This course introduces students to the fundamentals of event management and gives them the practical skills and confidence to professionally organise an event from start to finish. The Public Relations module introduces students to the role of PR within the events industry today.

Course Aims and Objectives

The main objectives of this course are to provide students with the necessary skills to work in the event management industry and to foster a clear understanding of the elements that go into planning, designing, executing and managing an event from start to finish. Through the exploration of key topics, case studies and guest lectures, students will gain first-hand expertise and insight into organising successful and profitable events.

All lecturers, and guest lecturers have been specially selected for their wealth of experience and proven track record in the event management industry. Core lecturers have been working and lecturing for the past 15 years in the event management industry both nationally and internationally.

This course aims to give students the necessary skills to advance career progression as well as opening a wealth of other avenues in the diverse event management industry.

The Course at a Glance

• Evening course over 18 weeks.
• One night a week – Thursday.
• Work placements throughout the course – optional.
• Qualified and experienced lectures.
• Individual projects.
• Best in the industry guest lectures.
• Presentation skills training.
• Hands on advice to help students advance their career in event management.
 

Module 1: Planning

• Principles of event management planning
• Creativity
• Event feasibility
• The competitive environment
• Setting realistic objectives
• Taking a brief
• Time lines and budgeting.

Module 2: Marketing Event Management

• The marketing mix
• Branding
• Market segmentation
• Pricing
• Advertising and marketing the event
• Website design
• Marketing and search engine optimisation
• Promotion
• Market research
• International marketing.

Module 3: Charity Events and Award Ceremonies

• Setting fundraising targets and objectives
• Working with volunteers and committees
• Generating goodwill and media exposure
• Commissioning celebrities, MCs and entertainment

Module 4: PR in Event Management

• Creating a PR plan for your event
• Press and broadcast media relations
• Getting material onto TV and radio
• Briefing journalists
• Preparing press releases and press packs
• Commissioning and briefing photographers
• Maximising publicity opportunities for your event

Module 5: Corporate Event Management

• Designing corporate events that meet customer’s needs
• The fundamentals of corporate hospitality
• Ensuring ROI (return on investment)
• Managing customer expectations
• Types of corporate events
• In-house vs. event management companies
• Corporate event packages
• Staff events
• Customer events
• Team building
• Menu and wine selection.

Module 6: Exhibition Management

• Types of exhibitions
• Trade shows vs. consumer shows
• Running an exhibition
• Exhibiting at a show
• Designing exhibition stands
• Managing a sales team
• Making the most out of exhibiting
• Event logistics

Module 7: Sponsorship

• Core principles of sponsorship
• Why companies sponsor
• Elements of good sponsorship
• Identifying appropriate sponsors and sponsorships
• Managing sponsorship relationships

Module 8: Sports Event Manangement

• Creativity
• Types of sporting hospitality
• Logistics and onsite management 
• Choosing sporting celebrities and managing expectations
• Onsite staff selection and admissions management

Module 9: Outdoor Events, Concerts, Logistics, Risk Management                                                                                                                    

• Types of outdoor events
• Risk management
• Health and safety
• Planning and logistics
• Marketing and sponsorship
• HR management
• Programming and entertainment

Module 10: Celebrity events

• Concerts
• Launches
• Fashion shows
• National festivals and high-profile charity events
• Liaising with agents
• Contract negotiations
• Client briefings
• Celebrity wish lists and expectations
• Paparazzi and entourages

Module 11: Wedding Planning

• Venue selection and liaision
• Client brief
• Budgeting
• Guest lists and invitations
• Gift list
• Menus and catering
• Flowers, favours and table decorations
• Transport and insurance
• Church weddings and civil weddings
• Reception
• Speeches
• Honeymoon
• Getting married abroad
• Wedding legalities

Module 12: Conferences

• Conference programming
• Speaker selection
• Venue selection and site visits
• Conference budgeting
• Conference marketing strategies (international and regional)
• Audio visual requirements
• Simultaneous translation
• Risk analysis
• Attendee evaluation