ABSTRACT
An event can be a lot more than ‘just a game’ and, whatever its size, it can be of great importance to its community. This chapter will explain why and how this is the case. It is important to start with one key message and this is that events are fun. They are fun to watch, take part in and organise. Event management is not for everyone, but for those that aspire to it, the thrill of seeing a ‘sold out’ sign, the running-order working to time and planning that provides solutions to complex problems means more than being in the spotlight on the stage or pitch. Event management is a ‘behind the scenes’ role, and planning and then implementing an event that meets its objectives can be both a vocation and a oneoff experience that can be thoroughly enjoyable. This chapter will provide an overview of the job of organising events by considering how to plan and then implement them, whatever their size or location. First, though, it is important to set the scene and consider why events are important, what they are and what they can achieve.
