Adv Dip in Special Event Planning & Design

Price:  £995 

Format:  E Learning
Course Code:  ADVSPEPLEV4  
Award:  Level 4 Diploma 
Study Time:  450 Hours
Requirements:  No Entry Requirements

The Advanced Diploma in Special Event Planning and Design is a fully interactive course which uses podcasts, videos, PDF's and Elearning material covering all elements in planning, managing, designing and running weddings, parties, conferences, awards ceremonies, fashion shows, product launches, sales meetings and trade shows. Your course will include 40 assignments, 17 of which are based on an authentic event brief that will see you working your way through the Product Launch of a new perfume, 8 are based on a wedding brief with a theme of 'Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend' and another 10 are based on the design of an event with the same theme. These assignments will lead you through every stage of planning,designing and styling an event and wedding. You will be expected to treat your tutor as your client and the assignment you submit as your proposal.

Effectively you are building yourself a portfolio as you make your way through the course, allowing you to hit the ground running upon graduation. The last five assignments in the course focus on starting your own wedding and event consultancy and marketing your services in this highly competitive marketplace. Included as part of your course material is a license to the Acadeymy planning software and also the design software. Both licenses are unlimited and will be a great tool for you to use when you start your business. It can also be used throughout the course so you are familiar with it upon graduating.

Enrol Today

Course Units

1. The World of Events

• History of the Industry
• Event Types
• Event Do's & Don'ts
• The Function of a Corporate Event Planner
• Matching Personalities
• Career benefits
• Positions available within events

2. Think Like a Planner

• Why good organisation is so important
• The planning process
• Creating a reference file
• Creating a client file
• Top organizational tips

3. Creating a Concept

• Flirting with the 5 Senses
• Developing the Concept
• The 5 C's of Event Design
• Five Ways to Kill and Idea
• The Creative Process
• Brainstorming
• DO IT - a simple process for creativity

4. Developing a Theme

• Choosing a Theme
• Inspiration Boards
• Researching your Theme
• Using your Surroundings
• Telling the Story
• Creating the WOW factor

5. The Planning Process

• Preliminary Planning
• Requirements
• Why the budget is important
• Avoiding Mistakes
• Creating a Communication Plan
• Delegating tasks

6. The Venue

• Types of Venues
• Creating a Venue Brief
• Room Configurations
• Venue Terminology
• Venue Considerations
• F&B Packages within a venue
• Conducting a Site Inspection
• Shortlisting a Venue
• Reading the Small Print

7. Catering

• An Introduction to Catering
• Catering Choices
• Service Styles
• Menu Creation
• Choosing a Caterer
• Catering Terminology
• Culinary Trends
• Napkins, Cutlery & Glassware

8. Entertainment & Speakers

• Music and your Event
• Thinking about Entertainment
• Choosing a Speaker
• Choosing the right Entertainment
• Using an Agency
• Teambuilding
• The Timing of music and entertainment

9. Event Budgets

• The importance of a Budget
• Defining the Budget
• Budget Expenses
• Building a Budget Checklist
• Revenue/Income
• Creating an Event Budget
• Budget saving tips

10. Event Branding, Marketing & PR

• Marketing your Event
• The Marketing Message
• Marketing Agencies
• Online Marketing
• Social Media Marketing
• Event Branding
• R.O.I
• Sponsorship

11. The Proposal & First Consultation

• The 8 steps to an Event Proposal
• Meeting your Client
• Planning the Event Proposal Strategy
• Preparation & Research
• The Request for Proposal
• The Perfect Pitch
• Creating your Proposal
• Presenting your Proposal
• Protecting your Intellectual Property
• How much is too Much?
• Creating Proposals with Software Programs

12. Audio Visual, Lighting & Technology

• How to use Audio Visual
• Technical Budgets
• Lighting your event
• Staging & Special Effects
• Understanding Power
• Podcasting
• Simulcasting
• Audio Response Systems

13. Travel, Accommodation & Registration

• Assessing Transport Requirements
• Air Travel
• Group Travel
• Selecting & Viewing Accommodation
• Event Registration
• Online Registration Software
• Checklists

14. Corporate Gifts & Merchandise

• Merchandising at Events
• Why use Corporate Gifts
• How to Source Products
• Choosing your Products
• Recognition Gifts
• Hot New Trends

15. Suppliers & Staff

• Sourcing Suppliers
• Questions to ask
• Building Relationships
• Negotiating Tactics
• Finding Staff
• Temporary Event Staff
• Virtual Help

16. Preparing for the Event

• The importance of Preparation
• The Art of Scheduling
• Checklists
• Creating your Event Bible
• Shipping & Flights
• Contingency Plans
• What to do when you arrive

17. Managing the Event

• Thinking on your Feet
• Management of On Site Tasks
• Your Role with the Client
• Putting out Fires
• Near Event Disasters

18. Folklore, Traditions and Etiquette

• When to Marry
• Ancient Traditions
• Superstitions
• Customs from Abroad
• Etiquette Do’s and Don’ts

