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Event Planning and Management

Course code: P02800

Subject area: Employability

Study level: Part Time

Course level:

Course details

Course time:

18:30 - 20:30

Days of week:

Tuesday

Course date:

22nd Sept 2026 - 3rd Nov 2026

Course location:

Abingdon Campus

Contact details

Phone:

01235 555 585

Plan it. Run it. Make it memorable: Event planning and management
Events don’t just happen - they are carefully planned, organised, and managed behind the scenes. This six-week beginner course introduces the key skills needed to plan and deliver successful events, whether for business, community organisations, or personal projects.

Designed for adults with little or no prior experience, the course provides a practical introduction to the event planning process. Over six weekly sessions, learners will explore how to develop event ideas, manage budgets, coordinate suppliers, promote events, and handle logistics on the day.

Through real examples and practical exercises, participants will learn how to turn an idea into a well-organised event. Topics include event planning fundamentals, marketing and promotion, risk management, and creating positive attendee experiences.

By the end of the course, learners will have a clear understanding of how events are planned and managed, along with practical tools and techniques they can apply to their own events.

This course is ideal for:• People interested in starting a career in events• Small business owners wanting to host events• Community group organisers• Anyone who wants to plan events with more confidence

Please note there are no classes during half term.

Course units
This six-week course is structured into practical units that guide learners through the key stages of planning and delivering an event.

Unit 1: Introduction to Event Planning• Types of events (corporate, community, cultural, promotional)• The role of an event planner• From idea to concept: defining your event goals

Unit 2: Event Planning & Organisation• Creating an event plan and timeline• Budgeting basics and managing costs• Choosing venues and suppliers

Unit 3: Event Marketing & Promotion• Promoting events through social media and online platforms• Creating engaging event listings and invitations• Understanding your target audience

Unit 4: Logistics & Operations• Managing schedules, equipment, and staffing• Coordinating vendors and suppliers• Registration, ticketing, and attendee management

Unit 5: Risk Management & Problem Solving• Health and safety considerations• Identifying risks and contingency planning• Managing challenges during an event

Unit 6: Delivering the Event & Evaluation• Managing the event on the day• Guest experience and customer service• Reviewing the event and measuring success

What next?
After completing this course, learners may wish to further develop their skills by exploring how to promote events effectively online. Our Social Media for Business course is a natural next step, helping participants learn how to market events, reach wider audiences, and build engagement through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Together, these courses provide a strong foundation for both planning successful events and promoting them effectively.
Entry criteria
This course is suitable for beginners and no previous event management experience is required.However, learners should:• Be comfortable participating in group discussions and practical activities• Have an interest in organising events for business, community groups, or personal projects• Possess basic digital skills such as using email and accessing online informationThe course is designed for adult learners and focuses on practical, real-world event planning skills that can be applied immediately.

Please note - you should be 19 years old or over at 31st August 2026 prior to starting the course.

Fee information
As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 216 400 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

Co-Funded Fee (19+)

£119.76

Reduced Fee (19+)

£59.88

Qualifications received
This course will be delivered through a mixture of short presentations, real-world examples, group discussion, and practical planning exercises. Learners will explore case studies of different types of events and discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in organising them.

Participants will take part in interactive activities such as developing event ideas, creating simple event plans, and identifying key logistics needed to deliver a successful event. Learners will also have opportunities to share ideas, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of others.

The focus of the course is on practical skills, planning techniques, and confidence building, helping learners understand how events are organised from concept to delivery.

As this is a non-accredited course, there is no formal examination. Learning will be supported through informal assessment methods such as participation in discussions, practical activities, and short planning exercises during the sessions.

By the end of the course, learners will demonstrate their understanding by developing a basic event plan or concept outlining the key elements required to organise an event.