As we bid farewell to 2023 and look back on an incredible year, we are so proud of the the achievements of our students, graduates and teaching team.
This year has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with inspiring teaching, practical learning experiences, site tours of London's most iconic venues, programme launches, and students and graduates gaining hands-on experience through work placement and event volunteering. Join us in celebrating the highlights of an amazing year!
Inspiring New Lecturers
One of the key highlights of 2023 was the addition of several renowned industry experts to our faculty as Associate, Visting or Guest Lecturers. These new lecturers brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our school, enriching the learning experiences of our students. From live music event gurus to marketing maestros, their presence has truly elevated the quality of education we provide.
From top left: Bill Price: Live Music Events; Lauren Spencer: Marketing; Jerome Buchanan: Exhibition Management; Ryan Koolen: Major Sports Events; Shaan Dua: Festivals and Cultural Events; Louise Garlick: Major Events Logistics, Travel and Hospitality.
Experiential Learning Activities
Our commitment to providing hands-on practical learning experiences continued to be at the forefront of our approach in 2023. Students found inspiration not only in textbooks but also through real-world scenarios. Through simulations, attending live events or heading back-of-house, our students gained invaluable insights into the event industry, which will serve them well in their future careers.
Excursions to Iconic London Venues
Exploring London's vibrant event landscape is an integral part of our curriculum. This year, our students had the privilege of visiting some of the most iconic event venues, showcases and organisations in the city. From behind-the-scenes tours of historic venues to epic stadiums or contemporary festival locations, these excursions provided a unique window into the world of event management.
Site Tours included: London Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, ExCeL London, Home House, RSA House, The Lansdowne Private Members Club, The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, The Biltmore Mayfair, Harvey Nichols, The Dorchester, The V&A, The Langham, The Wallace Collection, The Marylebone Old Town Hall, Sunborn Yacht Hotel, The W London, The Londoner, The Rosewood, The Town Hall Hotel, The Caledonian Club, 1 Wimpole Street and Broadwick Live's "Flippers".
Attending Industry Events
In 2023, The Event School London continued to emphasise the immense value of attending industry events as a vital part of our students' education. These events, such as Cvent Connect Europe, International Confex, The Meeting Show, The Event Production Show, Sustainability Live, Event Tech Live, The National Wedding Show, DTX Digital Transformation, The Marketing Technology Show, RSVP Breakfasts, Symposiums, and various networking events organized by NAWP, served as invaluable platforms for our students to immerse themselves in the world of event management.
Beyond the classroom, these gatherings offered a treasure trove of benefits. Students had the opportunity to stay at the forefront of industry trends, learning about the latest innovations and best practices. Moreover, rubbing shoulders with industry insiders and fellow enthusiasts allowed our students to create lasting connections and expand their professional networks, paving the way for future collaborations and career opportunities. Attending these events wasn't just about gaining knowledge; it was a transformative experience that enriched our students' education and ignited their passion for the dynamic world of event management.
New Programs Launched
In 2023, we expanded our offerings to cater to the evolving needs of the event industry. We introduced exciting new programs including our degree and postgrad alternatives, new masterclasses in sustainability and production and a new range of advanced certificates. These programmes equip our students with the latest skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the ever-changing world of event management.
An Exceptional Lineup of Guest Speakers
In 2023 we had the privilege of hosting an exceptional lineup of guest speakers who left an indelible mark on our students' educational journey. Our commitment to providing a well-rounded learning experience was further solidified by the remarkable range of industry experts who graced our classrooms and virtual spaces. Students had the opportunity to engage with a diverse array of professionals who shared their invaluable insights, experiences, and expertise. These guest speakers not only broadened our students' horizons but also inspired them to reach new heights in their pursuit of event management excellence. Below are just a few examples from our extraordinary roster of speakers contributing to the educational tapestry of The Event School London in 2023.
