Darryl Downey loves to participate in events like Music, Comedy and Events across Theatres, Concert Halls and Venues.

1. Darryl Downey

2.  Event planning is a general term that refers
to a career path in the growing field of special
events
 Its forecast includes a growing demand for
current and future employment opportunities
 The title event planner was first introduced
at hotels and convention centers.

3.  Requires vision and leader-manager skills
 Key result areas:
 Marketing
 Financial
 Operational
 Legal
 Sponsorships
 To gain business, event managers prepare a proposal for
the client’s approval and contract signature

4.  Events can be costly
 In addition to advertising, there is a location
charge, security costs, labor costs, and production
costs
 Usually, the event manager has a good estimate
of the number of ticket sales expected
 The contract requires careful preparation because
it is a legal document and will guarantee certain
provisions

5.  The first stage of event planning is the research
stage and should answer the following questions:
 Why should a special event be held?
 Who should hold it?
 Where should it be held?
 What should be the focus of the event?
 What outcomes are expected?
 Second stage:
 Design:
▪ Allows freedom in creativity and the implementation of
new ideas that support the objectives of the special
event

6.  Coordination:
 This may be a stressful time due to unforeseen
problems occurring, or it may be a truly rewarding time
with a flawless execution
 Involves decision-making skills and abilities as the event
progresses
 Evaluation:
 Should take place during each of the stages of the event
planning process, and is a final step that can measure
the success of the event in meeting the goals and
objectives

7.  Time management
 Financial management
 Technology
 Effective human resource management

8.  Corporate events:
 Annual meetings, sales meetings, new product launches,
training meetings and workshops, management meetings,
press meetings, incentive meetings, and awards
ceremonies
 Continues to lead the event business industry
 Association Events:
 Range from a monthly luncheon to a yearly convention
 Planned 2–5 years in advance
 Destination is the determining factor

9.  Concerts and sporting events:
 Many concerts are planned as fund-raisers
 Opening ceremonies, halftime, and post-
game shows for sporting events provide
another “arena” for an event manager to
select as a career path

10.  Leadership skills
 Ability to communicate with other departments
 Project management skills
 Negotiation skills
 Coordinating and delegation skills
 Budgeting skills
 Ability to multi-task
 Enthusiasm
 Effective social skills
 Ability to form contacts

11.  International Festivals and Events Association:
 Provides fund-raising and modern developmental ideas to
the special events industry
▪ Certified Festival and Event Executive:Training to enhance the level
of festival management training
 Meeting Planners International:
 Empowers meeting professionals to increase their
strategic value through education, clearly defined career
pathways, and business growth opportunities (MPI
Website)
 Offers 2 programs:
▪ Certified Meeting Professional
▪ Certification in Meeting Management

12.  Allow yourself to gain all the experience you
can in the food and beverage aspect of the
hospitality industry
 The next step is obtaining a sales position
 Laterally move to a catering sales position
within a hotel

13.  The special event industry is forecasted to
grow, as clients want ever more spectacular
events
 Events are increasingly more complex
involving multimedia presentations,
elaborate staging, and frequently upscale
food and beverage service
 Technology presents both an opportunity and
a challenge—an opportunity in that it can
facilitate event planning and management
and a challenge in that new software
programs must be mastered