EPM EV43004FP C1-17-26.pdf

INITIATION PHASE The initiation phase is the foundational stage in the project management life cycle where a project is defined, authorised, and officially launched. Its primary goal is to ensure that stakeholders are aligned on the project's objectives, scope, feasibility, and initial planning. Ke...

INITIATION PHASE The initiation phase is the foundational stage in the project management life cycle where a project is defined, authorised, and officially launched. Its primary goal is to ensure that stakeholders are aligned on the project's objectives, scope, feasibility, and initial planning. Key tasks include identifying stakeholders, conducting initial feasibility assessments, identifying early risks, and convening a kick-off meeting to align stakeholders. This phase sets the groundwork for successful project execution by ensuring clarity on project objectives, establishing stakeholder alignment, and laying the foundation for detailed planning and execution. 4. Relative components of an event project management plan When it comes to event planning, there are certain key elements that event project manager needs to keep in mind to make sure the event is smoothly executed. By focusing on these important factors, event project manager can create a blueprint for the event that will help ensure its success. Each of the following component will have their own timeline and monitoring, e.g. planning on how to recruit exhibitors, acquire speakers, marketing the event, etc. Event Details Event Details refer to the basic details of the event such as event name, date, time and a brief description of the event. Attendee Profile and Information Knowing the ideal attendee profile will enable event project manager to identify the most effective promotion channels, select the right venue, retain attractive keynote speakers, for better engagement insights. Attendee profiling is the process of characterising the potential attendees’ likes and dislikes, goals and aspirations based upon their behaviour, needs and wants. 17 Event Schedule Event schedule is a chronologically ordered list of programme/ activities planned for occurrence throughout the planned period in an event. It can stretch from a day (e.g. a meeting) to a few days (e.g. a conference or exhibition), or a week to a month (e.g. week- long festival, month long Olympic Game, World Expo) This task is included in the project management plan so that the development of the event schedule and the programme/ activities listed can be monitored and resources will be assigned to it. Venue Selection Criteria When creating a list of venue to consider, it is important to include relevant information that will help event stakeholder to make an informed decision. Here are some key details to include in the venue shortlist: x Name of the venue/ property x Location: the address or general location of each venue. x Capacity: Note the maximum capacity of each venue to ensure it can accommodate the expected number of attendees comfortably. x Facilities and Amenities: Mention any specific facilities or amenities offered by the venue, such as ballrooms, exhibition spaces, open spaces, parking availability, Wi- Fi and catering services, etc. x Cost of venue rental. x Accessibility: Wheelchair accessibility, ramps, elevators etc. 18 Floor Plan An event floor plan is a visual representation of the event space. It includes all the essential aspects of the event, such as: x Exhibition booth layout x Seating layout x Stage layout x Entrances and exits, x Sound console x Way finding, crowd flow x Stages, AV, lighting Source: Dubai Stand, extracted from http://dubaistand.com/exhibition-stand-design-process/ 19 Budget An event budget is an estimation of the costs an event will incur based on plans. It should include all the projected revenues and expenditures of the event. 20 List of Sponsors The specific details of sponsors may vary depending on the project and organisation, but some common elements to consider may include: x List of potential sponsoring companies x Contact Information: Allows project manager to assign salesperson to reach out to the potential sponsoring companies. x Role or Title: Specify the role or job title of representative from the company Effective communication and collaboration with sponsors are critical for project success, so having accurate and up-to-date information is essential. This item is included in a project management plan to track the recruiting process of sponsors (sponsorship sales) tag to the assigned salesperson. List of Volunteers A volunteer list consists of a database that contains the names, contact information, and relevant details of individuals who have offered to volunteer their time and services for an event or project. It is created to keep track of the volunteers and facilitate communication and coordination. The volunteer list typically includes information such as: x List of volunteer names and where they can be recruited from (e.g. schools/ public/ association/ community) x Contact details: Phone numbers, email addresses etc. x Availability: The dates and times when the volunteers are available to contribute. x Skills and expertise: Any specific skills, qualifications, or experience that the volunteers possess and that may be relevant to the event or project. x Preferences: Any preferences or limitations the volunteers may have regarding the tasks they are willing to perform. x Assigned roles: Once volunteers have been assigned specific roles or responsibilities, this information can be included in the list. This item is included in a project management plan to track the recruitment and onboarding process of the volunteers (if any). 21 Marketing Plan This is a strategic document that outlines the promotional and communication strategies to create awareness, generate interest, and attract attendees or participants to an event. A marketing plan for an event project will include the following elements: x Event objectives: These could be increasing attendance, promoting a cause, or building brand awareness. x Target audience: This includes demographics and psychographic such as age, gender, interests, and preferences. x Message positioning: Define the key messages and value proposition of the event. These messages should be compelling and highlight the unique aspects and benefits of attending the event. x Marketing strategies: This can include a combination of traditional marketing methods (eg. print advertisements, radio, TV), digital marketing (social media, email campaigns, website), public relations, content marketing, influencer. x Budget: Funds dedicated to advertising, promotional materials, design, online advertising, paid media, and any other marketing expenses. x Timeline: Create a timeline outlining when each marketing activity will be executed. This helps in planning and tracking progress leading up to the event. x Evaluation and metrics: The metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the marketing efforts. This can include metrics such as ticket sales, website traffic, social media engagement, media coverage, and attendee feedback. Below figure is a sample Event Marketing Project Gantt Chart Source: venngage.com 22 Entertainment Plan The entertainment plan is an integral part of event management, particularly for events such as conferences, festivals, parties, corporate events, and cultural gatherings. It focuses on incorporating various forms of entertainment to enhance the overall event experience and create memorable moments for the participants. An entertainment plan should include the