Mozhgan Hashemi’s Post

MY REFLECTION ON FESTIVAL KOKURIKULUM UNIMAS 2024 On 22nd June 2024, the Event Management Team held an annual Co-Curricular Festival at DeTAR Putra Hall in Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). This yearly event highlighted the amazing work of first-year students in the Credited Curriculum course and encouraged community involvement.  Besides that, Event Master 1 also hosted the annual Innovation Day, centered around the theme "Sustainable Campus”. Co-Curricular Festival 2024 has transformed the spacious venue into a vibrant showcase of green ideas and eco-friendly innovation as UNIMAS is a leader in sustainable higher education practices. I had never participated in the behind-the-scenes work of event management before. I had no experience with an event as large as the Co-Curricular Festival. It fed my curiosity since I previously knew nothing about event management. I observed and learned many things from this event especially the importance of teamwork because despite having a small team, we were able to complete all the necessary tasks effectively and smoothly with the cooperation from all Excos As a result, I gained an understanding of the roles that each Exco team plays in various areas of work. Participation in this event was more to mental and physical training because we had to come prepared with all the workload before the day of the event itself. A few days before the event and rehearsal day, I learned many things such as how to handle social media and manage to take pictures in public areas, especially in crowded places. Joining the media and design team for the university event was an incredibly enriching experience for me. Working on different design projects for the event helped me learn new techniques and boost my photography skills. I enjoyed making visuals that shared the event's message and caught the audience's attention. It helped me to apply my editing skills and taught me valuable lessons about collaboration and time management in event planning. When I joined this event, my goal was to gain comprehensive knowledge regarding event management, especially about the ins and outs of organizing the event held at the university. One of the highlights of my experience was seeing our work come to life during the event. I felt genuinely thankful because watching attendees engage with the content we created, hearing positive feedback, and witnessing the overall outcomes of the event was incredibly fulfilling. Overall, this experience not only fulfilled my curiosity but also equipped me with valuable skills and knowledge in event management. It showed me the significance of teamwork and detailed planning in organizing successful events.

Starting in the world of events was unexpected for me. During my academic life, like many students, I needed income, and events provided a practical opportunity. At the time, I had no idea that “event producer” was a career, or that it could become such a fascinating one. My entry into the sector was through teamwork with many others seeking to supplement their income. Initially, I saw events as a way to earn money, without imagining it would turn into a passion. I worked in roles like welcoming guests, organizing details, collecting mailing lists, and distributing flyers. After that, I participated in many events as a bilingual receptionist, took on leadership roles in congresses and fairs, and eventually led teams as a coordinator, managing teams directly, mainly in hospitality. This gave me a broad understanding of what it takes for an event to succeed, and I began to see the complexity and beauty behind production. It wasn’t until later that I realized I could take on a more strategic and creative role. From then on, my journey has been full of lessons and opportunities, revealing that events are much more than temporary work—they offer possibilities and growth for those who dedicate themselves to it. In my academic studies, project management was constantly emphasized, shaping my thinking. This led me to event production, where I quickly stood out for attention to detail and organization, assuming leadership. My connection to events went beyond operations; I was deeply involved in the project behind each event. Over time, I understood the “butterfly effect” in this field: each action and detail I managed could greatly impact the event’s success. This broadened my view, pushing me to study graphic design, branding, and project management. I’m in continuous evolution, taking PMI courses to earn my PMP certification, which will help me execute projects with excellence and develop a strategic vision to elevate events into memorable experiences. Now, as event expert and also a project manager, I see what was once just the tip of the iceberg. In my 10 years in events, I’ve gone through moments of joy and challenges, but each experience transformed me. Today, I face the future with enthusiasm, knowing there is still so much to explore and achieve on the path I’ve chosen. I'm definitely passionate about what I do. I didn’t choose events—they chose me first.

