Practical Events

ManagementLecture One: Theorising

Events

Lecture Overview

Defining Events

A Brief History of Events

Events and the Experience Economy

The Scope of the Events Industry

Event Characteristics

Module Overview

Defining Events

The Oxford English Dictionary defines an event as

A thing that happens or takes place A public or social occasion Each of several contests making up a sports

competition

Planned Events

EMBOK defines event management as “the process by which an event is planned,

prepared and produced. As with any other form of management it encompasses the assessment, definition, acquisition, allocation, direction, control and analysis of time, finances, people, products, services and other resources to achieve objectives. An event manager’s job is to oversee and arrange every aspect of an event including researching, planning organising, implementing, controlling and evaluating an event’s design, activities and production” (Silvers, 2011)

Events: a brief history

Events have always formed an important part of human life Markers of special occasions Benchmarks for our lives

The events industry as we know it has only really emerged in the last 20-30 years

Events: a brief history

Pre-industrialisation There was little separation between work and

leisure Events tended to be based around times of

the year and religious observances Many of today’s events can be traced back to

these times

Events: a brief history

Post-industrialisation New work patterns Disposable income Rational recreation Emergence of consumer society

Events: a brief history

The growth of the events industry Increasing consumption of events Power of events recognised Los Angeles Olympics 1984 was a major

turning point

The Experience Economy

Pine and Gilmore (1999) suggest that we live in an experience economy

Events are experiences which can provide people with a sense of meaning and identity

As event managers we are concerned with packaging and selling memorable experiences that provide people with differentiation and distinction

The Scope of the Events Industry

Private celebrations (weddings, birthdays)

Local community events (gala day)

Special events (Queen’s coronation)

Major events (British Open Golf)

Hallmark events (Glastonbury, Rio Carnival)

Mega-Events (Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup)

Event Characteristics

According to Shone and Parry (2004) all events share the following characteristics: Uniqueness Perishability Fixed time scale Intangibility Personal interactions Labour intensity Ambience and service

Module Overview

Lectures

Seminars/workshops

Attendance

Readings

Blog

Assessments

Module Overview

Key Milestones Week 2 – confirmation of groups Week 4 – presentation of event concept Week 6 – submission of group event report Weeks 7-12 – your events! Week 14 – submission of individual report

Enjoy the Module!!