Unit Aim
In this unit, Learners research the various types of events, learn about the significant range in size of events, the international nature of the industry and the impacts of events. Learners also look at how the events industry links with other industry sectors and the contribution it makes to the economy. Finally, Learners investigate career pathways and evaluate the skills that can be gained through working in the events industry.
Unit Content
1 Understand the key features of the events industry
- Nature of an event: temporary, planned, gathering of people, organised by any individual or a group of people for the purpose of celebration, education, marketing, or reunion .
- Types of event sectors: corporate, private, charity, public; in-person, virtual, hybrid.
- Range of events:
- ~Corporate events e.g., conferences, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, product launches, trade shows, business, or corporate dining.
- ~Private events e.g., weddings, banquets, parties.
- ~Charity/fund raising: any event to raise money for a charity e.g., sporting, fashion, music o Public events e.g., sporting events, music concerts, music festivals, arts festivals, antiques fairs, horticultural shows, fashion shows, firework displays.
- Links between the events industry and other industries: e.g., security, hospitality, automotive, acoustic engineering, logistics, customer service, construction, graphic design, media, tourism, marketing, IT, and communications.
- International nature of the events industry: e.g., how events are promoted and viewed internationally, how the internet enables and encourages events to be worldwide, how cheap travel has opened access to events in remote locations, global organisations involved in the events industry.
- Current and developing trends: use of technology e.g., hybrid events, virtual events.
2 Understand employment and career opportunities in the events industry
- Potential career pathways: e.g., event planner, wedding planner, venue manager, sponsorship coordinator, catering manager, social media manager, staff coordinator, marketing manager.
- Qualities, expertise, and experience: e.g., leadership, teamwork, communication, interpersonal skills, dependability, organisation, active listening skills, critical thinking, relationship building, team management, adaptability, analytical skills.
- Transferable skills: soft, and hard skills and knowledge acquired can relate to job opportunities in other industry sectors, e.g., sales and marketing, promotions, research work, customer service, retail, hospitality, and tourism.
3 Understand the impact of events on host communities
- Economic impacts: e.g., local employment, local business income, tax revenue, regeneration, inflated prices of local goods and services, purchasing supplies, employing contractors and sub-contractors, increased use of venues and facilities; inflated prices of local goods and services, leakage.
- Social and cultural impacts: e.g., improved standard of living for host population, local pride, improved infrastructure, cultural exchange between hosts and visitors, considering local community needs, prioritising the welfare of those attending events over the local population, disruption to access, culture clashes between hosts and visitors, unfair labour practices.
- Environmental impacts: e.g., improved physical environment, improved local services, improved access; inadequate waste control, noise, pollution, use of finite natural resources.
