Talent gap in Vietnam's events industry amid explosive growth

Technology and global standards

Since early 2025, Vietnam has staged a run of major productions: sell-out concerts at My Dinh Stadium drawing nearly 90,000 fans, a Liberation Day (April 30) spectacle with 3D mapping and synchronized drones, and large National Day festivals attracting tens of thousands. These are not just cultural gatherings but multimillion-dollar projects powered by technology, generating revenue from tickets, sponsorships, broadcast rights, and services.

Professional expectations now extend across the spectrum. Even a few-hundred-person workshop, a brand launch, or a community festival typically requires livestreaming, social media integration, and automated check-in to keep younger audiences engaged. At every level, Vietnam's events industry is entering a phase of professionalization and digital transformation.

This mirrors global hiring trends, with many international agencies recruiting only candidates who have specialist training as a mark of quality and credibility.

An event organized by students. Photo courtesy of BUV

Today's multi-platform events require skills in project management, digital tools, and strategic planning.

Nguyen Hoai Nam, director of an international event agency in Ho Chi Minh City, notes that five to seven years ago a small team could run an entire show. Today, clients expect experiences on par with Singapore or South Korea. "That's why amateurs struggle to keep up, events are no longer just about stage and sound but also about budget control, safety, compliance, and technology."

"I started in events out of passion. But when I had to deliver a show for more than 3,000 guests, I realized how little I knew about risk management and legal requirements," Thu Ha, a former language major now managing projects for a fashion brand, adds. "Without support from international partners, we might have faced a serious incident."

Preparing strategic event leaders

The demands are high, but so are the rewards. Recruitment firms report average salaries of VND12–18 million per month for event coordinators in Vietnam, while project managers at leading agencies can earn VND25–40 million. Compensation can double for major MICE projects (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) or international events, with additional bonuses.

Unsurprisingly, more young professionals, especially Gen Z, are choosing events as a long-term career rather than a side hustle.

To meet rising industry needs, British University Vietnam (BUV) now offers a BA (Hons) Events Management program awarded by Bournemouth University in the U.K.

Bournemouth ranks among the world's top 100 universities and is placed 3rd in the U.K. in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2024.

BUV students' Summer Show art exhibition. Photo courtesy of BUV

According to Dr. Maren Viol, Department Lead for Tourism, Hospitality, and Events at BUV, students learn the full spectrum of event management. They are trained in risk management, marketing, budgeting, and more, and apply these skills in the design and delivery of real events. The goal is to develop event managers with strategic vision who can compete across Asia.

A key feature of the program is its strong industry links. Students gain internships and project experience with major brands including Intercontinental, Sheraton, FPT, Movenpick Hotel & Resort, BritCham, and Thanh Viet Production, all of which require international standards.

"We want our graduates to leave university with both practical skills and professional networks, so they're ready to step straight into management roles or coordinate international projects," Dr. Viol added.

A music event staged by BUV students. Photo courtesy of BUV

Even during their studies, BUV students participate in high-profile events such as the "52" Fashion Show, TEDxBUV, The Universe Showcase dance festival, and live music productions. These experiences sharpen organizational skills and provide real-world exposure.

Career paths span agencies and convention centers to hotels, museums, and corporate marketing or PR departments. Many graduates also pursue entrepreneurship, starting with workshops, weddings, or community events before scaling into production houses or agencies.

"What makes the difference is not how many events you deliver, but how you turn them into memorable experiences tied to a brand, a culture, or a community. And to do that, we need a new generation of internationally trained professionals," as industry leader Nam sums up.

See more about BUV's Events Management program here.