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Chris Powell, The Event Expert
  • Do you already run or are thinking of running events?   

  • Do you want to know the ‘how to’ of confidently creating and producing great events?  

  • Have been given an event to run and don’t know where to start?         

  • Do you already run events and want to get a better return on your time, effort and money investment?

  • Are you or your organisation looking to use events as a great way to build an audience, public awareness and sales

  • Are you serious about becoming a super effective event planner? 

Read more
  • Do you already run or are thinking of running events?   

  • Do you want to know the ‘how to’ of confidently creating and producing great events?  

  • Have been given an event to run and don’t know where to start?         

  • Do you already run events and want to get a better return on your time, effort and money investment?

  • Are you or your organisation looking to use events as a great way to build an audience, public awareness and sales

  • Are you serious about becoming a super effective event planner? 

IF SO….. We love our events. They can encompass anything from festivals and conferences to food and craft fairs to parties and celebrations. Events are also a tried and tested method for businesses and organisations to market themselves and generate sales.    

Here's the tricky bit:

Events, like many things in life, seem in essence quite simple things but are in fact, a little more difficult to actually deliver. Creating memorable and crucially rewarding events when visitor expectations are so high - is no easy task. Designing, planning and producing events is a bit like directing a live stage show. Unlike a show though: there is usually no dress rehearsal or full run through and once started - no second chances.  

But the truth is:

My experiences have shown me that you can all be great event managers, with a little of the right kind of help and a ‘can do’ attitude.  

So on my on line event management course – 'How to organise successful events' I am going to teach you everything I know about the ‘how to’ of organising great events and so give you the skills and confidence to run events…in just a few hours.  Course Outcomes: you will learn how to: 

  • design events your customers or visitors actually want using objective setting to guide your events planning   

  • create and design an event that excites

  • effectively project plan and budget your events

  • select, contract and work with great contractors and suppliers

  • search, evaluate, select and site plan your perfect venue   

  • design a great event programme that delivers excitement and change   

  • increase your event sign up rates by creating effective event promotional plans using on and off line media   

  • construct accurate operational plans to help you set up and run your events   

  • deliver safe, well run and risk assessed events   

  • lead, motivate and brief your event day teams

  • obtain feedback and evaluate the effect of your event

  • Have an overview of the process of planning an online event    

And of cause know that YOU can design and deliver successful and rewarding events: packed full of great takeaway memories.   

The course   

The Event Expert ‘How to organise successful events’ is a high content course designed to give you a good understanding of how to run successful events. You will get clear, logical, easy to follow advice that you can implement straight away.  

You will also get high quality course materials which include:  

  • A 30+ page reference material – jammed packed with additional materials   

  • A course workbook of activities to help you try out your new found learning   

  • Various event planning templates – so you don’t have to create your own   

  • A selection of subject specific articles to help embed the learning   

  • Access to my unique 7-step event planning process. NB: It’s the same one I use to run my own events. I have been      designing, planning and delivering events for the past 20+ years.   

I know events are no soft option. However with the right kind of help and a positive attitude, I believe we can all be great event managers. This course will certainly set you up nicely to enter the wonderful world of events planning.

The truth is: I  Knew nothing about events when I was asked to run my first event.  I learnt quickly and happily survived. I think you will too.  

Who is this 'How to organise successful events' course for?  

This on line event management course is specifically for:   

  • New event managers who have no or little actual events experience or formal training.

  • Anyone who has been given an event to organise or been asked to help plan and deliver an event.

  • Anyone who has already tried events before but found they have not quite delivered.

  • Anyone who wants to know how to run a successful event

  • Anyone who is seriously considering a career in events

  • Anyone who is already involved in events but wants to take the next step up to become the event manager    

So, if you are an employee or are doing this voluntarily for a charity, community group, club, association, school, college or interest group this course will give you a full understanding of the ‘how to’ of successful event planning.

It is suitable for all types of public and business events.   

Please note: This course is for those serious about developing their event planning skills. It is a very comprehensive: concept to completion and every step in between 'how to' course based on my 20+ events of practical events management experience. It is for those who genuinely think events could be their thing: either professionally or as a volunteer event manager running events for your favourite course or charity.

It is not suitable for experienced professional event planners but, would be a very helpful reminder of the fundamentals of successful event planning or for those who have had no formal event management training.   

Course duration  

I would recommend you set aside about 8-10 hours to review the presentations, watch the videos, read the accompanying blogs and reference manual and complete the quizzes and exercises.   