💡 One thing that is often overlooked in a professional context is the importance of harmony and cohesion within your team. You can be the most determined, efficient, and focused project manager, but your energy is not endless.🪫 Everyone has their limits, and you should never put yourself in the position to believe that you can do everything by yourself. I’m sure you could. But why should you? That’s why surrounding yourself with the right teammates is crucial for the success of any professional endeavour, and the 2024 EIT HEI Initiative Pilot Phase event was a testament to the power of a dedicated, skilled, and cohesive team. As a #freelancer, I have the amazing opportunity to choose who I work for, but especially who I work with. Having this freedom allowed me to work on this event with a fantastic team who trusted me enough to make me the coordinator of the overall project. If you have the opportunity to choose who you work with, you might want to be on the lookout for: 1.   A Leader: The person you look up to for ultimate guidance, for the “tough love” you need to hear from time to time, and the one who inspires you to take care of yourself and aim for the stars. Harold Carniyan 2.   A Creative: When you have a vision in mind of how your event branding should look but have no idea where to start, they come in with skills, good taste, and the ability to turn your idea into something better than what you had imagined. David Verleysen 3.   A Logistician: The person you look for when you need a clear view of what is happening, where, what's coming next...and where to find food. Strategic thinkers with a hands-on approach, they are your best allies when working on-site — watch them orchestrate the entire flow of your event seamlessly. Emilie RASKIN Karl Chotard 4.   A Technician: Someone tech-savvy, with a sharp eye for details, and reactive to issues during crucial moments of your event, this is a figure you don’t want to miss out on any occasion. The ultimate work friend who has always a tip to save time with Excel. Isabella Dibenedetto 5.   A Communicator: The one who follows you and your work, transforming each video, picture, and publication into an opportunity to engage on a different level and keep the conversation going. Your daily dose of extra motivation. Domiziana Marinelli De Marco Congratulations haca.studio, we did it again! 🎉 What's next? #eventmanagement #successfulevents #teamwork

✨ Reflecting on IBTM World 2024: Insights & Inspiration ✨ Attending IBTM World in Barcelona was not only a pleasure but also a treasure trove of learnings for event professionals, enriched by its vibrant international atmosphere, that I truly adore🥰. Here are some key takeaways that inspired me: 🚀 AI as an Enabler, Not a Threat AI is here to simplify our lives, not complicate them. From designing interactive backgrounds to streamlining logistics, it’s a tool that saves time.❓But the big question remains: what will we do with the time we save? 🤝 Face-to-Face Events: The Irreplaceable Connection. Post-pandemic, the desire for in-person interaction remains strong, even as many prefer the comfort of avoiding travel and crowds. F2F events create emotional connections and make the invisible visible. They’re priceless—and no digital solution can replicate human interaction. 💡 Understanding Your Audience = Successful Events. This saying is timeless, but the most impactful events succeed by prioritizing what the audience truly wants to experience, rather than catering to the habits of event managers or stakeholders based on past practices. Whether it’s avoiding mismatches (like serving “the right” food at a Spanish winery where a Chinese group brings their own because they prefer their local cuisine) or creating child-friendly spaces, design thinking is key: human-centered, innovative, and empathetic. 🌍 Sustainability Matters Event sustainability is no longer optional. From geo-cloned concepts to leveraging local businesses, every detail matters—including hosting events in unique, authentic spaces (like Saudi Arabia’s registration tent designed to handle sandstorms). Although don’t underestimate the potential environmental impact of AI, which could exceed that of flights. For Gen Z, prioritize fast, concise, and visually engaging content. 🎨 The Power of Storytelling Every event tells a story. Define your message and purpose clearly. A strong story doesn’t always need a logo—it’s the experience that leaves the impact. 🧠 Technology Enhances, but Human Connection is Central B2H (Business-to-Human) is the future. Tech and AI can boost connectivity, but ultimately, events are about fostering meaningful relationships. Let’s embrace tech as a helper, not a replacement. 💬 Deep Networking & Community Building • Even with so many ways to communicate, 1 in 5 people still feel lonely. • Freelancers need stronger communities. • Let’s focus on deep conversations, inclusivity, and reducing social biases to build connections that last. 💭 How to Convince Leadership: Why Invest in Events • Ask: What will happen if you don’t? • Partnerships can amplify reach and attendance. • Events remain the ultimate value driver, blending innovation, connection, and brand impact. IBTM’s inspired with its warmth, connections, and fresh ideas🌟 Here’s to innovating and prioritizing human connection in events! 🫶 ➡️What changes have you noticed in events post-pandemic?

