
Event Planning and Management
Principles, Planning and Practice
Kogan Page Ltd (Publisher)
4th Edition
Published on 3. March 2026
Book
Hardback
376 pages
978-1-3986-2383-5 (ISBN)
Description
The definitive textbook for planning, managing and delivering successful events in a dynamic industry.
Event Planning and Management by Ruth Dowson, Bernadette Albert and Dan Lomax is a comprehensive guide designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying event management, event planning or public relations, as well as for early-stage practitioners preparing to deliver professional events. Now in its fully updated fourth edition, it provides clear, step-by-step guidance that aligns with core learning outcomes in event operations, marketing and strategic management modules.
Through a structured exploration of the event lifecycle, this textbook shows how to research, design and plan events that meet audience and stakeholder objectives. Students will learn how to select venues, manage budgets, create promotional strategies and handle on-site delivery and evaluation. The fourth edition introduces new content on contemporary issues including health and safety regulations, contracts and legal compliance and sustainable event practices that reflect today's ethical and environmental priorities.
Learning is supported throughout by:
-'Event hacks' offering expert insights from experienced event managers
-Practical checklists for planning, managing and evaluating events
-Adaptable templates drawn from real-world professional practice
-Critical reflection questions to reinforce analytical and strategic thinking
Whether preparing for a degree in event management or building a professional career in the industry, Event Planning and Management equips students and practitioners with the confidence, tools and practical know-how to design and deliver events from concept to completion.
Event Planning and Management by Ruth Dowson, Bernadette Albert and Dan Lomax is a comprehensive guide designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying event management, event planning or public relations, as well as for early-stage practitioners preparing to deliver professional events. Now in its fully updated fourth edition, it provides clear, step-by-step guidance that aligns with core learning outcomes in event operations, marketing and strategic management modules.
Through a structured exploration of the event lifecycle, this textbook shows how to research, design and plan events that meet audience and stakeholder objectives. Students will learn how to select venues, manage budgets, create promotional strategies and handle on-site delivery and evaluation. The fourth edition introduces new content on contemporary issues including health and safety regulations, contracts and legal compliance and sustainable event practices that reflect today's ethical and environmental priorities.
Learning is supported throughout by:
-'Event hacks' offering expert insights from experienced event managers
-Practical checklists for planning, managing and evaluating events
-Adaptable templates drawn from real-world professional practice
-Critical reflection questions to reinforce analytical and strategic thinking
Whether preparing for a degree in event management or building a professional career in the industry, Event Planning and Management equips students and practitioners with the confidence, tools and practical know-how to design and deliver events from concept to completion.
Reviews / Votes
"I recall how useful this text was to me as a student and the excellent references provided by the esteemed writers. Together they have kept the text relevant to our changing event landscape with a global appeal. The authors' passion, experience and commitment make this a must-have book for all students." * Lisa Ghany, Director Xceptional Events Ltd, Trinidad and Tobago * "This is a great book, and one I have been using in my teaching for several years. The fact that this is the 4th edition speaks volumes for the quality of the content, the breadth of the case studies included in the book and its direct relevance to industry practice." * Dr Peter Robinson, Head of Subject, Events, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, UK * "I found Event Planning and Management after months of searching for a course text with the right mix of theory and practice. Teaching event planning while producing a live event is challenging. This book explains the why behind our choices, which makes the work manageable." * Trenay Perry Bynum, MSP, Assistant Professor, Department of PR and Social Media Management, Belmont University, Nashville Tennessee, USA *More details
Edition
4th Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Revised edition
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 250 mm
Width: 175 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
827 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-3986-2383-5 (9781398623835)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Ruth Dowson | Bernadette Albert | Dan Lomax
Event Planning and Management
Principles, Planning and Practice
E-Book
03/2026
4th Edition
Kogan Page Ltd
€48.99
Available for download

Ruth Dowson | Bernadette Albert | Dan Lomax
Event Planning and Management
Principles, Planning and Practice
Book
03/2026
4th Edition
Kogan Page Ltd
€54.10
Shipment within 10-20 days
Previous edition

Ruth Dowson | Bernadette Albert | Dan Lomax
Event Planning and Management
Principles, Planning and Practice
Book
12/2022
3rd Edition
Kogan Page Ltd
€162.50
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Ruth Dowson has more than 30 years of experience in events, conferences, seminars and exhibitions in both the public and private sectors. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Events Management at Leeds Beckett University, UK.
Bernadette Albert draws on her extensive experience in managing and advising on international, state, civic and private events. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Events Management at Leeds Beckett University, UK.
Dan Lomax is Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He has 25 years' experience in the live music and cultural events sector specializing in content creation, event planning and operational delivery.
Bernadette Albert draws on her extensive experience in managing and advising on international, state, civic and private events. She was previously Senior Lecturer in Events Management at Leeds Beckett University, UK.
Dan Lomax is Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett University, UK. He has 25 years' experience in the live music and cultural events sector specializing in content creation, event planning and operational delivery.
Content
Chapter - 01: Events - The Changing Environment;
Chapter - 02: The Event Planning Model;
Chapter - 03: Research, Concept Development and Feasibility Screening;
Chapter - 04: Developing your Events Programme and Content;
Chapter - 05: Venue Selection and Site Planning Essentials;
Chapter - 06: Production and Operational Logistics;
Chapter - 07: Staffing and Human Resources in Events;
Chapter - 08: Legal Considerations and Contracts;
Chapter - 09: Drawing in the Crowds - Marketing Events;
Chapter - 10: Finance Budgeting and Procurement in Events;
Chapter - 11: A Practical Guide to Managing Events on the Day;
Chapter - 12: Measuring Event Success - Evaluation Insights;
Chapter - 13: Events - The Future
Chapter - 02: The Event Planning Model;
Chapter - 03: Research, Concept Development and Feasibility Screening;
Chapter - 04: Developing your Events Programme and Content;
Chapter - 05: Venue Selection and Site Planning Essentials;
Chapter - 06: Production and Operational Logistics;
Chapter - 07: Staffing and Human Resources in Events;
Chapter - 08: Legal Considerations and Contracts;
Chapter - 09: Drawing in the Crowds - Marketing Events;
Chapter - 10: Finance Budgeting and Procurement in Events;
Chapter - 11: A Practical Guide to Managing Events on the Day;
Chapter - 12: Measuring Event Success - Evaluation Insights;
Chapter - 13: Events - The Future