19. Location & Ceremony

• Different types of venues & locations
• Things to Consider
• Ceremonies from around the World
• Traditional & Non-Traditional
• Booking Locations and Venues
• Destination Weddings
• Building your Database

20. Flowers and Decorations

• The beauty of Flowers
• Symbolism and Meaning
• Things to Consider
• Style & Bouquets
• Choosing a Florist
• Decorations and Décor
• Drawing up a Plan

21. Transport

• Assessing transport requirements
• Mode of transport
• Selection & viewing
• Planning a schedule
• Delegating

22. Photographer & Videographer

• Photography Options
• Style of Shots
• Videography Options 
• Questions to ask
• Making a choice 
• Questions they should ask you
• Hidden Extras

23. Invites and Gifts

• The guest list
• The invitations
• Calligraphy
• Types of paper

24. The Wedding Day

• The day before the wedding
• The wedding day itself
• Final schedule & Timelines & Run Sheets
• Emergency plans
• Cancelling the wedding
• Post event questionnaire
• The positives and negatives
• Ways to improve

25. The Psychology of a Bride

• Understanding different types of brides
• Motivating a Bride
• Buzz Words
• Emotional Selling

26. Wedding and Event Marketing 101

• The Power of Marketing
• Creating a Brand
• Using a Marketing Plan
• Advertising Mediums
• Developing a Website
• Marketing Materials
• Analysing the Competition

27. The World of Event Design

• History of the industry
• Working in Design
• Traits & Required Skills
• The difference between styling and design 
• Finding your Inspiration
• Sparking Creativity
• Setting Up Your Office

28. Conceptualisation & PLanning

• Designing for your audience
• Using the 5 Senses & Feng Shui in Event Design
• Unleashing your creativity
• Storyboards: When, Why & How
• The A-Z of Event Design
• Producing your event
• Planning techniques

29. Colour Schemes and Effects

• The Colour Wheel
• The Meaning & Psychology of Colour
• Colour Tricks
• Colour Trends
• Using Colour in Event Design
• Innovative uses of Colour

30. Design & Decor Techniques

• Designers Block
• Keeping your Design Team Inspired
• Maximising Decor
• Design Techniques
• Tricks of the Trade
• The L Factor

31. Staging, Rigging & Draping

• Types of Staging
• How to set your stage
• Forms of Rigging
• Staging Terminology
• Pipe and Drape
• Dance Floors

32. Fabric Decor

• Types of Event Fabrics
• Fabric Swatches
• How to Light Fabric
• Table Linen
• Fabric and Colour
• Skirting & Fabric Accessories
• Table Design Software

33. Special Effects

• Pyrotechnics
• The Magic of Ice
• Fog & Haze
• Water Effects
• Using Projection
• Balloon Drops & Confetti Canons
• Insurance

34. Creating a Table Centrepiece

• Floral Centrepieces
• Themes & Centrepieces
• Tablescapes
• Tabletop Design
• Mirrors & LED's

35. Designing with Software

• Learning to use Event Designer Space Planner

36. Presenting Your Design

• Design is in the Detail
• From Concept to Completion
• Tips & Techniques
• Setting the Scene
• Reading your Clients

37. Social Media and Publicity

• Social Media for Special Events
• Facebook for Events
• Twitter for Events
• Blogging
• Social Media Tools

38. Starting your own Business

• Finding Your Niche
• Your Target Audience
• Conducting Research
• Demographics & Market Analysis
• Evaluating your Competition
• Writing a Business Plan
• Tools of the trade & Association

39. Finance and Fees

• Fee Structure
• Setting Your Fees
• Getting Paid
• How to Make a Profit
• Accounting for Planners

40. Contracts and Insurance

• The Basics of Contracts
• Components of a Contract
• Understanding Legal Terms
• Insurance Explained
• Public Liability
• Professional Indemnity

Student Testimonial

Emma Lawson - Advanced Diploma in Special Event Planning and Design

What was it about the Academy that made you choose to study with us?
After looking at various course providers I decided to study at the Academy because it is the UK's only dedicated wedding & events academy. Plus all of the academy's tutors have experience within the events industry which I believe is vital. I certainly would not feel as confident in my tutor if I knew I was being taught by someone who has never done the job before.

What are you enjoying most about your experience of studying with Academy?
I am having great fun being able to work more creatively, it's really teaching me to think in a new way & develop new ideas.

How is your course preparing you for taking the next step?
It's providing me with vital industry related knowledge. The course also covers business skills too which is great if your setting up your own events company.

What would you say to anyone
thinking of pursuing a career in Wedding and Event Planning?
I would say don't hesitate the course is totally up to date so it includes all the latest trends within the events industry. You can study at your own pace & all the tutors are experienced & very helpful.

Do you currently own a wedding or events business or are you looking to launch a new business?
No, I am completely new to the events industry but I am confident that I will be given all the skills & knowledge necessary to cut it in exciting new career.

Would you recommend the Academy to others and why?
Absolutely the course is very enjoyable & upon completion you will have a fabulous portfolio of all your work to show your new prospective customers and armed with business & events knowledge you will be ready to hit the ground running.