Events Masterclass: From Idea to Impact (ExtendED)

What is it?

Ever thought “I could totally run an event”, but weren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you’ve run plenty already and want to sharpen your skills even further? 

This interactive two-day masterclass throws you straight into the action. You’ll step into the shoes of an event planner and work with other students to turn a real event brief into a realistic, creative event proposal. Whether it’s for your society, your course, or your future career, this hands-on, collaborative workshop is all about building practical skills you can actually use.  

As part of the experience, you’ll also take part in Students’ Union UCL’s Guinness World Records™ Crafternoon attempt, using the live event as a behind-the-scenes case study to explore crowd management, logistics, communication, accessibility, and large-scale event delivery in real time. 

What will you actually be doing?

Across two days, you’ll work in teams to produce an event plan from scratch. Think budgeting, scheduling, venues, promotion, stakeholder management, and making sure everything actually runs smoothly on the day. 

Day 1: Live Event Experience & Event Foundations 

Kick things off by exploring the fundamentals of event planning through interactive mini-module workshops covering logistics, audience experience, risk management, and delivery. In the afternoon, you’ll take part in Students’ Union UCL’s Guinness World Records™ Crafternoon attempt, using the live event as a case study to observe how large-scale events are coordinated in real time. You’ll then reflect on what you learned, form teams, and begin developing your own event concept based on a (surprise) brief!. 

Day 2: Planning, Problem-Solving & Pitching 

Day 2 is all about bringing your event idea to life. Working in teams, you’ll develop your proposal, communicate with a simulated “client”, and respond to unexpected event-day challenges and twists. You’ll finish the masterclass by pitching your event plan to a panel, gaining experience in presenting ideas, problem-solving under pressure, and collaborative decision-making. 

What’s in it for you?

By the end of the masterclass, you’ll have a solid understanding of how events come together from start to finish. You’ll build confidence in teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and decision-making under pressure, while gaining practical planning experience that looks great on your CV. 

You’ll also leave with a stronger understanding of how large-scale events operate behind the scenes, and who knows, maybe your ideas could inspire future Students’ Union events. 

Is this for me?

Yes! If you: 

• Want to develop your event planning skills  

• Have always been interested in events but never had the chance to try it out  

• Are a new or incoming committee member wanting to feel prepared for next year  

• Enjoy working collaboratively and bringing ideas to life  

• Fancy trying something interactive and practical

No experience needed! Bring your ideas, your energy, and maybe your future “best event on campus” mindset 🎉

Part of the ExtendED Learning Programme

The ExtendED Learning Programme is a collaboration between UCL and Students’ Union UCL with a focus on ensuring you leave university confident and empowered in your abilities. Packed with hands-on opportunities in Term 3, all designed to help you explore new interests without the pressure of grades or deadlines, the programme focusses on transferable skills that will support you in whatever your next steps might be. Explore new interests without the pressure of grades or deadlines in Term 3. Now is the time to invest in your future at your own pace, by curating your own learning experience, and having fun while making friends at the same time. 

👉 Find out more about the ExtendED Learning Programme