The Global Event Market

Faculty

Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences

Version

Version 1 of 23.06.2025.

Module identifier

22C9001

Module level

Bachelor

Language of instruction

English

ECTS credit points and grading

5.0

Module frequency

only winter term

Duration

1 semester

 

 

Brief description

This module is the first event related module in the IEMS-programme. It introduces the international event market and focuses on definitions, structures and the role of various stakeholders in the event market. It explains the functions and effects of events as special communication tools for organisations and companies in a changing global environment (megatrends).

This module concentrates on business events, such as trade fairs, congresses, corporate events and their respective organisers.

Furthermore, it explains the function and role of specialized event service suppliers, such as event agencies, event destinations and event venues and discusses the regional economic and non-economic effects of events on cities and regions.

As this module also lays the basis for the following lectures on management of events, it also discusses the business models of various stakeholders in the event market.

Teaching and learning outcomes

This module consists of eight parts:

  1. The global event market: an introduction
  2. Megatrends and their impact on the event market
  3. Trade fairs and exhibitions
  4. World exhibitions
  5. Events of non-profit organisations: the meeting market
  6. The corporate event market
  7. Event destinations and event venues
  8. Regional event impacts

Overall workload

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

Teaching and learning methods
Lecturer based learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
35LecturePresence or online-
25Learning in groups / Coaching of groupsPresence or online-
Lecturer independent learning
Workload hoursType of teachingMedia implementationConcretization
35Preparation/follow-up for course work-
40Exam preparation-
15Study of literature-
Graded examination
  • Portfolio exam
Remark on the assessment methods

The portfolio examination consists of:

PFP1: a presentation (30%) and a one-hour exam (70%)
PFP2: a seminar paper with oral and written parts (R; 30%) and a one-hour exam (70%)
PFP3: a written project report (30%) and a one-hour exam (70%)

Exam duration and scope

Written examination: in accordance with the valid study regulations

Presentation: approx. 10-15 minutes

Seminar paper: approx. 5-10 pages/ approx. 10 -15 minutes

Written project report: approx. 15-20 pages

The requirements are specified in the relevant class.

Recommended prior knowledge

None

Knowledge Broadening

Students who successfully complete this module 

  • understand the role of events as live-communication tools for society, science and business.
  • can differentiate between various types of events, according to type, topic, organisers and target groups.

Knowledge deepening

Students who successfully complete this module 

  • are able to use the special event related terminology in their argumentation.
  • understand why cities and regions invest in event infrastructure.
  • understand the special role of China in the international event market.

Knowledge Understanding

Students who successfully complete this module 

  • can argue from the viewpoint of various stakeholders in the event market.
  • can give an initial evaluation of events according to various KPIs.

Application and Transfer

Students are able to collect, evaluate and interpret relevant information from various sources independently. They are able to develop and implement solutions according to their current knowledge and experience.

Academic Innovation

As this lecture also deals with the consequences of megatrends such as digitalization, climate change (and corresponding sustainable actions), globalization or securing supply chains on the business models and strategies of the various stakeholders, the Chinese students gain an unusual and innovative insight into the international event market.

Communication and Cooperation

Students who successfully complete this module gain further experience in the challenges and advantages of teamwork and group presentations (online and offline).

Academic Self-Conception / Professionalism

As different and even opposing business models and practices are discussed on an international scale in the lecture (example: German business model of exhibition companies vs. the Anglo-American business model), students are encouraged to discuss their advantages and disadvantages in teams and can lay the foundation for their future independent decision-making. 

Thus, they are able to recognise the general framework of acting professionally and justifying their decisions ethically responsibly.

Literature

Allen, J., Harris, R., Jago, L., Tantrai, A., Jonson, P. & D'Arcy, E. (2020). Festival and Special Event Management (Essentials edition). Wiley.

Beech, J., Kaiser, S. & Kaspar, R. (2014). The Business of Events Management. Harlow, Pearson.

Fenich, G.G. (2014). Meetings, Expositions, Events and Conventions. An Introduction to the industry. Harlow, Essex, Pearson.

Schwägermann, H., Mayer, P. Ding, Y. (2016). Handbook Event Market China,
Berlin/Boston, de Gruyter.

Werner, K., & Ding, Y. (2020). Events: Future, trends, perspectives. utb.

Linkage to other modules

As this module is the first event related module, it will lay the basis for further event management modules in this programme.

As an introductory module, it touches on and raises questions, some of which can only be answered competently after studying other management modules of this programme.

Applicability in study programs

  • International Event Management Shanghai, B.A. (IEMS)
    • International Event Management Shanghai (IEMS), B.A.

    Person responsible for the module
    • Werner, Kim
    Teachers
    • Schwägermann, Helmut
    • Werner, Kim