Or if time is precious: you could try and set aside an hour at a time and complete a module a day? The choice is yours   Your tutor, Chris Powell, The Event Expert

Chris Powell is Director of The Event Expert. Chris has been designing, planning and delivering events for 24 years. In that time he has been a local authority events manager and events director of a range of events and festivals, as well as helping a variety of organisations to deliver their events – as a freelance events manager and consultant.

For the past 20 years he has also been helping clients from the world of business, exhibitions, education, sport, the public and charity sector, training, tourism, creative agencies and festivals develop the ideas, skills and confidence to go it alone: run their own events. He specialises in providing in-house and on line events training and consultancy services to accidental, occasional and professional event managers across the UK, Europe and the Middle East. His clients include some very well-known names. He’s an in demand event specialist.

He is a regular blogger on all things events, a speaker and author of three event planning books. Work with or listen to Chris and you will get clear, logical and easy to follow advice based on his 20+ years of practical events management experience. He does indeed practice what he preaches.

He is not somebody who once ran an event or never ran an event and thinks they can now write a authoritative course on planning an event.  He has successfully completed over 500 events and taught over 6000+ events managers: it’s safe to say that there is not much Chris doesn’t know about the ‘how to’ of successful events. His client list is testimony to that.

Here are some recent testimonials for this on line course

This is exactly what I need. It was full of details and practical steps. This course is broken down in an order that makes sense and is doable for any type of event.

It contains valuable information, clear explanations, helpful practice activities and delivered by an engaging and very knowledgeable instructor

Amanda

Detailed, lots of advice from the real world, tons of information. Can't wait to put it into practice. Thanks for your time and energy to put this together.

Andre

I am so glad I came across this course. Great explanations Chris made it very clear by the way he organised the lessons. Thank you, this helped a lot.

Anna

I have really enjoyed this course. Filled with useful information, detailed, and extremely helpful.

Annaline,

I've been organising events for a few years now, but I haven't come across any course which was more applicable to my everyday work than this. I loved that it systematically goes through every stage of the event management process with a really practical approach. Whether you are an experienced event manager or just starting it's a perfect choice. I can definitely recommend it.

Milan 

An extremely helpful events course. 

I found the course extremely helpful. I have learnt things I never knew before. The workbook provided during the course is great for taking notes and the reference manual is full of so much useful information about everything you need to know. I have kept a copy of both for myself to refer back to when I need a bit of guidance. I really liked the fun test at the end of the course to the quiz after module 8. I fully enjoyed the blog posts, I especially liked reading about Chris's own personal experiences. I particularly liked the blog titled ' is finding the perfect venue really such a big deal'. I believe reading about his personal experiences as an event manager really helps understand all aspects in organising an event. I will recommend the course to anyone who is truly interested in the events industry.   

Gemma Rolfe 

Jam packed full of information that is really useful, relevant and reliable   

“WOW. What a comprehensive course, I found it jam packed full of information that was really useful, relevant and reliable. The course literally covers everything a new event manager could possibly need to know in a simple and easy-to-understand manner with the course elements covered in a logical and common sense order which helps it flow easily. I like the way the way you have used a combination of narrated presentations, PDF’s and fun aspects like the quiz / survey at the end, this makes it varied and interesting to read. With so much information to take in, the individual slides are simple, easy to digest and absorb. The ‘visual’ of where you are in the course in the left hand side column is helpful and useful to keep track with. If you are thinking of or new to events, this course is a must do. ”   

Louisa Brown   

Here are words that have been used to describe me taken from recent in-house course evaluation and testimonials are:

Creative, personable, expert, very keen attention to detail, enthusiast, inspiring, passionate, engaging, funny, relaxed, captivating, incredibly knowledgeable, meticulous, real can do approach, really really…knows events, practical, excellent communicator, approachable, has a wealth of event experience.  

Course completion certificate?   

When you complete 100% of the course, you will be emailed a certificate of completion by Udemy so you can show it as proof of your expertise and that you have completed a certain number of hours of instruction in the course topic.   

Your 100% No-risk Money back guaranteeThe course comes with a Udemy-backed, 30-day money-back guarantee. This is not just a guarantee, it's my personal promise to you that I will go out of my way to help you succeed. I really do believe that you will find the course incredibly helpful as you seek to learn the event planning ropes but should you not: You can have your money back. No questions asked.

Interested? Want to learn to be a great be an events manager? Then don’t delay sign up now…it could be the start of something very special   

PS: Imagine having the confidence to run your own events? To lead or be part of an event planning team organising charity, arts and sports events: exhibitions, shows and fares, parties and celebrations and know you did yourself…with a little help from someone who started…just where you did – knowing nothing about events.  

