Introduction to Event Management
The Role of the Event Manager; Event Management Overview; Festivals in Ireland;
Event Management Budgets
Budgets: Revenue & Expenses; Preparing a Budget; Good Planning and Budgeting; Budgets: From an idea to a budget; Budget Planning: Comprehensive list of requirements;
Event Management Planning
Managing event planning Schedules; Feasibility studies; Identifying event goals and listing objectives; Event organisational charts; Duty rosters; Record keeping mechanisms; Recruitment; Reviewing event contracts and agreements; Troubleshooting event co-ordination; Creation and presentation of proposals to clients;
Co-ordinating Events
Developing creative elements; Scheduling entertainment; Site planning and inspection; Analysis and management of the registration and admission process; Providing adequate event security; Planning event protocol requirements; Coordinating event speakers with additional entertainment for maximum effect; Identifying appropriate food and beverage menus; Event contingency planning.
Event Logistics Management
Key elements of site planning and inspection; Planning event protocol requirements for the team and client; Sourcing audio visual and technical support; Creating activity timelines for running the event activities;
Event Legal and Risk Management
Budgeting; Forecasting expenditure; Compiling and understanding event contracts; Managing Health and Safety; Event risk assessment; Copyright and trademark considerations; Event ethical practice;
Marketing the Event
The Mixes (marketing and promotions); The marketing plan; SWOT; Target market; Segmentation; Positioning and key messages; Competition; Strategy; Inbound Marketing; Outbound Marketing; Channels; Measurement;
Sponsorship
Introduction to the principals of sponsorship; How sponsorship fits into the marketing strategy and practical engagement for the sponsor; Preparing your sponsorship property for sale; Identifying and researching prospects;
Getting your foot in the door; Top Tips for your sponsorship campaign; Guidelines for the proposal;
Corporate Event Management
Corporate events integration; Organising local and global corporate events; Corporate event types; Events as corporate motivators; Managing important corporate events; Developing corporate events; Organising corporate hospitality; Negotiating event investment returns; Managing event costs;
Organising Conferences
Determine conference goals and objectives; Managing speaker requirements; Choosing conference sites and locations; Working to a budget with a goal to earn a profit; Developing marketing strategies for your target group; Creating a feedback form to evaluate the effectiveness of the event;
Festival and Outdoor Events
The event product; The event location; Cultural tourism; Festivals; Categories of festivals; Festivals in Ireland;
Charity and Fundraising Event Management
What is a charity event; The perception of charity organisations; The reality of charity organisations; The skills of a Charity Event Manager; Day to Day Job; Management of Volunteers; Types of charity events; The stages of charity events; Sponsorship; Marketing; Prize Solicitations; Supplier Management; Press and Publicity; Debrief;
Sports Event Management
Event Media Marketing and Management; Event Sponsorship; Managing Hospitality; Operating Strategy; Organising Staff; Admissions Management; Compliance and Protocol Procedures; Planning Awards Ceremonies.
Government, Civic and Political Events
Planning for major social and political events; Event sponsorship; Managing VIPs; Developing major political events;
Celebrity and PR Events
Organising celebrity events; Concerts and launches; Television related events and ceremonies; Fashion shows; National festivals, galas, special themed events; Online event launches; Dealing with celebrity agents; Handling celebrity wish lists; Fireworks displays;
Exhibition Management
Researching markets; Resourcing the exhibition; Effective marketing strategies; Key promotional planning; Audience communication;
Event Management Evaluation and Reporting
Why evaluate and measure; Evaluation: Feedback Control Systems; Feedback from attendees; Staff de-briefings; financial records; Measurement; Event Reports;
Green Event Management
Definition of Green Event Management; Guidelines for a greener event; Principles; Benefits; Schemes to adhere to; Types of green events; Green Venues;
Marketing the Event
The Mixes (marketing and promotions); The marketing plan; SWOT; Target market; Segmentation; Positioning and key messages; Competition; Strategy; Inbound Marketing; Outbound Marketing; Channels; Measurement;
Digital Marketing
SEO; Content Marketing; Email marketing; Mobile marketing; PPC Advertising; Website Promotions;
Public Relations
Sponsorship; Internal PR functions; Corporate image; Press and broadcast media relations; Client relationships; Internal PR; Commissioning and briefing photographers; Supplying material to the press/Getting material onto TV and radio; Organising seminars, exhibitions and conferences; Audio/visual aids; Writing skills - press releases, writing feature articles for the press; In-house journals and newsletters; Crisis management; Corporate advertising; Brochures and printing;
Online Public Relations
The Social Media Landscape; The Internet as a Media; Online PR building blocks; Social Media and PR strategy; Online Influences on Present PR Practices;
