21939 Event Creation Workshop

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Description

This subject examines the process of creating, developing and pitching an event concept. It deals with the nature of the creative process, responding to client briefs, pitching, identifying event objectives, site selection and design, the formation and leadership of creative teams, and the selection, sourcing and management of the creative elements of an event. The development and application of creative thinking skills are central to this subject, which culminates in the creation of an event concept proposal.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject is aligned with the graduate attributes of communication and collaboration, intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving, and professional and technical competence. The primary intent of this subject is to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to undertake key tasks associated with the process of identifying, developing and pitching creative concepts for events. A practical component of the course enables students to respond creatively to a brief for the conduct of an event and to work in teams to plan and pitch an event concept. As such, the skills and competencies gained in this subject provide a foundation for professional practice in the event management industry.

This subject also contributes to the development of the following program learning objective(s) for the Master of Event Management courses:

• Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to develop creative strategies that respond to Indigenous and non-Indigenous community/ business needs and emerging challenges within an events context (1.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject involves a variety of teaching and learning activities, which may include lectures, case studies, collaborative group work, student presentations and invited guest speakers. Students should come to class prepared to actively participate in the learning process. Prior to each class, students are expected to read and reflect upon assigned materials including videos and reading material provided via the learning management system so that they are prepared to participate in class discussion and problem-solving exercises. Class time is designed to offer active learning experiences, where students can work collaboratively on tasks including problem-based scenarios and case study analyses. There will be opportunities for collaborative discussions of key concepts and case studies, as well as sharing of knowledge and experience with peers. In-class feedback on learning activities will be provided by the lecturer from week 2 onwards, allowing students the opportunity to gain early formative feedback.

Content (topics)

• Creative processes and techniques
• The event creation process
• The event brief
• Pitching and event proposals
• Designing event experiences
• Theming, design and programming
• Managing creative teams
• Case studies in event creation

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Critical Event Analysis

Assessment task 2: Event pitch

Assessment task 3: Event Concept Proposal

Minimum requirements

Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

There is no prescribed text for this subject. Prescribed readings are made available through Canvas under each week’s subject topic.

It will be assumed that students, on a progressive basis, have undertaken the readings for each topic area.

References

See Canvas for a full list of prescribed subject readings.

Other relevant resources for this subject might include:

• Allen, J., Harris, R., & Jago, L. (2021). Festival & special event management essentials (1st ed.). John Wiley and Sons Australia.
• Antchak, V., & Ramsbottom, O. (2020). The Fundamentals of Event Design. Routledge.
• Beard, & Russ, W. (2017). Event Evaluation and Design: Human Experience Mapping. Event Management, 21(3), 365–374. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599517X14942648527563
• Berridge, G. (2007). Events Design and Experience. Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Mathews. D. (2008). Special Events Production: The Resources. Butterworth-Heinemann.
• Richards, G., Marques, L., Mein, K., Samson, R. A., & Miller, J. D. (2015). Event Design: Social perspectives and practices. Routledge.
• Sharples, L., Crowther, P., May, D., & Orefice, C. (2014). Strategic Event Creation. Goodfellow.
• Shone, A., & Parry, B. (2019). Successful Event Management: A Practical Handbook (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
• Silvers, J. R. (2004). Professional Event Coordination. John Wiley and Sons.
• Sonder, M. (2004). Event Entertainment and Production. John Wiley and Sons.
• Van Der Wagen, L. (2005). Event Management for Tourism, Cultural, Business and Sporting Events. Pearson Education.
• Yeoman, I., Robertson, M., Ali-Knight, J., Drummond, S. &McMahon-Beattie, U. (2004). Festival and Events Management: An international arts and culture perspective. Elsevier Butterworth- Heinemann.

SELECTED INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS

• Special Events Magazine
• Australian Leisure Management
• micenet magazine
• CIM business events
• BIZBASH