All IEM members are invited to the Institute’s next member forum on Monday 13 October. The forum will be from 1-2pm and held on Teams. The theme will be skills and talent development, and will be a chance to hear from IEM chair Tim Owen, other directors and of course other members! To receive a Teams link for the meeting, email IEMmembership@gmail.com
Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/charlesdeluvio-Lks7vei-eAg-unsplash-scaled.jpg17072560Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-09-20 11:55:392025-09-20 11:56:39IEM member forum – you’re invited!
Congratulations to the University of Greenwich for achieving Higher Education Course Recognition from the IEM for its event management courses.
We spoke to Jo Goodey, Senior Lecturer in Events Management, about the importance of recognition and her university’s commitment to bringing professional practice into events education.
Firstly, congratulations on achieving Higher Education Course Recognition for your event management courses. How will this support you as an institution? How useful is such a recognition programme across the sector?
Thanks, we are really pleased and very proud to achieve the recognition. Applying for the IEM recognition was a rigorous but worthwhile process. The IEM team have put together a framework against which to assess the content of event management courses, based on the objectives of the IEM as set out in its functional map and within the subject QAA Benchmarks. My understanding is that the scheme is also supported and reviewed by industry professionals, signifying the importance of the course content, and demonstrating that event management is a serious profession requiring specific skills.
Achieving IEM recognition for both our Event Management and Innovation BA Hons, and our International Events Management MA, exemplifies our course content, noting its relevance to current industry trends, innovations and requirements. And demonstrates that our courses are focused on developing our students as critical thinkers and responsible future event leaders.
We’re proud of the way in which our curriculum provides a blended approach to academic studies, experiential learning and authentic assessments. We look to support our students in building a rounded understanding of the industry, the wider impact of events within our society, and the skills and competencies needed to become an event management professional.
We rely on input from professionals to ensure our courses are relevant and impactful. Over the past year, I’ve worked with at least 30 industry partners, from guest lecturers to recruiters to those offering student site visits and internships. Without those relationships, our courses wouldn’t be nearly as effective.
We see IEM recognition as a proud achievement for our courses, and we look forward to promoting this recognition and the ongoing connection to the IEM as part of our wider work to develop and promote relationships between academia and the events industry.
Tell us about your own background and how you found your way into events.
I left university with a degree in fine art and art history, but I soon realised I was more passionate about curating and organising multimedia exhibitions and events than creating the art itself. From there, I explored various roles in the events world – starting in charity fundraising, moving through music festivals, and eventually landing in cultural community events and large outdoor spectaculars.
Over 17 years, I’ve worked in everything from theatre and cabaret to arts festivals and council-led cultural programmes. I’m currently the chair of Same Sky, the largest arts charity in the south-east which delivers big parades and winter light festivals, which allows me to stay hands-on with what I love most.
When did the academic world become part of your professional mix?
Around 2015 or 2016, I was encouraged to lecture by friends in academia. I’d developed training for Brighton Fringe, which led to guest lecturing at universities like Westminster and London South Bank. I never set out to become an academic, but I loved the experience. My industry experience allowed me to bring real-world examples into the classroom. Over time, I shifted more toward full-time lecturing.
How did that evolve into doctoral research?
It was a gradual but natural progression. While completing a PgCert in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, I became fascinated by educational psychology and philosophy – especially critical pedagogy, which emphasises inclusive, accessible education. I’m dyslexic and understand the need for diverse learning approaches. My research explores how students can learn about social justice and equity through producing cultural community events. It blends my two passions: events and education.
What are your thoughts on how students today discover event management as a career?
The industry is much more visible now, but when I was younger, the idea of a career in events wasn’t really on the radar. Today, students are more savvy and very career-driven. Many already know what niche of the industry they want to explore – maybe esports or Formula One events – and they do extensive research on the best courses and institutions.
They’re also very well informed about the different types of programmes and make choices accordingly. Every course is different. Some are rooted in business schools, others in social sciences. They also offer varied focuses, from festivals to corporate events.