Work Placement and Event Volunteering
Participating in event industry work placements and event volunteering opportunities throughout 2023 has been an invaluable experience for our students at The Event School London. These immersive experiences have allowed them to bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining hands-on exposure to the intricacies of event planning, execution, and management. Through work placements, our students have had the chance to work alongside seasoned professionals, witnessing real-world challenges and solutions in action.
These opportunities not only bolstered their resumes but also provided a deeper understanding of the industry's inner workings. Volunteering at various events, from conferences to sporting events, has not only allowed our students to contribute to meaningful causes but also network with industry leaders, honing their interpersonal and teamwork skills. Overall, these experiences have not only enriched their educational journey but have also prepared them for successful careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving event industry.
Some of the opportunities offered included with: Event People at London Marathon and the Half Marathon, King Charles III Coronation, Les Mills Live and at the UTS Tennis Grand Final. Plus opportunities at a Central London fundraising concert, with event industry associations, for a children's party organiser, and at multiple exhibitions and conferences at ExCeL London.
Off Shore
In 2023 The Event School London ventured off-shore offering input as invited industry experts, offering educational services or learning from global experiences to bring back to our teaching and share with our students. Many of our Associate Lecturers and Guest Speakers also work overseas adding valuable international event experience to their CVs and portfolios. Just a few examples include:
Nick Oxborrow: Lead Lecturer for The Event School London's delivery of our Certificate in Event Management for event professionals in Riyadh
Siobhan Craven-Robins: Invited UK Industry Expert at the 5th Dubai Global Wedding Excellence Retreat - a leadership platform for the global wedding industry
Director Maria O'Dea: Headed to Australia to attend the FIFA Women's World Cup
Sharifa Wilkinson: Back in Industry as Last Mile Lead for the FIFA World Cup Qatar
Ryan Koolen: Called in as an Event Delivery Manager to support COP28 UAE
Shaan Dua: Worked as Host Country Site Logistics Manager, FIFA World Cup Qatar
David Vogel: Tour Manager, Ultimate Driving Tours, Luxury Supercar Tours in Europe
Student Life on the ExCeL London Campus
Life on campus at ExCeL London in 2023 is exhilarating for our students. With hundreds of events taking place right at their doorstep, they can enjoy a front-row seat to the pulse of the event industry. The stunning dockside location offered breathtaking views, creating an inspiring backdrop for both learning and leisure. Whether it was networking over coffee at the on-site cafes or unwinding with classmates at the various restaurants and bars, students can find a vibrant and social atmosphere that perfectly complemented their academic pursuits. Venues at ExCeL London not only serve as an educational hub but also as a dynamic, 24/7 community where students can immerse themselves in both their studies and the thriving events scene.
Our main host venue for 2023, with quality facilities and training rooms, the Novotel ExCeL London, is just 100m from ExCeL's entrance - so access to the vibe and activity at London's leading event venue is a stone's throw away!
Just a few of the events hosted at ExCeL London this year included: World Travel Market, Disney 100 The Exhibition, MCM Comic Con, London International Horse Show, Kingdom of Winter Festival, International Confex, The Event Production Show, The Meetings Show, Event Tech Live, Sustainable Events Live, Salon International, The Business Innovation Show, The Marketing Show, DTX Digital Transformation, Sales Innovation Show, Connected Britain 2023, IFE International Food & Drink Show, National Wedding Show, British Education Technology Training Show, ICE London, MOVE IT Dance Competition, HRC Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show and the iconic FormulaE.
Here's a few of ExCeL London's 2023 Highlights
Celebration and Social
We marked the success of the autumn term with a celebratory reception for students and staff. This year's venue was lux and stylish, the Sunborn Yacht Hotel at ExCeL London, a setting that perfectly encapsulated the essence of luxury and sophistication.
As we look forward to the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will bring, we remain steadfast in our dedication to providing the highest quality education in event management.
Our mission is to empower students with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to create unforgettable experiences and make their mark in the world of events.
Thank you for being a part of our journey in 2023. We can't wait to see what the future holds and the incredible achievements that our students and graduates will accomplish. Here's to a bright and promising 2024!