This module develops applied event management knowledge and professional practice through the design, planning, delivery and evaluation of a live or simulated event project. Students engage with the operational realities of event management, integrating theory with hands-on experience in a controlled, professionally relevant learning environment.

Indicative content includes:

The role and purpose of events within the tourism and visitor economy
Event types, formats and audience experiences
Event concept development and justification
Understanding event contexts, stakeholders and beneficiaries
Visitor experience design and audience engagement
Event planning processes and documentation
Operational scheduling, logistics and resource management
Risk assessment, health and safety and contingency planning
Ethical practice and sustainability in event management
Teamwork, roles and responsibilities in event delivery
Problem-solving and decision-making during event delivery
Evaluation of event outcomes and impact
Reflective practice and professional learning in event contexts

Learning is structured around progressive application, moving from concept development (Assessment 1), to operational delivery (Assessment 2), and critical reflection on professional practice (Assessment 3).

Assessment 1: Group Event Concept

Students will work in groups to develop a viable event concept informed by relevant event management theory and industry context.

The proposal should demonstrate an understanding of:

the purpose and context of the proposed event
the target audience and intended event experience
the practical feasibility of delivering the event

Students are expected to support their proposal with appropriate academic and industry sources.

Guidance:

The proposal should include:

Event overview and rationale
- Event type, scale and purpose
- Justification for the event within a tourism or visitor economy context

Target audience and experience design
- Identification of key audiences
- Application of relevant experience or event design theory

Initial feasibility considerations
- Location/venue considerations
- Sustainability and ethical considerations
- Outline risk and operational challenges

Theoretical underpinning
- Application of relevant concepts, models or frameworks from event studies

Embedded Formative Feedback Opportunities include:

Early group concept pitch or outline, with tutor feedback on suitability and scope
Workshop-based activities focused on event design, audience identification and feasibility
Tutor and peer feedback on draft proposal structures and use of theory
Opportunities to refine concepts prior to submission based on formative discussion

Assessment 2: Group Event Project

Students will work in groups to plan, manage and deliver a live or simulated event project based on the approved concept developed in Assessment 1.

This assessment focuses on the practical application of event management skills, requiring students to translate theory and planning into operational delivery.

Students must demonstrate effective teamwork, professional practice and problem-solving throughout the event project.

Guidance:

The assessment will normally include:

Event planning documentation (2000words), which may include:
- Event management plan
- Operational schedules and timelines
- Risk assessment and contingency planning
- Sustainability and ethical considerations
- Roles, responsibilities and resource management

Event delivery
- Live event delivery or simulated professional scenario
- Evidence of operational decision-making and adaptability

Evidence of individual contribution
- Log, peer evaluation, or equivalent mechanism
- Clear demonstration of individual responsibility within the group


Embedded Formative Feedback Opportunities include:
Event planning workshops with tutor feedback on operational plans and roles
Progress check-ins to review delivery readiness and risk management
Tutor observation and feedback during live or simulated delivery where appropriate
Peer feedback on teamwork and professionalism during the project phase

Assessment 3: Individual Reflection (1000 words)

Students will produce an individual evaluation of the event project undertaken in Assessment 2.

The evaluation should critically examine:

the planning and delivery process
the effectiveness of decisions made
the outcomes and impacts of the event

Students are expected to integrate relevant event management theory and reflective frameworks to evaluate professional practice and learning.

Guidance:

The evaluation should include:

Event context and objectives
- Brief overview of the event and intended outcomes

Critical analysis of planning and delivery
- Evaluation of key operational decisions
- Consideration of risk, sustainability and visitor experience
- Use of relevant theoretical frameworks

Event outcomes and impact
- Achievement of objectives
- Reflection on successes and challenges

Critical reflection on professional practice
- Individual learning and skill development
- Areas for improvement and future professional application

Embedded Formative Feedback Opportunities include:

Guided reflective activities introduced during the project phase
Reflection planning workshops, focusing on critical rather than descriptive writing
Peer discussion of learning experiences to support reflective depth
Optional formative feedback on reflection structure or framework use

The learning strategy for this module is based around students committing a total of 300 hours of activities towards achieving the learning outcomes. These will be split between 72 hours of direct contact with a tutor and 228 hours of directed, guided and self-study, together with preparation for and completion of the assessment tasks. Learning support material will be provided for the module.

The module will draw upon a mixture of activities including lectures, web-based activities, case study analysis, relevant videos and in-class discussions, individual and group problem solving and self-directed learning.

In addition to formal teaching, the module emphasises collaborative learning through group discussions and workshops.

Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in the module, with students encouraged to explore extensive online resources, digital libraries, and the module’s Blackboard system. This independent study component fosters digital literacy and research proficiency, allowing students to consolidate their learning at their own pace while preparing for assessments.

Simulation

This module is strongly aligned to the Simulation pillar through the development and delivery of a live or professionally simulated event project. Students apply event management theory in an authentic context, translating planning and design into operational decision-making, problem-solving and delivery within a controlled learning environment that mirrors industry practice.

Employability, Enterprise and Professional Practice

Employability is central to the module, with students developing industry-relevant skills in event planning, teamwork, communication, risk management, sustainability and professional conduct. Group-based project work reflects real event industry roles and responsibilities, supporting professional identity development and readiness for employment within the events and visitor economy sectors.

Sustainability

Sustainability is embedded throughout the module through consideration of ethical practice, environmental impact, social responsibility and inclusive event design. Students are required to address sustainability and ethical considerations at both the planning and delivery stages of the event project, aligning professional practice with contemporary industry expectations.

Experience

This module aligns with the Experience principle of the Employability Framework by providing students with hands-on experience of planning, managing and delivering an event project. Through applied group work, operational delivery and reflective evaluation, students gain practical experience of professional event management processes, supporting progression into placements, employment or higher-level applied study.

1. Analyse the structure, purpose and impacts of contemporary events within tourism and visitor economies.

Knowledge & Understanding
Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

2. Apply theoretical frameworks to the planning and design of an event experience.

Application & Problem-Solving

3. Manage an event project by making informed operational decisions relating to logistics, risk, sustainability and visitor experience.

Application & Problem-Solving
Personal Development & Entrepreneurship

4. Reflect on event planning and delivery processes to evaluate professional practice, decision-making and learning.

Reflection

Bowdin, G., Allen, J., O’Toole, W., Harris, R. and McDonnell, I. (2012) Events Management. 4th edn. Oxford: Routledge.

Getz, D. and Page, S.J. (2016) Event Studies: Theory, Research and Policy for Planned Events. 3rd edn. London: Routledge.

Richards, G. (2015) Eventful Cities: Cultural Management and Urban Revitalisation. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Silvers, J.R. (2012) Risk Management for Meetings and Events. Oxford: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Ferdinand, N. and Kitchin, P. (2017) Events Management: An International Approach. London: Sage.

This module introduces you to the theory and practice of contemporary event management within tourism and visitor economy contexts. You will explore how events are planned, designed and delivered, while developing practical skills through live or simulated event projects.

The module combines theoretical insight with applied learning, enabling students to design inclusive, sustainable and engaging event experiences. Through collaborative project work and critical reflection, you will develop professional skills relevant to a range of careers within the events and wider visitor economy sectors.