Students today often prioritise location, specialisation and career outcomes. I’m always impressed by the smart questions asked during open days. Financial pressures also mean students are thoughtful about the value of their degree.
What changes have you seen in event management education since you started teaching?
When I began teaching in 2017, it was during a boom for event management courses. Since then, the landscape has shifted. Covid-19, Brexit and visa policy changes have all impacted recruitment. We’ve also lost vital pathways from post-16 education, like BTECs and T-levels in tourism and hospitality, which used to feed into our programmes. That’s had a significant impact on enrolment.
Do you have many mature students coming to study?
Less so for full three-year degrees, but more often in one-year MAs, which can be career-boosting and are sometimes funded by employers. There’s also a growing demand for short courses and diplomas, especially for professionals already in the industry. Apprenticeship degrees could fill that gap if properly supported by government policy.
Do you think there are still good career prospects for students graduating today?
Absolutely. While festivals and large park events are currently experiencing issues [we spoke when major events in London parks were facing well-organised and high-profile opposition from residents’ groups], the sector is now so much broader: conferences, exhibitions, venue management and food markets are thriving. Our students are being hired by companies like Ticketmaster, Live Nation and major conference organisers. There’s no shortage of opportunity; it’s just not always where people expect.
How do your students respond to challenges in the industry, like diversity and sustainability?
There’s definitely a lack of diversity in the sector, and we need companies to take responsibility for that. Sustainability is another key concern. At Greenwich, we embed sustainability and carbon literacy in our curriculum.
We run professional development modules, and our students are very informed and are pushing the industry forward in these areas. They ask tough questions and are helping change the culture, particularly around well-being, burnout, diversity and career progression for women.
How are your programmes at Greenwich responding to these evolving issues?
We’ve just revalidated both our undergrad and postgrad courses. Our undergrads run live events every year, including hybrid ones using green screen and digital platforms. Our MA programme includes carbon literacy certification and integrates entrepreneurship and sustainability. We’re focused on making students industry-ready with cutting-edge skills.
What role does AEME (the Association for Events Management Education) play in your professional life?
I joined AEME because I’m passionate about developing event management education. It offers a platform to share best practices, collaborate on pedagogy and build relationships across institutions. The AEME works with other industry and education-based associations to champion events, tourism and hospitality management education at policy level, looking to develop further and higher education opportunities and career routes into industry. I also run AEME’s special interest group on teaching and learning, which hosts seminars on curriculum design and research. We also work closely with the industry through initiatives like site visits, live briefs and panels.
What’s your final message about the relationship between education and industry?
Simple: we must see academia and industry not as separate entities but as collaborators. Our students are the future of this sector. Through education, we can push for meaningful change, whether it’s around equality, diversity, inclusion, sustainability or innovation. With ongoing dialogue and shared goals, we can prepare the next generation to lead the industry forward.
Esports is an area of the events sector in which students are keen to specialise
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/jg.jpg500500Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-09-10 08:30:002025-09-10 10:06:26Bringing professional practice into events education
No matter how skilled and experienced you are, there is one big monster that can stop you meeting deadlines, prevent you realising your potential and create stress and burnout.
It’s the ‘haven’t got time monster’. Time poverty and lack of bandwidth plague our working lives. There’s a lot of truth in the old adage, ‘If you want anything done, ask a busy person’, but often busyness gets confused with business. Your focus is blurred, leaving you dissatisfied with your output and impact and feeling like you’re running on empty.
Bandwidth is your ability and capacity to pay attention, make good decisions and keep to plans. Low bandwidth undermines your ability to solve problems, retain information or think logically. You end up fixating on the problem rather than progressing constructively to achieve your goal.
How to overcome the ‘haven’t got time monster’? By dedicating one hour, from 9-10am on Friday 19 September, to an online workshop with Andy Green FRSA.
Andy is a coach/mentor, lecturer, author and co-founder of social enterprise Grow Social Capital and the Modern Cockney Festival. He believes we are surrounded by opportunities and even runs creativity classes on LondonUnderground to prove it!
