A number of organisations offer training courses for those involved with planning and managing conferences and events, but many are aimed at professional event organisers. Below is a list of courses more suited to secretaries, PAs and office professionals - in short, those of us called on to exercise our event management skills as part of a wider career.

An Introduction to Organising Meetings, Conferences and Events Organised by: Hemsley Fraser Tel: 01752 849400 Web: www.hemsleyfraser.co.uk One-day course designed specifically for secretaries, PAs and administrators who are new to organising events and wish to enhance their confidence and organisational skills. Planning is central to organising events effectively and the programme focuses on the best approach for different types of event. The course includes planning, negotiation with suppliers and venues, organisation skills, co-ordination and the evaluation needed to make an event successful.

Creating Effective Events Organised by: Reed Training Tel: 0800 132448 Web: www.reed.co.uk/training One day course covering the basic principles of event management which apply to all occasions regardless of size, scope or agenda. Programme includes how to brief venue staff and caterers, planning and monitoring the budget, organising social gatherings within the event, risk assessment, health and safety, and how to evaluate and analyse the event in order to improve the next one. The course provides a range of planning tools plus advice on how to avoid pitfalls.

Conference Organisation An Introduction/Certificate in Conference Organisation Organised by: Society of Event Organisers Tel: 01767 316255 Web: www.seoevent.co.uk/seoevents.shtml A one-day seminar covering all the basics of conference organisation including drawing up a programme, sourcing and briefing a venue, administration and trouble-shooting. A free newsletter about organising events is available by registering on www.eou.org.uk. The society also offers a four-day examined course leading to the Certificate in Conference Organisation (CCO) which covers in greater depth topics such as delegate needs, layouts, audio-visual considerations, inspecting venues and getting the best packages, contracts, trouble shooting and emergencies.

Event Management Organised by: Institute of Public Relations Tel: 020 7553 3769/3782 Web: www.ipr.org.uk/Training/programme2004-autumn/event.htm Workshop providing a basic step by step guide to organising events of all types. The programme takes students through the entire event planning and management process. Topics covered include defining event objectives, concept development, sponsorship and financial control, planning and critical path analysis and on site management. Also included is programme development, managing speakers, working with suppliers and venues and the importance of briefing.

Running Effective Events Organised by: Phoenix Training and Development Tel: 020 7234 0508 Web: www.phoenix-training.co.uk A one day training course suitable for anyone involved with the planning and organisation of events. Course elements include making the right choice from the options available, asking the right questions, techniques to boost attendance, the day to day issues of organising events, the role of the internet, structuring seminars and conferences, managing agencies and external speakers, and what to do if things go wrong. Phoenix primarily provides tailored training so the course is offered only when requested. The course can be tailored for groups of up to six delegates and is also available in a one-on-one format.

Event Management Training Organised by: Altus Training Ltd Tel: 01704 539377 Web: www.altus-training.co.uk Altus organises bespoke sales and management training, so the event management training is designed around sales events, but may still be of use to secretaries and PAs in that sector. The two-day programme aims to develop techniques for planning, organising and monitoring events, including communication skills to defuse difficult situations or delegates. Topics covered include creative agendas, selecting speakers, chairing question and answer sessions, feedback techniques and logistical considerations such as the choice of location, room sizes/layouts, transport and parking, presentation facilities and suitable lighting.

HNC in Business (Conference Management) Organised by: Westminster College Tel: 020 7258 2853 Web: www.cwc.ac.uk Accredited by the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO), the HNC is a two-year evening course. The course covers the events industry in detail and includes both practical and theoretical skills. Although more than many secretaries/PAs would need, some whose work involves a lot of event management have registered for the HNC and found the programme useful.

Accessible Events Organised by: Greater London Action on Disability (GLAD) Tel: 020 7346 5800 Ext. 13 Web: www.glad.org.uk/services/training.shtml Led by a disability equality trainer, the one-day course is suitable for anyone organising events, conferences or meetings which may include disabled people. The programme covers understanding the principles of access and participation as well as demonstrating how meetings and events can be organised to be accessible to everyone. The course also includes the legal requirements of access and how to get the best results from the available resources.

Useful organisations: Periodic training courses on event management, some of which are suitable for secretaries and PAs are also offered by the following organisations. Those interested should check with the organisation concerned for the date(s) and venue(s) of courses:   * Association for Conferences and Events (ACE) tel: 01480 457595, web: www.martex.co.uk/ace/   * UK Centre for Events Management tel: 0113 283 3464, web: www.leedsmet.ac.uk/lsif/the/events   * Association of Exhibition Organisers tel: 01442 873331, web: www.aeo.org.uk   * Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) tel: 01628 427500, web: www.cim.co.uk