Published: 24 July 2020
Over the last ten years, Fotios Vasileiou, Lecturer in Events and Entertainment Management, has been known for his work on a teaching method he created known as ‘The Awesome Method’.
The Method focuses on human values, positive thinking, personal interests, strengths based education and motivation. Through experience, student engagement and professional networking, events, fashion and entertainment students can become highly successful in life and work.
‘We don’t want to just help them learn how to memorise facts and information they’ve learned in classes.’ Fotios says. ‘We want them to be able to think for themselves.
In this article, he discusses why now is the best time to invest in studying if you work or want to work in events.
“The impact of COVID-19 on the events industry is unquestionable. According to research by VisitBritain, 74% of event organisers have postponed their events. More than 40 international fashion shows have been cancelled.
But, according to one report over 35% of successful event planners in the UK see lockdown as an opportunity to develop themselves.
I wanted to know why events planners are looking to develop themselves so I can advise my students how to use the time while in lockdown.
I analysed news and conducted interviews with people in events, music, fashion and film industry. From that data, I’ve found the main reasons people in the events industry are working on self-development are:
Learn, learn, learn
Working in events requires a huge amount of knowledge. Whether you’re learning to play the guitar, cook, make-up, meditations or design, everything can be used by a creative events professional to boost their expertise.
Focus
Events managers have a very specialised area of expertise. Focusing on a specialism makes you more confident and ultimately more successful.
Get job-ready
When the events industry opens up again, there’s likely to be a huge demand for experienced professionals. There are a few reasons behind this, including the fact that governments want to invest in events as a way of combating the increase in poor mental health reported since the lockdown.
Stay happy
Developing a positive mindset is one of the most important investments an events manager can make. It’s an industry where, often, you’re assessed on your smile and the excitement of your participants. That’s what makes studying events so different from other subjects. We’re not just running a business, we’re creating memories.”
Fotios Vasileiou is the coordinator of the BA (Hons) Events and Entertainment Management course at the University of Sunderland in London. He is also a member of the Association of Events Management Educator. Visit the Tourism, Hospitality and Events course pages for more information.
Find out more by following #WeAreSunLon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.