Event Logistics and Operations

This unit covers operational planning and logistics for meetings and events, including budgeting, vendor management, contracts, formats, catering, audiovisual needs, safety, accessibility, and rehearsal procedures. Students will learn to select appropriate meeting alternatives, control costs, confirm arrangements in writing, and measure event effectiveness, building on foundational planning skills and preparing for event execution and evaluation in the next unit.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze event goals, audience characteristics, timing, and format alternatives to select the appropriate meeting/event type and setting
• Apply budgeting and cost-control techniques to produce a comprehensive event budget and prepare/confirm written contracts and vendor agreements
• Demonstrate development of operational plans for on-site logistics—catering, audiovisual/videoconferencing, staffing, security, accessibility, rehearsals, and contingency procedures
• Evaluate marketing, sales, hospitality, and post-event measurement strategies to assess event effectiveness and inform future planning