Go on: give it a go: events really could be your thing.

Thank you.    

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Design events your customers or visitors actually want using objective setting to guide your events planning
  • Create and design an event that excites your audiences
  • Effectively project plan and budget your events
  • Be able to select, contract and work with great contractors and suppliers
  • Search, evaluate, select and site plan your perfect venue
  • Design a great event programme that delivers excitement and behaviour change
  • Increase your event sign up rates by creating effective event promotional plans using on and off line media
  • Construct accurate operational plans to help you set up and run your events
  • Deliver safe, well run and risk assessed events
  • Lead, motivate and brief your event day teams
  • Obtain feedback and evaluate the effect of your event
  • Have an overview of the process of planning an online event
  • And of cause know...that you can design and deliver successful and rewarding events: packed full of great takeaway memories.
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Syllabus

Course welcome

I suggest to help your learning you download or print out the course workbook and reference manual in the downloadable materials box below or via the file icon on the header page for this section

Read more

In this section of the course you learn about the real world of event planning, types and styles of events and I will introduce you to my 7 Step Event planning system.

In this module you learn how to design events your customers or visitors actually want using pre-event market research and objective setting to guide your events planning

In this module you will learn how to create and design an event that excites and delivers 

In this module you will learn how effectively project plan, budget, select great contractors and run your events

Got a question for me? Need help on a specific topic..then please message me.   

In this module you will learn how to search, evaluate, select and site plan your perfect event venue

In this module you will learn how to design a great event programme that delivers excitement and change

In this module you will learn how to increase your event sign up rates by creating effective event promotional plans using on and off line media

Got a question: Need a little help on a specific topic...then please message me.   

In this module you will learn how to construct accurate operational plans, plan your event day teams and deliver safe, well run and risk assessed events

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides a comprehensive overview of event planning, from initial design to post-event evaluation, which is ideal for those new to the field
Offers templates and a 7-step planning process based on the instructor's extensive experience, providing hands-on tools for immediate application
Explores strategies for pre-event market research, promotional plans, and program design to maximize sign-up rates and create engaging experiences
Serves as a helpful reminder of the core principles of successful event planning, particularly beneficial for those without formal training
Covers the creation of operational plans and risk assessments, which are crucial for delivering safe and well-managed events
Details the process of selecting, contracting, and collaborating with contractors and suppliers, which is essential for successful event execution

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive and practical event planning

According to the provided testimonials within the course description, learners describe this course as a comprehensive guide to organizing successful events. It's highlighted as full of details and practical steps, broken down in a logical, easy-to-follow order. Reviewers praised the valuable information, clear explanations, and the engaging, knowledgeable instructor. The accompanying materials like the workbook and reference manual are seen as extremely helpful resources, providing a solid foundation for newcomers to event management.
Supplements like workbook are valuable.
"The workbook provided during the course is great for taking notes and the reference manual is full of so much useful information"
"I have kept a copy of both for myself to refer back to when I need a bit of guidance."
Chris Powell is experienced and engaging.
"delivered by an engaging and very knowledgeable instructor"
"I particularly liked the blog titled ' is finding the perfect venue really such a big deal'. I believe reading about his personal experiences...really helps understand all aspects"
"Chris has been designing, planning and delivering events for 24 years."
Well-organized and easy to grasp.
"broken down in an order that makes sense and is doable for any type of event."
"Great explanations Chris made it very clear by the way he organised the lessons."
"covers everything a new event manager could possibly need in a simple and easy-to-understand manner with the course elements covered in a logical and common sense order"
"individual slides are simple, easy to digest and absorb."
Actionable insights and extensive coverage.
"full of details and practical steps."
"Detailed, lots of advice from the real world, tons of information."
"systematically goes through every stage of the event management process with a really practical approach."
"jam packed full of information that is really useful, relevant and reliable"
Ideal starting point for new planners.
"Specifically for: New event managers who have no or little actual events experience"
"Whether you are an experienced event manager or just starting it's a perfect choice."
"covers everything a new event manager could possibly need"
"If you are thinking of or new to events, this course is a must do."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to organise successful events with these activities:
Review Event Planning Terminology
Familiarize yourself with common event planning terms to better understand the course content and industry practices.
Browse courses on Event Management
Show steps
  • Find a glossary of event planning terms.
  • Review each term and its definition.
  • Create flashcards for key terms.
Read 'The Event Planner's Handbook'
Gain a broader understanding of event planning principles and best practices before diving into the specifics of this course.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Event Planner's Handbook'.
  • Read the book, focusing on key concepts.
  • Take notes on important takeaways.
Plan a Small Hypothetical Event
Apply the course concepts in a practical setting by planning a small event, such as a birthday party or a small conference.
Show steps
  • Choose a type of event to plan.
  • Define the event's objectives and target audience.
  • Create a basic event plan, including budget and timeline.
  • Identify potential venues and vendors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Budget Template
Solidify your understanding of event budgeting by creating a reusable budget template that you can use for future events.
Show steps
  • Research different event budget templates.
  • Design a template with key budget categories.
  • Include formulas for automatic calculations.
  • Test the template with sample data.
Attend Local Event Planning Meetups
Connect with other event professionals to learn from their experiences and expand your network.
Show steps
  • Search for event planning meetups in your area.
  • Attend a meetup and introduce yourself.
  • Engage in conversations and exchange contact information.
Develop a Post-Event Survey
Reinforce your understanding of event evaluation by creating a survey to gather feedback from attendees.
Show steps
  • Research best practices for post-event surveys.
  • Design survey questions to gather relevant feedback.
  • Pilot test the survey with a small group.
  • Refine the survey based on feedback.
Read 'Into the Heart of Meetings'
Learn how to make meetings more productive and engaging, which is essential for successful event planning and execution.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Into the Heart of Meetings'.
  • Read the book, focusing on meeting facilitation techniques.
  • Identify strategies to apply to event planning meetings.

