Session Descriptions

Friday morning sessions give you one-on-one time with industry professionals.

Types of Event Planning

Event planning is an ever-changing field. Learn the three forms professional planners commonly use: in-person events, virtual events, and a hybrid between the two.

Breakout Room Discussions

Participants will get two opportunities to interact with and hear from professionals in the fields of wedding planning, sports, nonprofit, and university event planning. Learn what their particular job entails and engage in a short one-on-one Q&A 

Q&A with the Professionals

Participants will have the chance to ask industry-related questions to the professionals and gain insight from their experiences in event planning. 

Friday afternoon sessions begin our hands-on approach to learning about event planning.

Group and Case Study Assignments

Participant groups will be formed and assigned an event that they will work on Saturday morning.

Nuts and Bolts I: Goals, Tactics, and Tools

This session will help participants understand the importance of setting the right goals for an event, choosing the most effective tactics to target key publics, and the choose the tools needed to implement your event.

Nuts and Bolts II: Timelines and Budgets

Participants will explore the role of budgets and timelines in the planning process. Learn how budgets are set up, why timelines are living documents, and the role both play in implementation.

Nuts and Bolts III: Secrets to Pulling Off a Great Event

As the adage goes, “it’s not if something will go wrong, but when it will.” Our industry experts will relate personal stories and give participants tips and tricks to produce a winning event and avoid common pitfalls.

The Saturday sessions are about using your newfound skills and creating an event.

Breakout Room Consultations with Professionals

Based on the material presented the previous day, each group will review their case study and work with our professionals to create an appropriate event.

Group Presentations and Feedback

Each group will present their event to the group and receive feedback from our expert planners.

Questions

Contact Dr. Alec R. Hosterman.