Discover:
• 5 strategies for overcoming the ‘haven’t got time monster’;
• 7 key ways to make optimal use of your resources;
• The 5 ‘S’s to improve the quality of your time; and
• Your own ‘Overcoming the time monster’ toolkit to guide your future responses.
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/pixabay-stopwatches.jpg8531280Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-08-04 16:31:082025-08-04 16:31:08How to overcome the ‘haven’t got time monster’
Our recent members’ forum welcomed Jess Chambers, Ian Wynne-Smythe, Roger Barrett and Marie Townshend to present their very different perspectives on the current state of the event industry, the challenges they face in their respective sectors, and how the IEM can support them.
We are planning regular forums, giving members a chance to meet each other, share experiences and enable the IEM better to advocate for the industry as a whole. Want to join our next forum or, even better, make a short and informal presentation? Drop a note to andrew@lookup-comms.co.uk and we’ll be in touch!
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/IEM-members-mtg.jpg8421505Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-07-03 14:41:332025-07-03 14:43:00IEM members have their say
A very special benefit of IEM membership is FREE access to two programmes designed to boost both your performance and your wellbeing. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
The Purpose Programme run by Andy Green FRSA will help you identify your values and beliefs to create your own unique purpose. The aim is to develop greater self-understanding and direction, especially in your professional life. The course comprises three 60-minute, small-group workshops via Zoom, plus an individual coaching session.
One attendee said: “The word ‘purpose’ is being used more and more, but this is not ‘here we go again’ – the programme is practical, easily accessible for anyone at any level and can be hugely powerful.” Dates are 9 and 23 May and 6 June.
The Health and Wellbeing Programme also comprises three 60-minute online workshops plus one-to-one time.
This is a fantastic opportunity to work with a leading health and wellbeing coach and learn important self-development tools to use in your own time and at your own pace.
Alongside colleagues from similar professional backgrounds, you will identify triggers and responses, form good habits for managing stress, physical fitness and nutrition, and develop a nurturing culture. Previous attendees report gaining a clearer understanding of the physical and emotional skills needed to succeed, both at work and in their wider life. Dates are 4 and 18 June and 2 July.
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/pleased-female-doing-wrist-stretches-desk-scaled.jpg17032560Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-04-25 16:10:532025-04-25 16:10:53Book now to boost your performance and wellbeing!
Want to discover how you can improve your health and wellbeing, and move forward in your career with more energy, productivity and resilience?
The Health and Wellbeing Programme is a unique free IEM member benefit. Comprising three 60-minute, small-group workshops via Zoom, plus individual coaching sessions during the course, this is a fantastic opportunity to work with a leading health and wellbeing coach and learn important self-development tools to use in your own time and at your own pace.
Alongside colleagues from similar professional backgrounds, you will identify triggers and responses, and form good habits for managing stress, physical fitness, nutrition and a nurturing culture. Previous attendees report gaining a clearer understanding of the physical and emotional skills needed to succeed, both at work and in their wider life.
Now’s the time to put yourself at the top of your priority list! The next course runs on 6 and 20 March, and 3 April. To find out more and book a place, email diane.earles@event-managers.institute.
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/66139-scaled.jpg20482560Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-02-26 15:53:162025-02-26 15:55:45Book now for free members’ Health and Wellbeing Programme
The Institute of Event Management (IEM) is delighted to announce that Tim Owen LVO FRSA RIBA FIEM is its new Executive Board Chair, in succession to Susan Spibey.
Tim became a Director and Founding Fellow of the IEM in January 2022. He is the founder of Major Impact City Events consultancy and has been part of the UK’s national event planning for more than three decades. He has chaired Licensing, Operational and Safety Planning Groups for many of the most memorable large-scale events in London, including Millennium Eve, the Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I’m fortunate to have worked with most parts of the UK events industry during my career,” says Tim.
“Although much of my own work has focused on the London ‘annual schedule’ and one-off occasions, it shouldn’t be just for these large-scale events that our sector is known.
“The skills, experience and process management required are equally applicable to local community events, which are no less rigorous or demanding.