Career center

Learners who complete How to organise successful events will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Event Coordinator
An Event Coordinator is at the heart of bringing event visions to life. This role typically involves managing logistics, coordinating with vendors, and ensuring events run smoothly. The 'How to organise successful events' course directly addresses the core skills needed for this career. The course's focus on project planning, budgeting, and vendor selection equips aspiring Event Coordinators with a practical understanding of event management. Learning how to design engaging programs that meet customer needs makes this course especially helpful. The course content teaches how to create effective promotional plans, crucial for maximizing event attendance, and how to deliver safe, well-managed events.
Corporate Event Planner
Corporate Event Planners are responsible for planning and executing internal and external events for companies. These events can range from company picnics to large-scale product launches. The 'How to organise successful events' course provides a robust understanding of event management, making it valuable for Corporate Event Planners. The course's emphasis on project planning, marketing, and budget management are key to successfully organizing corporate events. Learning effective promotional strategies allows the planner to create events that garner attention. The course teaches how to run events that have a low risk profile.
Conference Manager
Conference Managers oversee all aspects of conferences, from selecting speakers to coordinating logistics and managing budgets. The 'How to organise successful events' course gives prospective Conference Managers a comprehensive understanding of event planning. The course modules on project planning, budgeting, and venue selection are directly applicable to managing conferences of all sizes. A focus on designing engaging programs and promotional plans helps Conference Managers attract attendees and deliver a valuable experience. The Conference Manager will be able to evaluate the effect of the event.
Meeting Planner
Meeting Planners specialize in organizing meetings and conferences. Securing venues, coordinating speakers, and managing attendee logistics often fall under their responsibilities. The 'How to organise successful events' course provides a strong foundation for excelling as a Meeting Planner. The course covers venue selection, contract negotiation, and program design, all of which are essential for successful meeting management. Moreover, the strategic approach to event design and promotion taught in the course helps Meeting Planners create impactful and well-attended meetings. Finally, the course touches on how to write event operational plans, joining instructions, and event risk assessments.
Festival Organizer
A Festival Organizer plans and executes public celebrations, festivals, and fairs. They handle everything from securing permits to booking entertainment and managing vendors. The 'How to organise successful events' course provides critical skills for anyone looking to succeed in this exciting field. The course emphasizes event design, project planning, and budget management, all of which are crucial for managing large-scale events like festivals. Learning how to find and manage contractors and suppliers ensures the Festival Organizer can create a memorable experience. The course will provide helpful information about how to plan and evaluate event safety, which is important when the events are outdoors.
Exhibition Coordinator
Exhibition Coordinators manage the setup, logistics, and promotion of exhibitions. This often involves coordinating with exhibitors, managing venue logistics, and ensuring a smooth flow of attendees. The 'How to organise successful events' course provides essential skills for an Exhibition Coordinator. The course focuses on project planning, venue selection, and promotional strategies, all critical for a successful exhibition. The course's focus on creating engaging programs and managing event budgets helps ensure a well-attended and financially viable exhibition. Moreover, the course teaches how to search, evaluate, and select venues.
Wedding Planner
Wedding Planners assist couples in planning and executing their weddings. They manage vendor relationships, coordinate timelines, and ensure the wedding day runs smoothly. The 'How to organise successful events' course offers valuable skills for entering the field of wedding planning. The course emphasizes project planning, budget management, and vendor selection, all of which are relevant to successful wedding coordination. Learning how to design an event and create a programme allows the Wedding Planner to design and deliver a memorable experience for the couple and their guests. Finally, the course will help with feedback and evaluation.
Fundraising Event Planner
