The different types of events
Written on 24th, November 2022
The world of events opens up infinite possibilities and ways to connect in real life, it’s what makes the industry so exciting. There’s no one-size-fits-all rule or way to run an event. From the number of attendees, to venue types, different event formats, budget allocations, technology and staffing — every event has its own unique set of requirements and challenges.
A role within the events profession encompasses several different types of event across a myriad of industries. There are classifications of the different types of events and we have listed these below. One of the benefits of working in events is that no event is exactly like another, which means no day at work is the same!
The Level 3 Events Assistant apprenticeship offers a great framework to have tutor led knowledge sessions coupled with on the job training and experience specific to the apprentice and the employer.
Types of Corporate Events
Conferences – The corporate conference is a primary type of event and is usually a large gathering within a venue focused on a central theme, product or service. The conference will normally include speakers, displays, performances, exhibitors, round tables, networking, catering and hospitality opportunities.
Trade Shows – These are event types that cover an industry or theme rather than a single company. Ranging from small to large, few to 100s or even 1000s of guests! Typically held in convention centres or conference halls they feature speakers, exhibitors, displays and sometimes entertainment.
Seminars – similar to a conference but these are more about learning and/or training. Normally a mixture of smaller groups for working sessions and then coming together for socialising and networking.
Company Meetings and off-sites – these can be anything from board or executive meetings to off-site training, company relaunches or copmany day for staff. They tend to be on a smaller scale but more upmarket and the venue would depend on the size and location of the company.
Team Building – these have always been very popular but when Covid-19 hit they stopped, hopefully they will gain momentum now as society re engages with face to face events. Team building events are extremely diverse and therefore depend on the scope from the client/employer.
Company Party – these types of events range from small scale dinners through to hiring an entire nightclub for entertainment. Similar to the team buidling events these depend on the scope and brief from the client.
Product or Service launch – The final main type of corporate event you’ll plan as an event manager is the product launch. These can have a similar feel to a party or conference but will usually be more upbeat and more promotional in feel.
You can host a product launch anywhere from golf courses to industry-specific venues like hotels, factories or football stadiums. Much depends on the size and scope of the company.
Non-corporate Event Types
Depending on where you work, you will likely be asked to plan events for individuals or non-corporate organisations. These also come in a range of different types.
Weddings range massively in terms of size, budget and scope and provide a unique challenge to organisers. Some clients prefer to use dedicated wedding planners but others like to work with event planners too. Weddings will typically use traditional venues but occasionally you’ll be asked to do something a little different – no two weddings are ever the same!
Festivals – these are another type of event you could be asked to plan during your event management career. Whether it’s a small scale literary or food festival or a large scale music festival like Download or Glastonbury, it’s all part of the job. Venues can literally be anything from a farmer’s field to a stadium. Some festivals are small enough for church halls while others will need more space.
Exhibitions are a common type of event you’ll encounter during your event career. It could be an industry exhibition, art, sculpture, national exhibition or something else, they are a unique event with unique challenges. Venues can include galleries, shopping centres, conference centres, train stations, bus shelters and schools. The spaces we use for exhibitions are as varied as the type!
Charity events are many and varied ranging from fundraisers to building awareness, thanking contributors or celebrity auctions. The more imaginative you can be, the more money you can raise. Venues for these types of events can be literally anywhere, depending on the charity and what they are aiming to achieve.
Sports and competition events can be anything from organising a cycle race over closed roads to setting up an auditorium for thousands of computer gamers. This is another event planner’s dream where anything is possible but the challenges can be huge. Typical venues can be sports stadiums, auditoriums, village halls, city centres and literally anywhere you can hold a competition safely
Fashion shows and red carpet events are high profile event types that you may do lots of or never do at all. They can be amazing experiences but are also tough to pull together. These are more about coordination than technical event planning but will challenge even the most experienced event manager! Venues can be anything from shopping centres with enough space for a catwalk to a West End cinema or theatre with enough space for a red carpet.
The variety in the events you will be asked to work with makes this one of the best careers you could ever have! Our Level 3 Events Assistant apprenticeship is a great first step – enquire today!
