Tour manager (Tourmanager)
Information on this skill...
A tour manager is a person who ensures that during a tour of an act, like a band, everything runs perfectly. In that respect, all kinds of activities can be distinguished in the preparation, during the tour and afterwards. When preparing, for example, it is important that a tour manager checks matters. Just think of the height and width of doors to see if the sound system or light installation fits through. In the preparation, it is also important, for example, to arrange accommodation and to draw up an itinerary. There is therefore a combination of technical, financial and practical organization for preparation, implementation and afterwards. For example, arranging permits can also be part of the tasks just as preparing clothing for the performance takes place. A tour manager has contact with many other parties, such as with regard to checking technical requirements in coordination with the organizers. A tour manager has the task of providing guidance during the tour and taking care of all organizational aspects. Think also of scheduling time for unloading installations and loading them. In addition, a tour manager is a direct intermediary between, for example, a band and a promoter. In addition, there is a responsibility of passing on certain preferences as well as requirements and any complaints. There is also a personal role to play as a tour manager. For example, if there is a disagreement between crew members or if a member of the band no longer likes it. In that respect, there is a confidential connection. Should unforeseen events occur or practical problems arise, it is the task of a tour manager to provide a solution. Another name is also called concert tour manager.
A tour manager can therefore be regarded as a manager who has the responsibility in a broad field of work to ensure that everything around a tour runs smoothly. For example, when it comes to arranging things like booking hotels and flights. A tour manager can also be regarded as a promotion employee in the context of promotion and plays a role as a PR advisor. There is also contact with all kinds of people who are involved in a tour. Think of contact with a sound engineer just like with a lighting technician. There is also contact with stage builders as well as with event security guards. With regard to arranging financial matters, a tour manager also acts as a financial manager. In that respect, there is an interface with the function of accountant. The substantive activities of a tour manager can of course differ per assignment. Most artists or bands have their own preferences regarding what exactly they find important.
ORGANIZE A TOUR
With regard to arranging accommodation, transport and guidance during the tour, there is an interface with the function of tour leader. Incidentally, a tour manager is also involved in arranging permits and is in contact with a permit provider. In addition to all external contacts, there is mainly close contact with, for example, the artist around whom the tour revolves or a deejay, musician ;or a singer. A tour manager is the first point of contact for these people to arrange matters and fulfill wishes. A tour manager is also responsible for the contact with fans during the tour.
TASKS OF A TOUR MANAGER:
- Prepare tour
- Book accommodation
- Arranging transport
- Financial organization
- Check technical requirements
- Arranging permits
- Acting as an intermediary
- Passing on wishes
- Mediate
- Contacting fans
- Check the support program
- Troubleshooting
WHAT DOES A TOUR MANAGER DO:
TRAINING TO BECOME A TOUR MANAGER
A suitable education for fulfilling a role as a tour manager is a bachelor's degree in Business Management. However, there are also other hbo programmes focused on management that form an excellent basis for working as a tour manager. In any case, it is important to have financial and organizational knowledge. It is also useful to have experience as a tour manager or at least to have been involved in tours. There are several tour managers who owe the current position by having previously contributed as a volunteer.
COMPANIES WHERE A TOUR MANAGER CAN BE EMPLOYED
A tour manager usually works as an entrepreneur and is hired as a freelancer to go along during a tour and to perform all the associated work. In other situations, it can also happen that a tour manager works for an impresariat.
COMPETENCES TOUR MANAGER
In view of the multitude of activities in a broad field, a tour manager must have many different competencies. In the first place, it is important to act as a troubleshooter during tours. For example, it happens that certain matters are not properly arranged or that unforeseen events occur. Competences such as stress resistance and adaptability in the context of flexibility certainly come in handy. Furthermore, social interaction plays an important role, because a tour manager has to deal with many different parties. Each party often needs a different approach, which means that the interaction with an artist differs, for example, with regard to dealing with a promoter or sound engineer. Building a network is also important and so is the presence of financial and organisational characteristics. The position of tour manager is not linked to specific working hours, so you do not need to have an office hours mentality.
LABOUR MARKET PERSPECTIVE AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AS TOUR MANAGER
The number of tour managers is of course related to the number of tours that take place. Moreover, it is important to earn your spurs in this profession and to build up fame. In this respect, a labour market perspective does not directly apply. Tour managers are always needed, but the question is whether you will intervene. Moreover, there are only a limited number of tours that are organized throughout the year. It is more often about short tours and then it is important to have work next to it. When it comes to growth, building a network and a proven track record is important. For example, tour managers with an excellent reputation can be hired by well-known artists and bands. It is also possible to grow by guiding international and large tours as a tour manager.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND SALARY TOUR MANAGER
There is no direct example of the salary of a tour manager, because there is usually freelance work. In that case, a fixed amount for accompanying a tour is usually agreed. It can also be a part of the proceeds of a tour. The income of a tour manager depends on the agreements, but also on the length of the tour.
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