Public Relations and Special Events Planning

DESCRIPTION:
Event management techniques and strategies for planning, promotion, implementation and evaluation of special events in a variety of contexts. Competencies required to perform the complex tasks associated with research, design, planning, production and evaluation of events.

RATIONALE:
Students need a thorough understanding of the intricate aspects of event planning. They will study how to create and coordinate a comprehensive event experience based on the needs of a sponsoring organization and event participants. They will develop an event plan incorporating the appropriate event elements, including selection of venue, creation of theme and development of effective promotional techniques.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: 
After taking this course students should be able to:
1. Analyse the five phases of the event organization process: research, design, planning, coordination and evaluation.
2. Develop a proposal for an event based on the even organization process.
3. Evaluate event plans based on the objectives of the sponsoring organization and the profile of the attendee.
4. Identify and assess elements of successul events and understand their interdependence.
5. Understand basic event financial management: projected revenues and expenses, breakeven points and budgets.
6. Demonstrate understanding of the responsibilities of an event manager with regard to resource requirements, vendor and human resources management, event marketing, risk management, event regulations compliance and contingency planning.

METHOD OF TEACHING AND LEARNING:
In congruence with the teaching and learning strategy of the college, the following tools are used: 
- Class lectures, interactive learning (class discussions, group work) and video presentations.
- Office hours: students are encouraged to make full use of the office hours of their instructor, where they can ask questions, see their exam paper, and/or go over lecture material.
- Use of a Blackboard site, where instructors post lecture notes, assignment instructions, announcements, and additional resources.