Social Media
Introduction to Social Media and Social Networking; How Social Media is transforming the way we do business; Facebook; Twitter; LinkedIn; YouTube; Instagram; Snapchat; Running a social media marketing campaign; Measuring the success of social media marketing;
Websites, WordPress & IT Skills
Creating a website; Website Content and Usability; Website Management; WordPress basics; Excel; PowerPoint;
Presentation Skills
Creating and Delivering a Presentation; Client Presentations: create an effective presentation (e.g. an event pitch); Tailor your presentation to your audience; Demonstrate an awareness of the appropriate use of visual aids (including design considerations); Understand the vocal, verbal and visual aspects of a presentation (including the use of body language); Presentation Rules and Characteristics;
Course Real Life Brief Projects and Portfolios
The real life project briefs are an integral part of the course. Each course participant is given a range of real life project briefs throughout the course. The course projects are aimed at providing students with the confidence and ability to create, plan and manage events for any organisation. At the end of the course, participants will pitch their project to examiners, just like event managers would pitch to clients – “The Apprentice Style”.
Site Visits
During Fitzwilliam Institute’s Postgraduate Diploma in Event Management course you will visit many of Ireland’s top venues and meet Ireland’s leading events professionals, gaining invaluable industry insights and contacts.
The Live Event
Your practical skills training will culminate in the creation, planning, marketing, delivery and debriefing of a real life event, based in Dublin, for a real life client.
Interpersonal Skills
An original and special feature of the Fitzwilliam Institute’s course model is the time devoted to your personal development. Commencing with an initial personal interview with Fitzwilliam Institute’s placement officer to assess, discuss and establish your future goals and aspirations within the events industry, vital intensive interview techniques, communications skills, team building skills workshops, interview to camera, video playback, and presentation skills continue from this, enabling you to hone your industry confidence. Careful preparation of your Curriculum Vitae, so that you have a clear and well-presented CV to submit to potential employers is a key part of this essential process.
Practical Work Experience
During the second part of the course placements are arranged with companies and organisations that can give course participants practical experience in the work areas in which they want to develop their careers. This phase of the course is closely monitored with regular assessment visits being made to each student and host company supervisor. It is expected that a significant percentage of these placements will lead to full-time employment.
Criteria for eligibility must be met in full prior to commencing the programme. For successful enrollment on the Postgraduate Diploma course, the minimum entry requirement is a prior Degree level qualification.
On successful completion of this course you will receive a Professional Postgraduate Diploma qualification that is certified and awarded by the ICM (Institute of Commercial Management). As this is a professional qualification, it does not fall under the NFQ framework or carry academic credits.
The Institute of Commercial Management was founded in 1979 and is one of the leading Professional Examination and Certification Bodies in the world today. Fitzwilliam Institute have developed and provided practical skills training courses in liaison with the Institute of Commercial Management qualifications and certifications framework for over 25 years. The Institute of Commercial Management certifications and continual professional development training awards are recognised by leading industries, bodies and professions.
next start date: 23rd March 2026 (Monday)
Duration: 6 months (3 months in class & 3 months arranged work experience)
Venue: Dublin City Centre
Course Fees: €4,140
To secure your place on the course a deposit of 20% (€830) is required. The remainder of the course fee balance (€3,310) is due 30 days prior to the commencement of the course. All fees must be paid before the course begins. Please note, the full course fees are inclusive of all course materials and certification costs.
Enrolment intake is strictly limited on this course. Early application is advised. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis.
We want to make education easy and enjoyable for you. At Fitzwilliam Institute, we offer a range of finance options to suit your needs.
You can buy now and pay later with humm - humm provides a simple application process, simple terms and conditions, up to 36 monthly payments. With low-interest rates.
Fitzwilliam Institute closes on Bank Holidays and for a number of days at Christmas and New Year. Fitzwilliam Institute reserves the right to postpone, cancel or alter courses without notice or to change any of the details in this brochure. Fees are not refundable unless the course is cancelled by the Fitzwilliam Institute. Distance Learning courses are provided by Fitzwilliam Institute - BGLS Ltd.