Project Creation and Implementaion - BBA1 During my first week of Luxury Business Management as a Bachelor student at the Glion Institute of Higher Education, we began with the course on Project Creation and Implementation, where I was introduced to the world of Event Management. I gained a deeper understanding of how planning events works, from customer personas and marketing plans to the overall concept of the event. To create an event, we do not just take into account the aesthetics but also the details and procedures behind it. Something that was particularly emphasized in my group was Risk Management, as ‘there is no good event without risks involved.’ As Luxury students, we prioritize the customer's experience and emotions throughout the event. We were tasked with creating an event specifically for Glion staff during the Christmas holidays. As a group, we decided to create a Christmas Ball and invited all Glion staff from different departments to foster an experience where they could gain knowledge of different cultures through our buffet and build connections with colleagues. Our main idea was to host the ball on campus while collaborating with a charity to raise money through various activities, with the main one being Secret Santa. We incorporated a menu with samples of traditional Christmas meals from different countries. For proper formatting of this project, we needed to consider time, personas, and place. By using the 7 P’s, we developed a comprehensive marketing plan, starting with a brief draft of our main ideas for the event. With an aesthetic chosen, we created a flyer, mood boards, and various imagery concepts. Finally, and importantly, we developed a Gantt chart to arrange the different activities in a structured timeline. After presenting and collaborating as a team, we successfully outlined and presented the main concept of our Christmas Ball. By the end of this first week, I gained a deeper understanding of how events work and the complexity of the management involved in pre- and post-event planning. Post-event touchpoints with guests can be one of the most crucial aspects for a company to consider in order to gain feedback and build loyalty for future events.

CipherByte Technologies Internship Task :- Features of EventPlanner360: Event Creation and Planning: Tools for creating and organizing various events, such as conferences, weddings, and parties. Guest List Management: Features to manage guest lists, including tracking RSVPs and personalizing invitations. Budget Tracking: Capabilities for managing and tracking event budgets to ensure financial control. Vendor Coordination: Coordination tools for managing communications and contracts with vendors. Scheduling: Tools to create and manage event schedules, ensuring everything runs smoothly. Personalized Event Pages: Creation of custom event pages for attendees to access information and updates. Invitation Management: Tools for sending, managing, and tracking event invitations. RSVP Tracking: Tracking responses from invitees to manage attendance numbers effectively. Integration with Payment Gateways: Facilitates ticket sales and other online transactions directly through the platform. Collaboration: Enhances collaboration among event organizers, vendors, and attendees for a cohesive planning and execution process. Benefits of Using EventPlanner360: Streamlined Planning: Centralized platform to manage all aspects of event planning, reducing the complexity and time required. Enhanced User Experience: Personalized touches like custom event pages and easy RSVP tracking improve the experience for attendees. Financial Control: Budget tracking ensures that event planners can stay within financial limits and manage resources effectively. Efficient Vendor Management: Simplifies the process of coordinating with multiple vendors, leading to smoother event execution. Easy Transactions: Integration with payment gateways facilitates seamless financial transactions, from ticket sales to vendor payments. Improved Collaboration: Fosters better communication and collaboration among all parties involved, leading to more successful events. EventPlanner360 provides a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to the diverse needs of event organizers, making the planning process more efficient, organized, and enjoyable for everyone involved. #CipherByte #Technologies

🇲🇹 Meet Dafne Salvatori from our Malta team, SBC’s Head of Event Design & Branding! 🇲🇹 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗱𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗕𝗖 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗮𝗿? I joined the SBC family in January, having previously worked in the iGaming industry and publishing. My experience at SBC has been a whirlwind of emotions so far. The world of event planning is exhilarating, characterized by tight deadlines but accompanied by significant rewards. I'm part of a team of talented designers—shout out to Max and Niko! Next week, I'll be attending my first event in North America, and I'm eager to connect with the rest of the SBC team and meet the attendees. Word on the street is that SBC events are the best in the industry (and it's not just because I'm biased)😉 . 𝗙𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗵? 🍽️ I don’t have to think twice about it: Figolli! Figollini, you name it. They consist of a soft almond filling sandwiched between two large lemon and orange-flavoured biscuits. Especially when they're homemade and doubly stuffed, they’re irresistible. The real challenge is stopping myself from eating them because they’re simply addictive. My favourite way to enjoy them is dipped in coffee. Also, for those fun nights out in Malta, I hope Italy won’t hold it against me, but nothing beats a slice of greasy pizza from your local corner pastizzi shop. 𝗛𝗶𝗱𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗮? 💎 Malta is full of surprises; I can't just pick one favourite place. Having lived here for four years, the island constantly amazes me, whether it's a casual te-fittazza cafe, a rocky beach in the south, Valletta by night or the many events organised every week. One of my favourite events is definitely the POPP day out—great vibes, great people, and an unconventional way of networking. See you there in two weeks? 😁 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲? 🏢 Are you kidding me? Going from working alone in Birgu and talking by myself to being able to meet my colleagues in Malta, it’s hard to beat. Adding to that, the ability to spend time brainstorming better processes and hearing what’s happening in other departments, what's cooking in the industry, and the ongoing marketing campaigns, all while doing this in Soho? Imagine an office as delightful as Pinterest meets Gzira. It’s a central hub for networking, and the cocktails on the terrace on a Friday night aren’t too bad either. To contact Dafne, you can reach her via LinkedIn or Email for all enquiries: [email protected] #sbcevents

