On completion of this unit you should be able to: To achieve the learning outcome you must demonstrate the ability to: LO2 Identify key elements in the practical operations management of events and strategic decision points in the events planning process and evaluate their relative importance Plan and use different sources to search for, and select, information required for different purposes (for example comparisons between and selection of the best out of three potential venues for an event) LO4 Demonstrate familiarity with the venue selection process for events and outline the key elements of security and health and safety concerns at events venues Distinguish factors affecting planning of the ‘where’ element of an event within the planning frameworks L05 Apply the key concepts within marketing, personnel and accounting relevant to the hospitality industry in preparing, selling and servicing meetings and events Work as a part of a group in exploring various aspects of selected planning elements of an event and monitor group progress to ensure assessment and working objectives are met Task Your University wishes to host an academic conference entitled Studying Hospitality and Events in Higher Education. They wish to employ the skills of an experienced and qualified event organiser to plan and run the event. Working as an independent freelance event organiser, you are interested in submitting a bid to run the event for them. In preparing your bid, you must adhere to the strict bid guidelines, and address all requirements the University has for the event. Your bid will take the form of a non-scientific report, and must adhere to all elements under ‘Format of Submission’. Detailed bid guidelines are as follows: Event Academic Conference – ‘Studying Hospitality and Events in Higher Education’ Conference Objective To bring together academic scholars, researchers and industry professionals in the field of hospitality and event operations to learn and share teaching, learning and working experiences of hospitality and event operations. Location The location must meet the following requirements: • have good transport links • have a wide range of accommodation options • be an otherwise appealing place for delegates to visit Assignment Detail 1. Venue Selection: The focus is upon selecting the (three) most suitable venues for the specified event. In doing so, you should consider the relationship between the venue and the event. You need to play close attention to the hospitality and events requirements outlined in the event brief when choosing appropriate venues. 2. The structure: Flexible. You should describe the search process for and present at least three venues suitable for the specific event given. Your work should be presented in a report format and the following sections should be included – Title Page, Contents Page, Introduction, Main Body, Conclusions and Recommendations, Reference List, Appendices (Optional). 3. The relationship between the venue and the event: Remember to relate the two together sufficiently! You need to relate the choice of each venue to the event, and make sure your choices closely reflect the objectives of the event. You should incorporate both industry and academic references in your work. The evidence needs to be specific. Don’t use anecdotal and generalised evidence. 4. Use of literature: Use academic source, i.e. books, journal articles etc. A minimum of 10 referenced academic sources is required. Do not over use Internet sources (50% maximum). Academic journals can be good resources of industrial cases which may give you some good ideas about the situations. You are required to have proper in-text reference and the reference list in the end using the Harvard Referencing System. 5. The writing: Try to approach this assignment in a logical and systematic way. Produce a plan of the report before you start. Make sure you have a logical structure, a convincing argument, clear description of the situations which ‘set the scene’, and clear explanation which relate to theories, and a conclusion that draws your argument together.