International Event Management students bring live charity events to life

In the first year, this will involve delivering a small event on campus to a private group of guests and students will work with our Lakeside Restaurant team to develop a menu for a themed afternoon tea. In their second year, students will work on a larger project to design and deliver an event for an industry client.

Clients are local organisations who work with lecturers to develop a brief that students will use as a starting point for creating, developing and delivering an event. This year's clients included three local charities, Challengers, Phyllis Tuckwell and Royal Surrey (the charity arm of the Royal Surrey Hospital). 

Briefs required students to devise events to raise funds for the charities or introduce local businesses to the charity, through targeted events for University staff, students or local industry professionals. 

Associate Professor of Event Management, Dr Emma Delaney, leads these modules and explains that "planning an event for a client gives students an in-depth understanding of what’s involved in professional event management as it simulates the work of an events agency. This means that students make all decisions relating to their events and take on the responsibility of reporting to a client throughout the project". 

The events this year raised over £1,300 for the charities and connected new businesses with the Bid for Better Scheme operated by Royal Surrey.

Dr Emma Delaney's work on partnering students with industry clients on live event modules is showcased on the Teaching Innovations website.