Budget-friendly events can be impressive too — and that’s not a myth. We know this for sure, as last year FILOSOFIA event group won bronze at the BEA World. The key to success lies in strategy, creativity, and attention to detail. Staying memorable doesn’t always require million-dollar budgets. Sometimes unconventional venues, such as coworking spaces, art studios, or even city parks, can be more interesting than expensive halls. For instance, organizing a mini-festival at a local botanical garden adds uniqueness while saving a significant amount of money. Understanding the technical aspects, communicating with reliable contractors, and having the skill to oversee decoration setup when necessary are essential skills that protect the team from unnecessary expenses. The entertainment program can be just as vibrant without well-known performers. Engage local talents, student bands, or even plan interactive games and workshops where guests become part of the show. It’s great when you can optimize the budget without sacrificing quality. Of course, experience and the ability to manage every stage are key. This way, both the client is satisfied, and the event remains fully under your control.

The event industry has always intrigued me due to its unique combination of creativity, coordination, and human interaction. I’m particularly drawn to the challenge of designing experiences that leave a lasting impression on people. Whether it’s a corporate seminar, a wedding, or a large public event, each occasion offers an opportunity to craft a fresh narrative and create an environment that connects with attendees. The process of bringing an event to life—from concept to execution—is what excites me most, particularly the problem-solving and teamwork involved in making everything run smoothly. What makes the industry so rewarding is its inherent variety. No two events are ever the same, and each presents its own set of challenges and opportunities. It’s a delicate balance between the practical—managing schedules, budgets, and vendor relationships—and the emotional, ensuring guests feel welcomed and the atmosphere aligns with the desired vision. The ability to remain detail-oriented while adapting to unexpected changes is crucial in this line of work. I also enjoy the collaborative aspect of event planning. Whether it’s working closely with clients or partnering with vendors, designers, and performers, there’s something deeply fulfilling about uniting a team to create a shared vision. Seeing an event come together, knowing that you've played a part in creating something memorable, is a uniquely satisfying experience. Ultimately, my passion for the event industry stems from my desire to create moments that not only meet but exceed expectations. I’m eager to continue growing within the field, exploring new trends, and pushing the limits of what an event can be. The possibilities are endless, and I look forward to the ongoing journey of making impactful, unforgettable experiences. Rajat Sharma

MY EVENTS PLANNING JOURNEY Why are you an Events Planner? is the I've been asked on numerous occasions. This Journey dates back to my early twenties when I started out as an intern at the Private Sector Foundation of Uganda(PSFU) when I was put to task on the team organizing the Uganda at 50 Monumental Celebrations at the Nile Hall of Hotel Africana. To Commemorate Uganda's 50 years in existence, PSFU decided to award the Ugandan Businesses that had been around for a while and that were quintessential in building Uganda's Economy. This Event lit a fire in me because seeing how everything came together from the planning stages to the execution and the eventual success made me marvel and swell with pride for having been given the opportunity. Many more were yet to come later on and I was always tasked by the people in my circle because "I had a good eye or a Special touch, great organizational and mobilization skills" as they put it. I harnessed that and whether it was a Birthday Party, Bridal shower, Baby shower, reunion, graduation party, simple wedding etc, I was called upon and gave my all beyond expectations. I was Learning and Unlearning, Improving and Improvising which sharped my skills further. I have acquainted myself with good service providers who are a vital and integral part of what I do. One thing about me is that I am very Keen and Attentive to detail which is a crucial part in my line of work because the even the smallest detail can create a big ripple effect. An Event leaves a lasting impression of the people who attend it because for some, it's the break they need from their everyday struggles and stress. The Ambience, Food, Music or even that slice of a mouthwatering delectable cake will for a moment be a slice of serenity and Joy. This is why I do what I do with so much passion. If I can help someone's day become brighter even if it's just for a moment, that'd surely make my day. If you're organizing an Event and need an Event Planner/Coordinator or Host look no further!! Am here to walk that journey with you.