Short Course in Fashion Event Planning
IFA Paris
Key Information
Select location
Campus location
Paris, France
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning, On-Campus
Duration
1 - 3 week
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 1,500 / per course *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
* 700 EUR for the online program
Introduction
- Campuses: Paris
- Duration: 3 weeks / 75 hours
- Format: Daytime
- Language: English
- Limited to: 20 students per class
From the most fabulous runway shows to the most elaborate parties; ever wonder how these amazing events come together? With this short course, you will learn the “ins and outs” of producing a meaningful event. Explore the different types of events, learn how to create and manage a budget, curate a delicious menu, and stay organized with a thorough run-of-show.
This course is taught by Jenae Green, who has held managerial event roles for Marie Claire US and Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. She has planned New York Fashion Week parties, celebrity-studded cocktail events, award ceremonies, conferences and more.
Admissions
Curriculum
Course Structure
Each day will be 5 hours long, and when there is no field trip, part of the class will be theoretical while the other part will focus on the practical conceptualization and planning of a real-life event.
Week 1
- Introduction to the different types of events - People think fashion event planning only consists of fashion shows but there is a lot more to it.
- Couture Fashion Show Field Trip - The students will have the opportunity to volunteer in various positions at a couture fashion show (Allocation to be advised according to opportunities – It is important to note that students will be selected according to their profiles, so it is strongly advised that participants prepare their portfolios).
- Introduction to Budget & Logistics - You will discover how to build a budget and work with a predetermined allocated sum.
- Venue Scouting Field Trip - You will discover the different type of venues that can be used for events and then you will explore the streets of Paris to scout a few venues such as hotels, restaurants, retail spaces.
- Catering Pairing Field Trip - As event planners are often curating menus without the opportunity to taste everything, students will learn the basics of pairing and understanding which wines go best with common main dishes.
Week 2
- Event Activations - We will discuss common event elements such as different types of entertainment (DJ/Brand/Playlist), photography, photo booth, lighting, AV, decor, and visuals. Students will learn about innovative event activations and “instagrammable” moments that will help bring an event to life.
- Florist Field Trip - We will visit a floral shop and speak with a florist to learn about different types of florals that are commonly used for decor and understand what florals are in-season.
- Event Production & PR Field Trip - This field trip will be an intro to agencies. Students will have a practical field trip to hear about various agencies’ scope of work when to enlist their help, and what to expect.
- Invite & Talent - You will learn how to create an invite, common invite jargon, how many people to invite to hit a certain number, tiering their invite lists A & B, and creating seating charts for sit-down events especially when dealing with talent. We will discuss common elements that need to be kept in mind when you have celebrities/VIPs at your event such as a face sheet, coordinating hair and makeup, car service, dressing, red carpet, and green room. During this class, students will hear from a talent rep on what it’s like to work with VIPs daily and things to keep in mind when hosting them at events.
- Social Media Field Trip - You will visit Facebook’s HQ and learn how social media plays a significant role pre, during and post-event.
Week 3
- On-site/ROS/Walkthrough - Students will learn about staffing an event and on-site needs/roles such as check-in and valet. They will also learn how to put a thorough and detailed run-of-show together inclusive of a brief event overview, contact list, timeline, and shortlist. We will discuss how to conduct a final event walkthrough, soundcheck, lighting test, AV test and post-event items such as breakdown and returns.
- Pre-event meet & greet with DJ & AV Field Trip - We will meet with a DJ along with his/her AV team before an event to learn about DJ/musical equipment, tech riders, AV and how to conduct a sound check. We’ll also discuss common sound errors and how to avoid or troubleshoot them.
- Planning day - You will plan your own event.
- Event day - You will have the opportunity to showcase your new knowledge with your very own event. Students will work in small teams to plan various events such as a breakfast/lunch, cocktail reception, fashion show, award ceremony or trend presentation.
- Recap – Students will put together a brief recap and we will review each event in detail to discuss what went right, what went wrong, what we could have done differently and how we can improve.
Program Outcome
Students will learn how to execute impactful events on different scales. They will understand how to use publicity tools and social media to build buzz, pair the appropriate wines to dishes and facilitate a seamless red carpet. By the end of this short course, students will be able to anticipate common events snafus and how to manage them.
The goal of this course is for students to learn how to produce experiences by taking their events to the next level. Upon completion of the program, participants will be given the opportunity to conceptualize, plan and execute a real-life event. This course also allows students to explore and learn more about Paris as a historical city and major fashion hub.