What are the benefits of freelance work for Event Marketing Managers?

Freelance Event Marketing Managers enjoy flexibility in choosing projects, working from anywhere, and setting their own schedules. They have the opportunity to work with diverse clients and industries, gaining a wide range of experience and creative freedom.

What are the advantages of agency work for Event Marketing Managers?

Agency work offers structure, stability, and access to larger-scale projects. Event Marketing Managers in agencies benefit from a team-oriented environment, professional development opportunities, and consistent income, while working on a variety of events and campaigns.

How do Event Marketing Managers balance freelance and agency work?

Event Marketing Managers can balance freelance and agency work by managing their time effectively, setting clear boundaries, and using project management tools to stay organized. Freelance projects can be scheduled around agency work, allowing them to gain experience from both environments.

How do Event Marketing Managers decide between freelance or agency work?

The decision depends on personal preferences. Freelancers may prefer flexibility and autonomy, while those seeking stability, mentorship, and larger-scale projects may opt for agency work. Each option offers unique benefits based on career goals and lifestyle preferences.

What challenges do Event Marketing Managers face in freelance work?

Freelance Event Marketing Managers face challenges such as inconsistent income, client acquisition, and managing multiple projects. They must handle administrative tasks like invoicing and marketing their services while ensuring high-quality event planning and execution.

What types of events do Event Marketing Managers handle?

Event Marketing Managers oversee various types of events, including conferences, webinars, trade shows, product launches, corporate events, and experiential marketing activations. They manage both virtual, in-person, and hybrid events to meet organizational needs.

What certifications can help journalists transition into Event Marketing?

Certifications in event management, marketing, or digital marketing can help journalists transition into Event Marketing roles. These certifications provide foundational knowledge in event planning, marketing strategies, and performance measurement that are critical for success in the field.

Freelance vs agency work for Event Marketing Managers

As the events industry evolves, Event Marketing Managers have more career flexibility than ever before. Whether you prefer working independently or thrive in a collaborative environment, both freelance and agency roles offer distinct advantages and challenges. Choosing the right path depends on your work style, experience level, financial goals, and desired lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between freelance and agency work for Event Marketing Managers—and how to decide which option is best for you.

Freelance event marketing: Independence and variety

Freelance Event Marketing Managers work as independent contractors, often juggling multiple clients and projects. This route is ideal for professionals who value flexibility and control over their schedules.

Pros of freelancing

Flexibility: Set your own hours, choose your clients, and work from anywhere
Diverse projects: Work on events across industries, formats, and scales
Income potential: Set your own rates and scale your business with repeat clients and referrals
Creative freedom: Maintain ownership over strategy, content, and execution

Cons of freelancing

Inconsistent income: Cash flow can fluctuate based on contracts and seasonality
Self-management: Handle your own taxes, invoicing, contracts, and client acquisition
Limited team collaboration: Fewer opportunities for daily brainstorming and structured mentorship

Freelancing is best suited for self-starters who enjoy wearing multiple hats and managing their own business.

Agency event marketing: Structure and scalability

Event Marketing Managers in agencies are part of a team, often managing events for multiple clients or focusing on one large brand account. Agency life is fast-paced and process-driven, offering plenty of opportunities to learn and grow.

Pros of agency work

Team collaboration: Work alongside designers, strategists, copywriters, and planners
Mentorship and training: Learn from seasoned professionals and follow defined career paths
Access to tools: Use enterprise-level marketing, design, and event platforms
Client diversity: Gain exposure to a range of industries and event formats

Cons of agency work

Less autonomy: Creative decisions are often influenced by client or leadership approvals
Workload intensity: Agencies can demand long hours and tight deadlines
Fixed compensation: Salaries are predetermined and may not reflect rapid growth in skill or responsibility

Agency roles are great for early- to mid-career professionals who want structured growth, teamwork, and varied experiences.

Hybrid opportunities and transitions

Many Event Marketing Managers explore both paths over the course of their careers.

Start in an agency to build skills, then transition to freelance for flexibility
Take on freelance projects alongside a full-time role (where permitted)
Work as a contractor with agencies, offering a balance between structure and independence

Hybrid models can offer the best of both worlds and help you explore what suits you best.

How to choose the right path

Ask yourself the following questions:

Do I enjoy working independently or within a team?
Am I comfortable managing clients and finances?
Do I value flexibility more than predictable structure?
What are my income goals and risk tolerance?
Do I want to specialize or remain industry-agnostic?

Your answers will help guide you toward the career structure that supports your ambitions and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Both freelance and agency work offer rewarding, viable paths for Event Marketing Managers. Freelancing offers freedom, variety, and the potential for higher earnings—but comes with added responsibility. Agency work provides structure, collaboration, and access to resources—but may be less flexible. By assessing your strengths, preferences, and goals, you can choose the route—or combination—that leads to a successful and fulfilling event marketing career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of freelance work for Event Marketing Managers?: Freelance Event Marketing Managers enjoy flexibility in choosing projects, working from anywhere, and setting their own schedules. They have the opportunity to work with diverse clients and industries, gaining a wide range of experience and creative freedom.
What are the advantages of agency work for Event Marketing Managers?: Agency work offers structure, stability, and access to larger-scale projects. Event Marketing Managers in agencies benefit from a team-oriented environment, professional development opportunities, and consistent income, while working on a variety of events and campaigns.
How do Event Marketing Managers balance freelance and agency work?: Event Marketing Managers can balance freelance and agency work by managing their time effectively, setting clear boundaries, and using project management tools to stay organized. Freelance projects can be scheduled around agency work, allowing them to gain experience from both environments.
What types of events do Event Marketing Managers handle?: Event Marketing Managers oversee various types of events, including conferences, webinars, trade shows, product launches, corporate events, and experiential marketing activations. They manage both virtual, in-person, and hybrid events to meet organizational needs. Learn more on our Duties of an Event Marketing Manager page.
What certifications can help journalists transition into Event Marketing?: Certifications in event management, marketing, or digital marketing can help journalists transition into Event Marketing roles. These certifications provide foundational knowledge in event planning, marketing strategies, and performance measurement that are critical for success in the field. Learn more on our Moving Into Event Marketing From Journalism page.