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Event Planning and Management: A Practical Handbook for PR and Events Professionals
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in the field of meeting, convention, and event planning is expected to grow 33 percent from 2012 to 2022, making it one of the fastest growing careers.
Event Planning and Management introduces the events industry as an exciting, innovative, and highly challenging environment in which to work, and offers a structured, practical approach to planning and managing events. From initial planning, choosing a location, and creating a program, the book goes through the process of building and working with a team, dealing with stakeholders and sponsors, promoting an event, essential financial and procurement considerations, and finally evaluating the event.
Each stage is fully supported with online resources including podcasts, case studies, templates, useful internet links, checklists, and quizzes to make up a complete event planner's toolkit. Balancing coverage of key theory and models with essential practical guidance, tools, and a wide variety of case studies from around the world, this is an ideal handbook for students and practitioners.
Event Planning and Management introduces the events industry as an exciting, innovative, and highly challenging environment in which to work, and offers a structured, practical approach to planning and managing events. From initial planning, choosing a location, and creating a program, the book goes through the process of building and working with a team, dealing with stakeholders and sponsors, promoting an event, essential financial and procurement considerations, and finally evaluating the event.
Each stage is fully supported with online resources including podcasts, case studies, templates, useful internet links, checklists, and quizzes to make up a complete event planner's toolkit. Balancing coverage of key theory and models with essential practical guidance, tools, and a wide variety of case studies from around the world, this is an ideal handbook for students and practitioners.
- GenresNonfiction
328 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2014
4 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 14, 2023
This is a really useful and well considered book - I read the third edition which covers a community of event organisers reeling from changes due to Covid. Most of the book deals with real-space events. The last section is about adapting to virtual and hybrid events. I've run and assisted with major and minor events in real-space and online.
I like the many case studies, written by organisers - one was a woman who had to organise an Indian culture funeral for a deceased male relative, during Covid. Others were major festivals, sporting events, business conferences.
Some sections are on publicising the event and using social media, media releases and local publicity. More could have been said on involvement of journalists - what are the requirements for a media centre room, should journalists have a specific contact, and how many journalists could be expected to attend, at what times. And some people - attendees or volunteers - refuse to use some social media sites on data privacy grounds, so you need to find other ways to communicate.
I also noted that while good attention is paid to security and health and safety, nobody says what you might do if it's too cold (I've found all windows open due to post-Covid ventilation requirements and the coffee on sale was lukewarm, then the venue stopped selling food during the afternoon), or if there isn't a floor plan displayed on each level of a building (people mill around and then ask someone how to get out; dangerous in case of fire). Performers expect a green room (for peace and quiet and snacks). Basic issues that the writers might think are self-evident but are not.
On health and security, I've attended a major event at which someone fell and needed assistance near the gate, but the ambulance for first aid was on the far side of an extremely crowded showgrounds. No mention is made of pickpocketing, and theft of phones, cameras, laptops, or copying credit card details on swipe machines. This won't happen at a family wedding but it may well happen at a festival or sport event. And forged tickets may occur. Crime doesn't seem to enter the heads of the lecturers / writers.
We are creditably told to include many diverse organisers, volunteers and attendees. I would mention issues, like motorised wheelchairs taking up all the space in a lift and needing a lot more time to manoeuvre, so when you have several of these big vehicles and the venue needs to move trollies, as well as guests wanting the lift, you are going to need more lifts, and signs to them.
The writers state only one meaning for acronyms and the student / staff may well already know another. Example being SMART goals - they say specific, measurable, agreed, realistic, time-bound. Whereas I learnt A and R being achievable and relevant, in college. I also had a lecturer who spoke of goals and objectives the opposite way to that which I'd learned. Goals are short term, like each goal in a match, and one succeeds another. Objectives are long-term strategic objectives, like winning the match and the league. But my lecturer said the BBC uses them the other way around. That makes no sense to me, as goal is a short word and objective a longer one. The writers should acknowledge - as many business handbooks do - that various interpretations are in the wild.
I'd like a comparison of online events from the attendee point of view. I attended one UN conference hosted on Hubilo which was excellent, an event hub where we could upload a photo and some details, view speakers and attendees' photos and details, ask to make contact, see content provided by speakers and groups, book and attend talks and panels. Others I attended have just been a YouTube or Zoom link for each specific talk at a specific time. Some had interpretation, chat or Q&A boxes. A Discord hub works well for a convention, as it aids communication among staff as well as attendees. In a hybrid event, the people at the event miss out on the panel talks if panellists are in different countries on Zoom. Unless you want in-person attendees to sit around staring at tiny phone screens, I suggest providing a big screen in a room for those talks.
