The event management industry in India is booming. From corporate conferences, weddings, and product launches to cultural festivals and private parties — there is a massive demand for creative and reliable event management services.

If you are passionate about organizing events and building experiences, starting an event management business can be a highly profitable venture. But it requires careful planning, legal compliance, marketing, and operational efficiency.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide on how to start a new business for event management services in India.

1. Understand the Event Management Industry

Before you begin, research the Indian event market:

·         The Indian event management industry is valued at over ₹10,000 crores and growing rapidly.

·         Key segments include:

o    Corporate events (seminars, conferences, exhibitions)

o    Social events (weddings, parties, birthdays)

o    Cultural events (festivals, concerts, public celebrations)

o    Experiential marketing (product launches, brand activations)

·         Clients today expect end-to-end event solutions — from planning and budgeting to execution and post-event services.

2. Choose a Niche and Business Model

Start by identifying your niche based on your interests, experience, and market demand:

·         Wedding Planning Services

·         Corporate Event Management

·         Sports Event Management

·         Exhibition & Trade Show Management

·         Public & Government Event Management

·         Private Party & Social Event Planning

Business Models:

·         Full-service event agency

·         Specialised agency (only wedding, or only corporate events, etc.)

·         Freelance event planner

3. Choose the Right Business Structure

You need to legally register your business. Based on scale and growth plans, you can choose:

·         Sole Proprietorship (best for small scale / first-time business)

·         Partnership Firm (if starting with partners)

·         Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) (good balance of flexibility & compliance)

·         Private Limited Company (for scaling big and dealing with corporate clients)

Tip: For long-term growth and building corporate trust, LLP or Private Limited Company is preferred.

4. Complete Mandatory Registrations

You must comply with basic legal requirements:

·         GST Registration (mandatory if turnover exceeds ₹20 lakh or if serving corporate clients)

·         Professional Tax Registration (state-wise applicability)

·         Shops & Establishment License (if you have a physical office)

·         Trademark Registration (for protecting your brand name/logo)

·         PAN / TAN registration (for tax compliance)

If you plan to do large-scale public events, you may also need:

·         Public Entertainment License

·         Police Permissions

·         Fire Department NOC

·         Noise Permission

5. Build a Professional Brand

Branding is key in this industry:

·         Choose a unique business name and logo

·         Build a professional website showcasing your services, portfolio, client testimonials, and contact information

·         Get listed on platforms like Google My Business, JustDial, IndiaMART, etc.

·         Create social media pages (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) — event management is highly visual!

6. Build Vendor & Partner Networks

An event manager doesn’t do everything alone. Build strong partnerships with:

·         Venue owners

·         Caterers

·         Decorators & florists

·         AV & lighting technicians

·         Event production companies

·         Photographers & videographers

·         Artists, performers, and MCs

·         Transport & logistics providers

·         Security agencies

Having a strong and reliable vendor network is critical for executing successful events.

7. Hire a Team

Depending on your scale:

·         Start with a small core team: 2-3 event planners and coordinators

·         Hire freelancers/temporary staff for large events

·         As you grow, build in-house teams for design, production, marketing, and execution

8. Pricing & Packaging

Develop clear pricing models:

·         Percentage-based fees (10-20% of total event cost)

·         Fixed fee per event

·         Custom packages based on client requirements

Be transparent with clients about deliverables, pricing, and payment terms.

9. Market Your Business

·         Build an impressive portfolio by managing small events initially

·         Leverage Instagram & Facebook for visual marketing

·         Run Google Ads targeting event-related searches in your city

·         Network with corporates, wedding planners, and venues

·         Get listed on wedding and corporate event directories (WeddingWire, WedMeGood, EventsHigh, etc.)

·         Encourage referrals and build strong relationships with clients

10. Deliver Quality & Build Reputation

Your best marketing tool is the quality of your execution.

·         Be professional, punctual, and reliable

·         Pay attention to every detail — good event managers are perfectionists

·         Ensure client satisfaction — happy clients bring referrals

·         Continuously upgrade your skills, stay on top of event trends, and innovate

Conclusion

The event management business offers great earning potential and opportunities for creativity. But success depends on your ability to plan meticulously, manage vendors efficiently, delight clients, and handle the inevitable challenges of live events.

With the right legal foundation, strong branding, and a focus on quality, you can build a thriving event management business that is both profitable and fulfilling.

If you need help with company registration, GST, licensing, or legal compliance for your event management startup, feel free to contact TAXAJ — your trusted business partner.