following: x Entertainment options: This can include live performances, musical acts, DJs, comedians, dancers, magicians, interactive activities, art installations, or any other form of entertainment that suits the event's atmosphere. x Schedule and timing: Determine when and where the entertainment activities will take place during the event. Create a schedule that allows for smooth transitions and avoids overlaps with other essential event elements such as keynote speeches, presentations, or meals. x Performer selection and booking: Research and select performers or entertainment acts that are relevant and appealing to the target audience. Consider their expertise, reputation, availability, and cost. Coordinate with booking agents to secure the necessary contracts and agreements. x Technical requirements: Ensure that the event venue can meet the technical needs of the entertainer and make the necessary arrangements in advance. Digital Production Plan The strategic plan that outlines the use of digital technologies and platforms to enhance the production and execution of an event. It focuses on leveraging digital tools, software, and online platforms to streamline processes, improve communication, enhance attendee experience, and optimise event operations. Some examples may include; x Event website and online registration. x Virtual event platforms that enable interactive sessions, virtual exhibitor booths, networking opportunities, and live streaming and recording to reach a broader audience. x Content creation and management tools used for creating engaging videos, presentations, graphics, and promotional materials. 23  x Content distribution channels, such as social media platforms, event apps, or email newsletters, to effectively communicate with attendees and promote the event. x Communication and collaboration tools such as project management platforms, video conferencing tools, instant messaging apps, and shared document repositories that facilitate communication and collaboration among event organisers, staff, volunteers, and participants. Equipment List Equipment list plays a crucial role in ensuring that all necessary resources are identified, procured, and managed effectively throughout the event project. It is important to tailor the equipment list to the specific requirements of an event, considering factors such as event type, size, venue, and technical needs. Some key items to include: x Audio-Visual equipment such as sound systems (microphones, speakers, amplifiers), Projectors and screens, Video equipment (cameras, video switchers), Lighting equipment (stage lights, spotlights), Cables, connectors, and adapters. x IT and Networking Equipment such as Computers and laptops, printers and scanners x Wi-Fi routers and access points, Network switches and cables, Power strips and extension cords x Event Decorations and set up such as floral arrangements, backdrops and drapes, themed decorations, props and display items, balloons and other decorative elements. Also include how tables and chairs, podiums and lecterns, Stages and risers, Tents and canopies, Signage and banners should be placed. x Registration: name badges (badge rolls), lanyards, registration kiosks and badge printers, x Meeting room requirement: whiteboards, writing materials, mobile devices x Event Production Equipment such as truss systems and rigging equipment, Scenic elements (set pieces, backdrops), Audio mixing consoles, Lighting consoles and control boards, Special effects equipment (fog machines, lasers). 24  x Event Support Equipment such as crowd control barriers, waste and recycling bins, safety equipment (fire extinguishers, first aid kits), generators. Health and Safety Plan It is the event project manager’s responsibility to make sure that all staffs and event participants are kept safe throughout set up, breakdown and the event itself. Depending on the nature and scale of the event, an event safety plan is likely to include the following: x Overall brief description of the event. x Event safety policy statement. A general policy that provides guidelines and standards on how to keep a safe and healthy environmental work area. x Details of the event including venue design, structures, audience profile and capacity, duration, food, toilets, refuse, water, fire precautions, first aid, special effects, access and exits, music levels, etc. x A map or site plan of the event showing the location of the event and key facilities and arrangements for the event and described in the details of the event. x Event risk assessments. x Crowd management plan detailing the numbers and types of stewards, methods of working, chains of command. x Transport management plan detailing the parking arrangements, traffic management issues and public transport arrangements. x Emergency plan detailing action to be taken by designated people in the event of a major incident or contingency. x Fire precautions plan detailing fire risk assessments and fire precautions in place at the event. x First-aid plan detailing procedures for administering first aid on site and arrangements with local hospitals. Security Plan Hosting an event that runs smoothly requires a fool proof security plan made up of various elements that coordinate to ensure staff and attendees are safe throughout the entirety of the event. When looking at how a successful security plan is formed the steps required are: 1. Research and Threat Assessment phase: Identify risks and vulnerabilities and prioritize them. A threat assessment helps to rank all possible threats in terms of the potential harm an incident could cause, the likelihood of it happening, and the cost of preventing the threat or lessening its impact. 25  2. Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Response phase: Understand how to prevent and mitigate the threats identified. Use technology or security/staff to counter and reduce the threats. 3. Operations Phase: Putting the plan into action e.g. screen and train security personnel to ensure they are properly equipped for the job. Controlling access or restricting certain items can be important for security purposes. Traffic safety at events and how to direct the flow of cars is also important for medium to large sized events. 4. Review Phase: It is important to debrief with the entire team and talk through what was effective and what was not. Attempt to uncover the source of any issues that might have occurred and figure out what should be done next time. 5. Mapping of Project Milestones using GANTT Chart Technique What is a Gantt Chart? A Gantt chart is a popular project management tool used to visualise the schedule and progress of tasks over time. It provides a graphical representation of project activities, their durations, and their dependencies. a. Key Components of a Gantt Chart x Tasks: The specific activities that make up the project. x Timeline: A horizontal axis that represents the duration of the project. x Start and End Dates: The dates when a task begins and ends. x Task Duration: The time it takes to complete a task. x Bars: Horizontal bars representing the duration of each task. x Dependencies: Tasks that depend on the completion of other tasks. x Tasks can overlap, indicating they can be worked on simultaneously. b. Steps to Create a Gantt Chart: 1. List All Tasks: Break down the project into manageable tasks. 2. Determine Task Duration: Estimate the time needed for each task. 3. Set Task Dependencies: Identify which tasks need to be completed before others can begin. 4. Create the Chart: Draw a timeline and represent each task with a bar. 26