References are given after each chapter, college-style, and men and women are given equal prominence. The book will certainly be useful to event management students, as well as working organisers of volunteer or commercial events.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
I like the many case studies, written by organisers - one was a woman who had to organise an Indian culture funeral for a deceased male relative, during Covid. Others were major festivals, sporting events, business conferences.
Some sections are on publicising the event and using social media, media releases and local publicity. More could have been said on involvement of journalists - what are the requirements for a media centre room, should journalists have a specific contact, and how many journalists could be expected to attend, at what times. And some people - attendees or volunteers - refuse to use some social media sites on data privacy grounds, so you need to find other ways to communicate.
I also noted that while good attention is paid to security and health and safety, nobody says what you might do if it's too cold (I've found all windows open due to post-Covid ventilation requirements and the coffee on sale was lukewarm, then the venue stopped selling food during the afternoon), or if there isn't a floor plan displayed on each level of a building (people mill around and then ask someone how to get out; dangerous in case of fire). Performers expect a green room (for peace and quiet and snacks). Basic issues that the writers might think are self-evident but are not.
On health and security, I've attended a major event at which someone fell and needed assistance near the gate, but the ambulance for first aid was on the far side of an extremely crowded showgrounds. No mention is made of pickpocketing, and theft of phones, cameras, laptops, or copying credit card details on swipe machines. This won't happen at a family wedding but it may well happen at a festival or sport event. And forged tickets may occur. Crime doesn't seem to enter the heads of the lecturers / writers.
We are creditably told to include many diverse organisers, volunteers and attendees. I would mention issues, like motorised wheelchairs taking up all the space in a lift and needing a lot more time to manoeuvre, so when you have several of these big vehicles and the venue needs to move trollies, as well as guests wanting the lift, you are going to need more lifts, and signs to them.
The writers state only one meaning for acronyms and the student / staff may well already know another. Example being SMART goals - they say specific, measurable, agreed, realistic, time-bound. Whereas I learnt A and R being achievable and relevant, in college. I also had a lecturer who spoke of goals and objectives the opposite way to that which I'd learned. Goals are short term, like each goal in a match, and one succeeds another. Objectives are long-term strategic objectives, like winning the match and the league. But my lecturer said the BBC uses them the other way around. That makes no sense to me, as goal is a short word and objective a longer one. The writers should acknowledge - as many business handbooks do - that various interpretations are in the wild.
I'd like a comparison of online events from the attendee point of view. I attended one UN conference hosted on Hubilo which was excellent, an event hub where we could upload a photo and some details, view speakers and attendees' photos and details, ask to make contact, see content provided by speakers and groups, book and attend talks and panels. Others I attended have just been a YouTube or Zoom link for each specific talk at a specific time. Some had interpretation, chat or Q&A boxes. A Discord hub works well for a convention, as it aids communication among staff as well as attendees. In a hybrid event, the people at the event miss out on the panel talks if panellists are in different countries on Zoom. Unless you want in-person attendees to sit around staring at tiny phone screens, I suggest providing a big screen in a room for those talks.
References are given after each chapter, college-style, and men and women are given equal prominence. The book will certainly be useful to event management students, as well as working organisers of volunteer or commercial events.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
November 5, 2018
I liked: covers man topics from emergency through location to budget.
I missed: more quick start features for new event managers, multicultural aspects.
The book is mainly focused on the UK and Anglo-Saxon context.
I missed: more quick start features for new event managers, multicultural aspects.
The book is mainly focused on the UK and Anglo-Saxon context.
October 12, 2015
Here is a concise, “get started” practical handbook that aims to offer guidance to those who may need to plan and host events.
The reader, who is probably working within public relations, event management or a related area, is promised a quick guide to the world of events and event planning before going deep into subjects such as location selection, content, logistics, budgeting, procurement and evaluation.
It is a bit of a mixed bag, as it mixes up theory and academic models whilst aiming towards practical matters with examples, case studies and many external resources. There did appear to be a bit of an identity crisis within the pages, leading to a fair bit of text feeling as if it was padding and overly basic and not keeping with the rest of the book. Fortunately, the book is not overly expensive; so one could even ignore the irrelevancies, but should one really need to go to this extreme?
Yet time after time this reviewer really does wonder who the book is aimed at! Some of the nuggets of information are interesting, fascinating even, but it is far from being the go-to guide that it wishes to be. Neither is it a book that you may throw at a student or absolute beginner, even though they may get something out of it. In quite a few places it seemed to get an award for stating the bleeding obvious in a particularly banal way, such as: “Make sure the choice of location and venue fits with the objectives and style of your event, as well as the image and reputation of the client and their organization.”
