IKON
Francisco Martins is an Event manager, Visualizer, Choreographer, par excellence. He won the first prize four times (1981, 88, 91 and 2000) and the second prize thrice (1989, 90 and 95) at the Annual Republic Day Parade showcasing Goa and its vibrant culture.
He also won the 1st Prize at the for the best Carnival float in 1974. At the opening of the 2004 International Film Festival of India, with four floats and 200 dances he again won the 1st Prize with spectacular floats depicting Goa in its myriad cultures and events.
He could be described as the king of pageantry.
Rajiv Gandhi is believed to have had implicit faith in Francisco Martins and when Fanquit speaks of the Nehru birth centenary his eyes light up. He took 1300 school girls from Goa and there were 35,000 from other parts of India in a show put up by the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) where Martins was orchestrating the show.
The different five-star hotels in Goa are in constant demand for his work as are other folks, wanting him to do the décor for their weddings.
A couple of years ago he did the sound-and-light program near the Bom Jesus, Pilgrimage of the Heart. It is still on as it related the story of the Life of Christ, the apostles, St Francis Xavier or “Goenchosahib.” There are 80 life-size statues with Fanquit orchestrating them like a puppeteer.
What is the Job all about?
Event management at a simpler level involves organizing parties / weddings, etc. Events get more complex at Corporate / Government / International Events. At the complex level, Events include International level Conferences, Sporting Events (Common Wealth Games, Olympics, etc.), International Trade Exhibitions, Film Festivals, Selection of Miss Universe, etc.
There are also events in the Religious domains such as Expositions (of St. Francis Xavier) or major Annual Temple Darshans, etc. The job involves understanding the needs of the Event and planning the entire sequence of Events to ensure a smooth and successful program within the agreed budget.
Can you go for it?
The Event Manager plans and executes the event. He is an expert at the creative, technical and logistical aspects that help an event to succeed. This includes event design, audio-visual production, scriptwriting, logistics, budgeting, negotiation and, of course, client service i.e. Hotels, Food, Entertainment of delegates etc. It is a multi-dimensional profession.
You must have strong organizational / contacts / communication skills, must work to sharp deadlines and within agreed budgets.
Events require good in-depth knowledge of several related disciplines. So one would be well advised to learn a few Event related programs e.g. DJ/RJ (http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-DJ) You need to be adept in Public speaking, as you more than likely be asked to compare a show. You could learn Public Speaking skills at the Toastmasters clubs in Goa. There are 2 clubs at the moment in Panjim and Margao respectively.
If you learn Events Management in Mumbai or Pune there are several clubs to choose from depending on your convenience. http://www.toastmasters.org. Computer skills especially in Power Point, Animation & Graphics are important so also Choreography, Photography and Videography. You need to be conversant with Sound systems and lighting.
Is there a future in this field?
Events are here to stay. As India keeps growing in stature at the International arena, more and more Events will take place and, therefore, the need of good and strong people who can deliver is critical.
Where to Begin?
In Goa
Dempo College Altinho, Panaji. http://www.ssdempocollege.com/course.htm conducts a Post Graduate Diploma Program for Graduates in any discipline with 50% marks ( 30 seats). This is a 2 year full-time program recognized by Goa University.
Dempo College also conducts a 6 month Certificate Course in Events Management after 10+2
Outside Goa
Mumbai / Pune
These Institutes offer both part-time and full time Programs after 10+2 and also after graduation.
1. National Institute of Event Management (http://www.niemindia.com/)
STD XII: Diploma in Event Management (DEM) Bandra / Thane – 1 year part-time.
Graduate: Post Graduate Diploma in Event Management (PGDEM) – 1 year part- time.
Post graduate Diploma in Advertising/Media and Event – Full time 11 months (PGDAME)
2. EMDI Institute of Media & Communication
http://www.emdiworld.com/india/centers/pune.html
3. COEM College of Events & Media – Pune
http://www.coemindia.com/html/index.html
Employment avenues:
Initially, it is best to work for Event Management companies. Once you have the experience and contacts you could launch out on your own.
Money:
There is good money provided you are prepared to work hard and offer professional services.
Please do not be satisfied with just acquiring a Degree/Diploma – try and enhance your CV by doing online learning programs (with a certificate) of programs relevant to your choice of career. Your chances of employment will be much better than just a plain degree/diploma.
Please check this website under other details for places you can learn online. Also try and develop your confidence by doing a public speaking training program with people like Toast Masters International.
For government jobs: please check : http://www.employment-newspaper.com/