Analysis of Event Management
Senior Thesis
Since beginning my journey on this project, my dedication to the work and motivation to grow have led me to exceptional projects and experiences. I’m grateful for a profession I’m passionate about, and am proud to share examples of work I have had the pleasure to be a part of during the creation of my Senior Honors Thesis Project. Please take a moment to check out my portfolio of analyzing four individual events this year!
Social Event
Charlie Town Tailgate
The basic concept of a social event is to provide an experience for guests where they get to relax, interact, and enjoy themselves. The definition of a social gathering is defined as interactions among a diversity of individuals of all abilities in groups for social and community purposes. Whether the event is to increase morale within a company by putting on a corporate Holiday party, boosting school pride during Homecoming week, or just celebrating life with a summer barbecue, social events are intended to bring people together.
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The event I shadowed classified under a Social Event was Charlie Town Tailgate. They happen every home football game and are put on by the Alumni Association of Ball State University. The event brought together faculty, students, fans, and alumni to rally behind the BSU Football Team. By providing multiple food trucks, activities, entertainment, and free merchandise they were able to bring a diverse group of people together and enjoy the day!
Fundraising Event
Dance Marathon
A fundraising event is executed to raise funds for an organization, nonprofit, or cause. These events are designed to raise funds, bring awareness and educate the public about the organization or mission, recruit members to join the cause, and reach as many people to attend as possible. Some of the most popular fundraising events are 5k races, dine to donates, auctions, galas, and marathons.
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Ball State University has a Dance Marathon that supports Riley Hospital for Children by funding the Magic Castle Cart and the Palliative Care Team. It is a 13.1 hour long event where participants stand and raise money for the hospital. However, this is a year long fundraising effort, meaning participants raise money all year leading up to the event as well as during the event. During the 13.1 hours, there are inspirational speakers, fundraising challenges, activities, music, food, and most importantly the Riley Kids. The Riley Kids are celebrated at the marathon and treated like rockstars.
Sporting Event
Indy 500 and Flag Football Tournament
Sporting events sound simple for the audience, but are extremely complex on the backend. The focus is on the consumers and fans attending the event. It is all about creating an unforgettable experience for the customers. This is done by providing an exciting atmosphere, great food, merchandise to remember the day, and obviously a good game to watch. On the backend, for sporting events there is an abundant amount of coordination when working with a variety of vendors. They need to sell tickets, organize what is being sold, work with vendors selling food, train employees, and more.
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The Indy 500 is one of the biggest sporting events held in Indianapolis. It is an automobile racing circuit that provides races to thousands of fans every May. I got the opportunity to work during the month of May for the IMS College Program. This program was providing students with an unmatched training for event management. Tasks included were guest services, ticket sales, guest transportation, parking and traffic, gates, and hospitality. Students left with skills such as leading a diverse workforce, inclusion to active problem solving and the analysis of event operations in a very dynamic environment, rigors of demanding event days, and understanding brand representation.
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I also had the opportunity to plan, oversee, and execute a flag football tournament during Homecoming Week for Ball State University. This included marketing the event to students, scheduling a location, working with corporate sponsors for prizes for the winners of the tournament, and organizing a bracket.
Thank you BSU!
Get in Touch
Interested in learning more about my senior thesis project or how to get started in Event Management? Feel free to reach out anytime. I would be more than happy to chat.
