Want an event that impresses? Our students can do that

Delegates were so impressed by the way a group of University of Northampton students organised a conference that they gave them a near-perfect satisfaction rating.

Four second year Events Management undergraduates were delighted to receive a 99 per cent satisfaction score from the 114 guests at Jogo Behaviour Support’s annual general meeting.

Lucy Barwell, Lucy Hemmings, Laura Smyth and Courtney Wallace were tasked with organising the high-profile event for the Northamptonshire-based company, which provides child behaviour support for schools.

Thanks to the professionalism of the group, the conference, which was held in the grand surroundings of Sedgebrook Hall, near Northampton, went like clockwork.

“To receive 99 per cent attendee satisfaction at the conference is an incredible achievement,” said Lucy Hemmings.

“The opportunity to work for a real-life company has enabled me to gain hands-on industry experience – I’ve been able to see things from a different perspective, as opposed to learning from inside a classroom.

“Organising the conference has also enabled me to network with professionals who I wouldn’t have ordinarily had the opportunity to meet.”

The project is a prime example of how the University’s business school uses its strong links with industry to benefit both its students, and the organisations involved.

All second years studying Events Management have the opportunity to organise an off-campus event for an external organisation – with each pitching their event to the undergraduates, who then select their preferred choice.

Lucy and her coursemates attended a course offered by Jogo to provide them with a greater understanding of its work, before carrying out a feasibility study into the AGM. They were involved in the booking process, marketed the event via social media and directly to local schools and designed the conference’s delegate packs.

They also liaised with the venue and were on hand during the event to ensure everything went smoothly. The students also sourced prizes for a raffle, which raised £220 for local charity NorPIP – the most a raffle has ever raised at a Jogo conference.

Lucy said: “The project reaffirmed just how important clear communication and organisation is and how you always need to have a Plan B, just in case something goes wrong. The whole experience has been invaluable, both from an academic perspective and for personal development.”

She added: “I’m not yet sure what career path I want to take but know that this course has opened up a wealth of opportunities to me.

“For example, I am now a Silverstone Racemaker and have been fortunate enough to volunteer at a number of their racing events including Formula One and Moto GP. I have volunteered at many other events including the Jenson Button Triathlon and the Rockingham Duathlon.”

Her coursemate, Courtney Wallace, added: “My dream job is to work for either an events company or venue in America. I think that this course will help me achieve this because it is relevant to what I want to do.”

Visit our Events Management course page for more details.