Chapter 8: Event Management
Event management is a dynamic and fast-paced field and acts as a driving force behind major tourism and profitability in the hospitality industry. In this chapter you will learn about the four stages of event planning. These include: (1) discovery and strategy (2) pre-planning (3) event design, and (4) assessment. You’ll follow along as Mark and Kelly plan their wedding during each of these four stages. Then you’ll learn about the key roles of risk management and communications before being introduced to the importance of guest inclusivity and event sustainability. This chapter concludes with information on how to launch a career in the event management industry, introducing a few skills, certifications, and associations that can help you along the way.
Objectives
- Describe the role of event management within the broader hospitality industry and its impact on guest experience and revenue.
- Classify different types of events (e.g., corporate, social, nonprofit, festivals) and compare their planning requirements.
- Outline the five key phases of the event planning process and explain the purpose of each.
- Apply foundational concepts of event budgeting, marketing strategies, and logistics to a sample event scenario.
- Identify common job roles in the event planning industry and map potential career pathways within hospitality.
Key Terms
- ADA Compliance
- Audio Visual (AV)
- Banquet Event Order (BEO)
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
- Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
- Floor Plan
- Gamification
- Green Events
- Hybrid Events
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Load-in/Load-out
- Return on Investment (ROI)
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Risk Assessment Matrix
- Run of Show (ROS)
- Site Visit
- Sponsorship Activation
- Stakeholder
- Wayfinding
Attributions
- Figure 8.1: Crowd at “Pumpwerk” for the J.B.O. Concert, by Andre Griepenburg, is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
