First Year Student Events
At the end of their first year, students on the Events Management courses are given the opportunity to put their newly learnt skills into practice by running their own event. This year's students put together a diverse mix of exciting events from fashion shows to comedy shows, Easter egg hunts, a retro sports day and even an adult themed kid’s party (for grown-ups only!).
“The students have to create a concept for an event, then look at all factors for setting up a real event,” explains Senior Lecturer Sheridan Easton. “They need to think about the theme and concept, location, risk assessment, ticketing and costs. Plus, they need to market their event appropriately before having the added challenge of running the event logistics smoothly. It gives them a fantastic opportunity to practice an ‘in house event’ before their second year where they will be expected to plan a major event at an off campus location.”
“We’re a competitive class,” admits Rebecca Waddington, a retro sports day organizer, “we wanted to get everyone up and out of the class room.” Their sports day featured school day favourites including the egg and spoon race and the three-legged race. Event committee, the Bangers, went with a fashion event getting their class mates to design t-shirts before modelling them to their class mates. “We wanted to get their creativeness going,” explains Amy Saxon, “I think they really enjoyed themselves.” “We're a really good group and work well together,” continues Tina White, whose group organized the adult kid’s party - children's party games with an adult twist.
Students studying the courses agree it offers them unique opportunities to progress within the events industry. “The chance of practical experience was a big reason for choosing Solent,” says Rachelle McGeoghegan, an aspiring music festival organizer, “We only have one festival in Ireland so I’d like to form another!” Many of the Event Management students aim to break into a number of industries upon completing their course and all agree they are learning essential skills to help them progress on which ever route they take. “I didn't realize how much planning was needed, but we learn about the laws and logistics involved,” admits Mica Kirby, who coordinated a cat walk fashion show with her group. “The course has loads of depth,” concurs Jessica Bloom, “you cover management, finance – you really learn what goes on behind the scenes.”
The students are also full of praise for their tutors who have taken them through their first year at university: “They have really helped me with their feedback,” says student Georgie Dell. Her course mate Faye Jones agrees: “They have loads of experience - they have helped us loads.”
View the Event Management Homepage| for a slideshow of pictures of all the events.