“The IEM has a critical role to play for all parts of the industry. We are champions of event managers everywhere and provide a route to professional recognition both for individuals and for higher education courses. I want to continue our mission to show that ‘making things happen’ is not magic, but the result of talented and dedicated practitioners deploying a wide range of transferrable skills.”
“Susan founded the IEM in 2012 and is one of the most important and influential figures in the events industry. I look forward to continuing her brilliant work and am thrilled she has chosen to remain on our Executive Board.”
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Tim-Owen.png200200Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-02-17 14:04:422025-02-17 14:04:42Tim Owen becomes new IEM Chair
The Institute of Event Management is following with interest the progress of The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, also known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in honour of Martyn Hett, a victim of the Manchester Arena attack in 2017.
The Bill, which will introduce new safety responsibilities for UK venues and public event spaces, has progressed through its second reading in the House of Lords where it received cross-party support. The Bill will next undergo scrutiny at the Committee stage.
The Bill establishes a tiered approach, based on the venue, the activity or the event, and the number of attendees. Large venues or events with a capacity of more than 800 people will be expected to meet comprehensive security obligations. Martyn’s Law will also apply to the 150,000-plus premises with a capacity of 200 to 800 people. These smaller venues will be required to implement practical and straightforward security measures.
Research last year found that 43 per cent of UK venues were unsure how to prepare for ‘Martyn’s Law’. In response, the Home Office has published a factsheet which is available here and will be regularly updated.
Image by Drazen Zigic on Freepik
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/back-view-excited-audience-with-arms-raised-cheering-front-stage-music-concert-copy-space-scaled.jpg14402560Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-02-11 16:19:172025-02-11 16:23:20Progress for ‘Martyn’s Law’
Being recognised by the Institute of Event Management (IEM) holds great significance for me. It validates my expertise and dedication to the events industry and opens up opportunities for further growth, learning, and development.
By being actively involved with the Institute, I can contribute to and learn from a community of like-minded professionals who share my values and dedication to creating more environmentally conscious and socially responsible events. This involvement not only enhances my knowledge and skills but also enables me to make a positive impact on the industry as a whole.
Looking ahead, my aspiration is for the IEM to emerge as a dominant global authority in the events industry. The organisation should aim to establish benchmarks for excellence, foster innovation, and champion sustainable practices within the sector.
Furthermore, providing a comprehensive range of CPD courses tailored specifically for event professionals will eliminate the need for them to seek educational opportunities from other professional bodies to enhance their industry knowledge and expertise.
Attending the A Greener Future conference last February was a transformative experience. The conference featured its inspirational founder, Dr Teresa Moore; Attitude is Everything, who connect disabled people with the music and live event industries to improve accessibility; and Julie’s Bicycle, the pioneering non-profit that is mobilising the arts and culture sectors to take action on the climate, nature and justice crisis.
Their insights on eco-friendly event practices, the importance of sustainable sourcing, and reducing carbon footprints left a lasting impact on me.
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Tracy-John.jpg560560Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2025-02-03 11:28:332025-02-03 11:29:54Point of View: Tracy John
As the year comes towards a close, we want to thank you for being part of the Institute of Event Management. Over the last 12 months we have made significant progress in developing professional recognition for our members, and ensuring the next generation of students are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in our dynamic and fast-moving industry.
Don’t forget that among our member benefits is access to unique life and work skills programmes, at no extra cost. We have courses coming up – what better way to kickstart the new year?
The Purpose Programme (three sessions starting 10 January) is about finding your focus in life and work. The Health and Wellbeing Programme (three sessions starting 6 March) aims to keep you functioning at peak performance and will transform your thinking on stress, nutrition and culture. For more details, email diane.earles@event-managers.institute.
We wish you a happy holiday season and look forward to a prosperous and impactful 2025 filled with world-class events!
The Institute of Event Management directors
https://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/seasons-greetings-hand-written-lettering-with-golden-decoration-ornament_116399-461.avif740740Rebecca Christianhttps://event-managers.institute/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Institute-of-Event-Managers-300x138.pngRebecca Christian2024-12-19 15:01:582024-12-19 15:01:58Season’s greetings from the IEM
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