With additional focus on the latest operational trends, you'll be ready to hit the ground running in this dynamic field. To complement your credentials, you can add a second major, certificate, or minor within the tourism, event, and sport management department. White Lodging and Eli Lilly and Company co-ops add to your possibilities!

If you want to work in a field where every day at work is different and where your creativity will rise to meet operational strategy, the event management major at IU Indianapolis is for you.

Your career in events starts here!

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*When prompted on the IU Indianapolis application, select Tourism, Conventions, and Event Management as your major. During orientation, an advisor will help you declare your major. 

For more information about careers in event management, visit one of these organizations:

As an IU Indy event management student, you can join student chapters for these organizations. Some students even travel to conferences and workshops to learn and network. 

Graduates can anticipate early career pay of nearly $50,000, with mid-career pay at $74,000.

 

TESM student Ka-Leigh Smith on the IU Indianapolis campus

As an intern with Kiwanis International, I had the opportunity to help plan their two major annual conventions, and I was able to travel to both Denver and Atlanta. They covered my hotel, driving, and flight expenses.

Ka-Leigh Smith, Event Management Student

7% growthis projected over the next decade in meeting, conventions, and event planner employment according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

6 blocksMake up the Indiana Convention Center, which hosts signature events including GenCon, the National FFA convention, and Indiana Black Expo

500+ Eventshosted in Indy in 2024, such as NBA All-Star Weekend, NFL Combine, 3 Nights of Taylor Swift, Festivals, Conventions, Meetings, and more 

What types of employers hire event managers?

  • Audiovisual companies
  • Churches
  • Conference and trade show organizations
  • Corporations and businesses
  • Cruise lines
  • Destination marketing organizations
  • Event management companies
  • Event venues
  • Elected officials and campaigns
  • Festivals and musical production companies
  • Florists
  • Hotels and resorts
  • Individuals
  • Live music promotion companies
  • Municipalities and government agencies
  • Nonprofit and member-based organizations
  • Parks and recreation
  • Restaurant groups and caterers
  • Sports organizations
  • Tourist attractions and museums
  • Universities and institutes
  • Wedding planners