Event and Communication Planning

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores how integrated communication supports the planning and execution of events in professional, organizational and community contexts. Focus on coordination of information, people, logistics, budgets and messaging across settings such as conferences, corporate functions, nonprofit initiatives, celebrations and outreach programs. Attention to theory-informed planning (praxis), interpersonal and organizational communication processes and the role of events in shaping stakeholder relationships and public engagement. Considers how context, culture, goals, audience expectations and needs influence communication choices in event design and management. RELEVANCE AND APPLICATION. Applies to fields involving strategic communication, public relations, marketing, corporate communication, nonprofit outreach, hospitality, fundraising and community engagement. Informs work that involves planning, promoting and coordinating events for internal or public audiences. Relevant to careers requiring collaboration across departments, client relations, sponsorship development, logistics management and message design. Supports preparation for roles in which communication strategy, leadership, coordination and audience experience are central to outcomes. DEEPENING UNDERSTANDINGS. Highlights how event planning relies on communication as both organizational practice and strategic action. Clarifies how decisions about language, symbolism, audience and presentation shape perception, participation and impact. Encourages recognition of how events reflect cultural norms, organizational identity and stakeholder expectations. Emphasizes the connection between communication theory and decision making in real-world planning environments. TOPICS AND THEMES. May include study of integrated communication strategy in event design; analysis of interpersonal, group and organizational coordination; consideration of budgeting, logistics, promotion and stakeholder engagement; exploration of leadership, negotiation and problem solving in planned events; application of theory-informed planning models; examination of crisis planning, evaluation and ethical or legal considerations. Content may incorporate diverse contexts and audiences, reflecting variations in purpose, culture and/or community needs. Prerequisites: Junior or senior classification, or approval of instructor.