Fundraising Event Planners organize events to raise money for charities and non-profit organizations. They handle event logistics, manage budgets, and coordinate with donors and volunteers. The 'How to organise successful events' course may be useful for those seeking to become Fundraising Event Planners. The course details project planning, budget management, and promotional strategies, all invaluable for planning successful fundraising events. The emphasis on designing engaging programs and securing sponsorships directly contributes to maximizing fundraising potential. The emphasis on finding and managing contractors and suppliers also will lead to success.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage a company's or organization's public image. They work to build relationships with the media, craft press releases, and coordinate public events. The 'How to organise successful events' course may prove useful for a Public Relations Specialist. The course provides Public Relations Specialists with insights into designing events, creating promotional materials, and securing media coverage. Skills in each of these areas would allow the Public Relations Specialist to better engage with the public. A Public Relations Specialist will also be able to craft operational plans.
Marketing Coordinator
Marketing Coordinators support marketing teams in implementing marketing campaigns. They assist with administrative tasks, coordinate events, and manage marketing materials. The 'How to organise successful events' course helps Marketing Coordinators by giving them skills in event planning and promotion. The course teaches how to design promotional plans, both online and off, that create media interest. Furthermore, the course provides instruction on how to design an event poster or e-flyer invitation. The course also covers the importance of search engine optimization and event web sites.
Entertainment Manager
Entertainment Managers oversee the entertainment aspects of events, venues, or productions. They are responsible for booking talent, managing logistics, and ensuring performances run smoothly. The 'How to organise successful events' course may be useful for Entertainment Managers. The course provides insights into event planning, venue selection, and contractor management, which help the Entertainment Manager coordinate the entertainment aspects of an event. The course also teaches how to search and book attractions, stalls, and speakers.
Hospitality Manager
Hospitality Managers oversee the operations of hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. They manage staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and maintain quality standards. While not directly focused on hospitality management, the 'How to organise successful events' course may provide useful insights. The course's emphasis on event planning logistics and customer engagement helps Hospitality Managers improve their service offerings. In particular, the emphasis on event safety planning helps Hospitality Managers offer safer services. The course also teaches how to design a programme that delivers excitement and leads to change.
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer Coordinators recruit, train, and manage volunteers for non-profit organizations or events. The role involves creating volunteer schedules, providing support, and ensuring volunteers have a positive experience. The 'How to organise successful events' course helps Volunteer Coordinators plan and manage volunteer involvement in events. This course can help Volunteer Coordinators design event volunteer programs that are engaging. Learning how to secure media attention and manage event logistics may also be useful. The course teaches how to lead, motivate, and brief the event day teams.
Catering Manager
Catering Managers oversee all aspects of food and beverage service for events. They manage staff, coordinate menus, and ensure food safety standards are met. While not directly focused on catering, the 'How to organise successful events' course may provide a helpful perspective for a Catering Manager. The course can give the Catering Manager a better understanding of the entire event planning process, which could lead to more effective collaboration with event planners. The course also teaches how to search and book attractions, stalls, speakers, and catering.
Brand Ambassador
Brand Ambassadors represent a company or brand at events and promotions. They interact with potential customers, promote products, and create a positive brand image. While not directly related, the 'How to organise successful events' course may benefit Brand Ambassadors. The course may give Brand Ambassadors insights into event design, promotion, and customer engagement strategies. The course could improve the Brand Ambassador's ability to represent a brand effectively at events. In particular, the course emphasizes how to construct accurate operational plans.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in How to organise successful events.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of event planning, covering everything from initial concept to post-event evaluation. It serves as a valuable reference tool for understanding the various stages of event management. The book offers practical advice and templates that can be directly applied to real-world event scenarios. It is commonly used by event planning students and professionals alike.
Focuses on improving the quality and effectiveness of meetings, which are a crucial component of many events. It provides practical techniques for facilitating engaging and productive discussions. While not strictly about event planning, it offers valuable insights into how to design and manage meeting sessions within events. This book is more valuable as additional reading to improve specific skills.

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