Events Are Easy...

Events Are Easy... At least, that is what a lot of people think! It's just some people in a place, at a time, and it happens... Of course, it looks easy when events have been planned with care, detail and precision. That is the art of the events professional. This book offers a practical overview to help anyone who needs to plan and deliver an event, however small or large. Paul J. Abbott is a seasoned events professional who has enjoyed an exciting and varied career in the meetings and events industry. Like many people, he learned 'on the job' and made plenty of mistakes along the way. From Event Coordinator on international conferences to Director in a mixed-use performance venue, he has an extensive history to draw on, from the mundane to the extraordinary. This book is the simple, straight-talking guide he would have wanted when he started out. Paul shares thoughts and insights on everything from developing an idea and turning it into a plan, to delivering and evaluating the event. Along the way, he presents simple explanations of common terminology and practical guides on a range of subjects from identifying content to working with venues, via integrated risk management, sustainability, and a whole lot more. 'I have a unique perspective on how events work... This book brings together practical advice from my own experiences with reflections from an exciting career which I hope will inspire you, whatever stage you are at on your events journey.' PAUL J. ABBOTT

Paul J. Abbott has been planning and managing events for 25 years, including meetings, large-scale conferences, exhibitions, concerts, dinners and parties. He has welcomed attendees to a wide range of venues from specialist conference centres to vast arenas. He has created spectacular performance events in concert halls and public spaces. He is now an independent events consultant, leadership coach, trainer, and author. Paul learned his trade 'on the job', working his way up from events assistant to director in different organisations, delivering thousands of events along the way. He has a reputation for his attention to detail, imagination, and the quality of his work. He has significant leadership experience, and he has served as non-executive director on several boards. Before starting his own company, he was Director of Events in a UK Conservatoire with responsibility for all events output, a mixed-use commercial venue, technical and catering operations, programming and commercial sales. He was also Artistic Director of an award-winning contemporary music festival. Alongside his work with celebrities and major names in music, radio and television, he has significant experience working on community projects and delivering high quality events to showcase next generation talent. Paul is a talented composer and performer in his own right, gaining a PhD in Music from the University of York at the same time as building a successful career in events management. His rich and varied experience has enabled him to view live events from many different angles which gives him the unique perspectives which he shares through his writing, training and public speaking engagements.