MSc International Events Management

In this first edition, we take a look at how MMU’s MSc International Event Management students have been connecting with our event industry partners. We pride ourselves on the opportunities we present to engage our students with industry, which we see as a key attribute of our programme. Students are provided with the platform to gain valuable professional practice, network with key industry figures, as well as helping them to apply academic theory to real-life experience!

OUR MSC INTERNATIONAL EVENT MANAGEMENT STUDENTS WERE INVITED TO MEET AND NETWORK WITH OUR FANTASTIC INDUSTRY PARTNERS, AS PART OF OUR ‘CONNECT 2’ EVENT.

High-profile event industry partners guests included:

• Richard Smith – Head of Sustainability BBC

• Jon Drape – Managing Director Ground Control Productions

• Charlie Mussett – Senior Operations Manager at the Great Run Company

• Sarah Bickerton - Director of Events at Manchester Central

• Dan Schofield – Managing Director at Venue Solutions

• Jack Thompson – Technical Director at Manchester International Festival

• Joe Charlton – Head of Events at Don’t Panic

WE WELCOMED GUESTS FROM SIERRA LEONE, NIGERIA AND GHANA TO EXPLORE HOW TO DEVELOP FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT COURSES IN THEIR OWN UNIVERSITIES

Our Events Management department welcomed academics from Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghana from theatre studies/media departments on Wednesday 20 th February. Our international guests were visiting the UK exploring how to develop festival management courses, units, and skills in their own universities. The British Council have funded this programme with Walk the Plank who are an outdoor arts production company (producers of the Manchester Day Parade).

Dr. Louise Platt, senior lecturer in Festivals & Events, presented an overview of our UG and PG Event Management programmes. The visitors were very impressed with our departmental Connect conference, which is an exclusive event for our Event Management students, and the various volunteering opportunities that are offered throughout the year. All of which allows our students to connect with industry and build their CVs. Louise provided a brief overview of the festival research context and some of the work she has been doing with grassroots festivals, and shared the special issue of the Journal of Place Management and Development that she edited. The group were extremely excited by what we are doing here, and hoped that we can all keep in touch to carry on sharing practice.

5 MINUTES WITH….

Emily Dennis – MMU Wellbeing & Mental Health Mentor

How long have you been at Manchester Metropolitan University?

I joined the Counselling, Health & Wellbeing team in 2017. Prior to Manchester I worked as a substance misuse practitioner for Manchester Drugs Service – experience that has been really useful for the drugs and alcohol group sessions and one-to-one support I now offer to Man Met students experiencing these challenges.

What is your favourite thing about the University?

Being part of a diverse university in a great, diverse city. For some of the students we work with, the reality of university can be different to the social media highlights they think they need to live up to but we reassure them that there’s no such thing as typical student. Being in Manchester there really is something for everyone and it’s easier than they think to connect with like-minded people, pursue their interests or try new experiences.

What is your typical working day like?

In my role I support students to stay well and manage their mental health and wellbeing. We meet with students individually and in groups to support a variety of needs and concerns, discuss ways to manage their wellbeing, build resilience and encourage them to make positive changes in their lives.

We work closely with other services provided by the University and the Students’ Union to improve student mental health and wellbeing. Any student who wants to talk to someone about their wellbeing can contact the Counselling, Health & Wellbeing team using the contact details on our website, and we run a drop-in service from our base on the first floor of the Business School each weekday between 1 and 2 pm.

What is your ideal weekend?

I love Manchester but it’s great to explore further afield and get outdoors. An ideal weekend would involve hiking and camping.

What are you reading, watching or listening to at the moment?

I’m really enjoying ‘Why We Sleep’ by Matthew Walker. It’s a great introduction to sleep science, looking at what really happens during REM sleep and why our sleep patterns change across a lifetime. The Counselling, Health & Wellbeing team run workshops offering practical advice to students on a range of wellbeing topics, including overcoming sleep problems and establishing good sleep patterns.

Favourite place in the region?

I enjoy exploring local parks and outdoor spaces in Manchester, whether that’s a quick stroll to Whitworth Park at lunch or visiting Chorlton Water park at the weekend.

COME AND EXPERIENCE OUR MANCUNIAN WARMTH! UPCOMING EVENTS IN AND AROUND OUR VIBRANT, WELCOMING CITY….

Visit Manchester have compiled a calendar of events, exhibitions, concerts, markets and theatre – you’ll never be stuck for world-class entertainment. Follow this link for all the details: What's on in Manchester

FEEL FREE TO REACH OUT TO US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS OR WEBSITE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPORT.

Alternatively you can speak to your programme leader

Janine Priest on 0161 247 2731, or email j.priest@mmu.ac.uk