Definition of ‘event’: There are various definitions of what an event is, from “anything that happens, any incidence or occurrence, especially a memorable one” to “an organised occasion, such as a meeting, convention, exhibition, special event, gala dinner, etc.”The two principles that apply to any event are that they are temporary and unique, their uniqueness being due to the special blend of management, programme, setting and people. Historical background: People have always marked important events in their lives and celebrated them in public or in private without any need for events managers. The commercialisation of popular celebrations goes back to the 1950s and 60s. As events got bigger, they increasingly needed professional organisation and control, and so an ‘events industry’ came into being. In the 1980s and 90s, certain seminal events took place that set the pattern for today’s events industry. Some of the milestones were the Olympic Games in Sydney and in Los Angeles and the Live Aid concert in 1985, when musicians from all over the world got together to raise money for starving people in Africa in a concert that lasted 24 hours and was broadcast worldwide. In the 21st century the growth of events has continued to be a worldwide phenomenon. During the Covid-19 pandemic, however, cancellations and closed stadiums and hotels hit the events business hard. This generated an increasing number of online events, which require organisation as well. Social distancing or not – events are here to stay. They are not merely fun and entertaining but important for the arts, for culture and education as well as for the tourism industry. Types of events: Events are usually categorised either by size or by form and content. If events are grouped according to size, one differentiates between: ■ ■ Local and community events, which, as their name indicates, target local audiences. They are typically family-fun or fund-raising events involving volunteers. Apart from providing fun and entertainment they create a sense of community and belonging. ■ ■ Major events are on a larger scale and create media interest; they are capable of attracting greater numbers of visitors and have economic benefits. Typical examples are sporting events like ski or football championships. ■ ■ Hallmark events become so identified with a town, city or region that they are often synonymous with the name of the place. Classic examples are the Carnival in Rio, the Oktoberfest in Munich, the Vienna Opera Ball or the tennis championship in Wimbledon. They generate huge tourist revenue and local pride, as well as an international reputation that gives host communities a competitive advantage. Get into new groups. Ask each other questions to complete your surveys. Go back to your original group and prepare to present your survey results. ■■ Summarise the results of your survey. ■■ Decide what order to present the results in. ■■ Decide who will do each part of the presentation. Tell the class about your survey and its results. To finance your business idea from 12a you will need funding. Sum up your survey findings in a report for potential investors. In your report, you should: ■■ explain your business idea ■■ sum up the results of your survey ■■ assess the viability of your business idea Write around 250 words. 1 Writing guide: Report, p. 206. Events management What is an ‘event’? What are the reasons for events? Think of rites of passage, religious reasons, seasonal festivals and online events. What do events managers do? Talk in class. Read the information below to check your ideas. b c d Writing 13 Reading 14 a b 36 Language skills Extras Explore 3 Success in today’s business world Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODE3MDE=