Some parts, such as the art of searching for the right venue, feel to be on the right track and lift the mood of an otherwise grumpy reviewer. Here one could start to sense some value and validation of the book. Other parts, telling about event execution that features real-world examples such as the use of tablets on each guest table, synchronised with event information, menus and sponsors’ messages could be worth the price of the book itself. After all, it might just need one good tip to make your next event go even better…
Sadly, overall one has to be fairly neutral about the book. It set out with much promise but didn’t deliver. To use an event analogy, the execution of the event failed to match the advertising hype. The event was not a total washout, but neither was it something you may whole-heartedly endorse or rush to sit through again.
Autamme.com
The reader, who is probably working within public relations, event management or a related area, is promised a quick guide to the world of events and event planning before going deep into subjects such as location selection, content, logistics, budgeting, procurement and evaluation.
It is a bit of a mixed bag, as it mixes up theory and academic models whilst aiming towards practical matters with examples, case studies and many external resources. There did appear to be a bit of an identity crisis within the pages, leading to a fair bit of text feeling as if it was padding and overly basic and not keeping with the rest of the book. Fortunately, the book is not overly expensive; so one could even ignore the irrelevancies, but should one really need to go to this extreme?
Yet time after time this reviewer really does wonder who the book is aimed at! Some of the nuggets of information are interesting, fascinating even, but it is far from being the go-to guide that it wishes to be. Neither is it a book that you may throw at a student or absolute beginner, even though they may get something out of it. In quite a few places it seemed to get an award for stating the bleeding obvious in a particularly banal way, such as: “Make sure the choice of location and venue fits with the objectives and style of your event, as well as the image and reputation of the client and their organization.”
Some parts, such as the art of searching for the right venue, feel to be on the right track and lift the mood of an otherwise grumpy reviewer. Here one could start to sense some value and validation of the book. Other parts, telling about event execution that features real-world examples such as the use of tablets on each guest table, synchronised with event information, menus and sponsors’ messages could be worth the price of the book itself. After all, it might just need one good tip to make your next event go even better…
Sadly, overall one has to be fairly neutral about the book. It set out with much promise but didn’t deliver. To use an event analogy, the execution of the event failed to match the advertising hype. The event was not a total washout, but neither was it something you may whole-heartedly endorse or rush to sit through again.
Autamme.com
September 14, 2015
As an event planner, I understand the complexity comprised within this industry. The interests of the client are always changing. Innovative ideas are always updating methods of approach. Regulations are always keeping us on alert. Keeping informed and knowledgeable is essential in event planning and having access to such information as contained in this book is rewarding. As an experienced planner or a novice I believe reviewing materials provides information forgotten, overlooked, or unknown is extremely helpful.
I enjoyed reading this particular manual for a few reasons. One it is written from two event planning professionals from the UK which offered perspectives to planners in other countries. Depending on where you land a job as an event planner, you may find yourself working with others in different countries and learning their way of handling issues. This book gives some idea of what to expect.
Secondly, I liked how the authors broke down the industry and explained the significance of each area. It truly gives a good overview of all aspects involved in the various event types and what type of staffing each would need.
Thirdly, the breakdown of an event process was well thought and provided step by step development. It was insightful to see their process and its application.
I recommend this book highly to those in the event field or interested in pursuing it.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading this particular manual for a few reasons. One it is written from two event planning professionals from the UK which offered perspectives to planners in other countries. Depending on where you land a job as an event planner, you may find yourself working with others in different countries and learning their way of handling issues. This book gives some idea of what to expect.
Secondly, I liked how the authors broke down the industry and explained the significance of each area. It truly gives a good overview of all aspects involved in the various event types and what type of staffing each would need.
Thirdly, the breakdown of an event process was well thought and provided step by step development. It was insightful to see their process and its application.
I recommend this book highly to those in the event field or interested in pursuing it.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2015
This is well laid out, thorough guide to event planning. From the beginning planning stages through a complete evaluation following the event, everything you need to know is included. This is an easy to read handbook with many useful tables and charts to support the book's narrative. (as well as many cited resources.)
I was initially concerned that the focus on events in the UK might not transfer readily to US events but the information here translates successfully on an international level.
This book works as a great introduction to the world of event planning as well as offering insight to seasoned professionals. Anyone looking for a great resources for planning and managing an event, small or large scale; even their own wedding or anniversary party, should read this book. You will gain the knowledge and confidence that will help guarantee a well-received, smooth running event.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I was initially concerned that the focus on events in the UK might not transfer readily to US events but the information here translates successfully on an international level.
This book works as a great introduction to the world of event planning as well as offering insight to seasoned professionals. Anyone looking for a great resources for planning and managing an event, small or large scale; even their own wedding or anniversary party, should read this book. You will gain the knowledge and confidence that will help guarantee a well-received, smooth running event.
I received an ARC copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews