The Future of Events

The global events industry is both diverse and dynamic with events professionals being required to constantly adjust to the external environment in which they operate. While the industry is used to adapting and evolving, significant shifts in the global environment caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, war in Ukraine and cost of living crisis have led to an acceleration in the use of digital technology with many events pivoting to virtual delivery and/or adopting models of hybrid delivery.

The purpose of the The Future of Events module (TOUR11009) is to examine the impact of external environmental factors on the events industry and explore how to ensure its future survival, with a particular focus on the use of digital technology. The module will begin by examining the impact of external environmental challenges upon the events industry and exploring the various ways in which different types and genre of events around the world have sought to reimagine their offerings to ensure their and future survival and ongoing sustainability. The module will then consider the wider policy perspectives and operational challenges of delivering events in a vastly changed environment.

Once an understanding of the current external environment has been gained, the course will examine the potential opportunities afforded in relation to the digital dimension of events, exploring the various ways in which transformational technology can be used to support and enhance the event experience. Finally, the module will consider the future of events and how event professionals and organisations can utilise digital technology to ensure their longevity in an ever-changing environment.

The module is taught by academics from the Centre for Culture, Sport and Events (CCSE) and Division of Marketing, Innovation, Tourism and Events (MITE), with industry supporting delivery where appropriate. Participants will learn from a range of experts in both events and digital/transformation technology, ensuring that they develop academic knowledge and practical skills that can be implemented in their respective workplaces. In addition to the educational aspects of this module, a community network will be developed, providing a platform for an ongoing discussion relating to the future of events.

 

Learning outcomes 

On completion of this module, students will be able to:  

• Develop a critical appreciation of the external (environmental, economic and social) factors currently impacting the global events industry
• Critically analyse the governmental policies and operational challenges influencing the development and delivery of events
• Develop a critical understanding of the importance of digital and transformational technology and the techniques needed for use in the events industry
• Critically explore the ways in which digital technology can be applied to ensure future survival and development of the events industry in a hybrid environment

This module is equivalent to 20 credits at SCQF Level 11.  Individuals may be able to continue onto the MSc International Events Management.

 

Delivery and assessment

This course will be delivered entirely online through a combination of self-paced study and live sessions with staff from the CCSE and MITE. 

The course will be delivered via live online sessions:

• Induction: Wednesday 22nd January 2025: 9am to 10am
• Session One: Wednesday 5th February 2025: 10am to 1pm 
• Session Two: Wednesday 26th February 2025: 10am to 1pm 
• Session Three: Wednesday 19th March 2025: 10am to 1pm 
• Session Four: Wednesday 9th April 2025: 10am to 1pm

Asynchronous online learning - materials, tasks and online discussions through our virtual learning environment.

Participants will be able to access all materials through our virtual learning environment and will work through the course content in their own time. Participants will be expected to contribute to online forums and tasks and engage with group-wide discussions as well as attend the live online sessions.

Participants are required to complete assessments throughout the module to demonstrate their knowledge. Further information regarding assessment methods and deadlines will be given to students when they commence their studies.

 

Prerequisites

Admission to the course will be on a case-by-case basis, however participants will typically have already attained a Bachelor’s degree (or have equivalent experience), and work in an events or business focused role.

Please note that this course is Masters-level study and so will require a significant time commitment in order to successfully complete it.

 

Funding

This course may be available on a fully funded basis to some delegates.  Further details, including regarding eligibility, are available under Funding Support.

If you have any questions, please contact us at cpd@uws.ac.uk. 

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further information is available at the Student Information Portal.