Event
Management Body of Knowledge Project
26 October 2003
This project presents a knowledge domain
structure as a captured and therefore explicit starting point for a
multi-national and multi-disciplinary discussion on a global Event Management
Body of Knowledge (EMBOK).
Please Note: The EMBOK Project is an educational
resource developed and maintained by Julia Rutherford Silvers and has no funding
from or affiliation with any other group or association. Unless otherwise
attributed, all material has been written by Julia Rutherford Silvers. The
material contained herein is copyrighted material and may not be copied or used
without explicit written permission. See
Terms of Use & Disclaimer.
What Is EMBOK?
Simply
put, EMBOK is a framework illustrating and encompassing the facets of events
management that is flexible according to the needs of its user.
NEW!
EMBOK Guide
EMBOK
Facets and Applications
Event
management is the process by which an event is planned, prepared, and produced.
As with any other form of management, it encompasses the assessment, definition,
acquisition, allocation, direction, control, and analysis of time, finances,
people, products, services, and other resources to achieve objectives. An event
manager’s job is to oversee
and arrange every aspect of an event, including researching, planning, organizing,
implementing, controlling, and evaluating an event’s design, activities, and
production.
Event
Management Process
Event management has been described as an
“emerging profession” due to the fact that no academic, government-issued
licensing, or private occupational certification credentials are required to
practice this complex and responsibility-laden enterprise. Without such
credentials, “professional” status is suspect and subject to degradation by
the actions of untrained and inexperienced practitioners who are simply not
aware of the scope of what needs to be learned in order to be qualified to work
in this profession, as well as the scope of the legal and ethical responsibilities associated
with such endeavors.
Profession
or Occupation?
Event management encompasses a multitude
of types of events. Although the industry has delineated itself into various
categories, all represent the planning and production of an event that brings
people together at a particular time, in a particular place, for a particular
purpose. The event genres that may
be considered as falling within the event management profession for the purposes
of this project are illustrated in Table 1.
Table
1
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Business
& Corporate Events
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Any
event that supports business objectives, including management functions,
corporate communications, training, marketing, incentives, employee relations, and customer
relations, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.
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Cause-Related
& Fundraising Events
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An
event created by or for a charitable or cause-related group for the purpose of
attracting revenue, support, and/or awareness, scheduled alone or in
conjunction with other events.
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Exhibitions,
Expositions & Fairs
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An
event bringing buyers and sellers and interested persons together to
view and/or sell products, services, and other resources to a specific
industry or the general public, scheduled alone or in conjunction with
other events.
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Entertainment
& Leisure Events
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A
one-time or periodic, free or ticketed performance or exhibition event
created for entertainment purposes, scheduled alone or in conjunction
with other events.
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Festivals
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A
cultural celebration, either secular or religious, created by and/or for
the public, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events. (Many
festivals include bringing buyer and seller together in a festive
atmosphere.)
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Government
& Civic Events
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An
event comprised of or created by or for political parties, communities, or
municipal or national government entities, scheduled alone or in
conjunction with other events.
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Marketing
Events
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A
commerce-oriented event to facilitate bringing buyer and seller together
or to create awareness of a commercial product or service, scheduled
alone or in conjunction with other events.
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Meeting
& Convention Events
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The
assembly of people for the purpose of exchanging information, debate or
discussion, consensus or decisions, education, and relationship
building, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.
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Social/Life-Cycle
Events
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A
private event, by invitation only, celebrating or commemorating a
cultural, religious, communal, societal, or life-cycle occasion,
scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.
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Sports
Events
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A
spectator or participatory event involving recreational or competitive
sport activities, scheduled alone or in conjunction with other events.
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Event
Contexts
Professional knowledge, which consists of
technical knowledge, specialized skills, and ethical standards used to function
within a professional jurisdiction, must be transformed into formal knowledge
systems combined with experiential or situational knowledge systems. The
proposed knowledge domain structure (Figure 1) captures and makes explicit the
scope of this knowledge system, and provides a taxonomy (Tables 2 through 5) for
incorporating additional expertise, experience, and transferred knowledge and
applications. Note that the Units and Topics are in simple alphabetical order.
For more detail on the EMBOK Structure see
Updated
Structure.
Figure
1
Event
Management Body of Knowledge Domain Structure
Revised 03 February 2013
NOTE: This taxonomy was developed prior to the
5-Knowledge Domain format shown above. Therefore, items belonging with the
Design Domain are currently interspersed in other
Table
2
The
Taxonomy of the
Administration
Knowledge Domain
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|
TOPICS
|
|
Financial Management
|
Accounting
/ Auditing
Asset
Management
Bid
Preparation
Budget
Development
Business
Plans
Cash
Flow
Cash
Handling Procedures
Change
Controls
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Cost/Benefit
Analysis
Cost
Controls
Cost
Estimating
Credit
Policies
Deposit Policies
Economic
Impact
Financial
Reporting
Fixed
/ Variable Costs
Foreign
Currency
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Inventory
Control
Investments
Payables
& Receivables
Pricing
Structures
Profit
Objectives
Purchasing
Controls
Rate
Negotiation
Resource
Definition
|
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Human Resources Management
|
Behavior
Policies
Benefits
Management
Conflict
Resolution
Discipline
Employment
Regulations
Hiring
/ Induction
Job
Analysis
Job
Descriptions
Labor
Relations
Leadership
|
Motivation
Organizational
Structure
Orientation
Paid
Staff / Employees
Payroll
Management
Performance
Evaluation
Professional
Development
Recognition
Programs
Recruitment
Seasonal
Staffing
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Succession
Planning
Supervision
Team
Building
Temporary
/ Casual Labor
Temporary
Staffing
Termination
Training
Uniforms
Union
Labor
Volunteers
|
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Information Management
|
Briefings
/ Debriefings
Communication
Equipment
Communication
Planning
Communication
Protocols
Confidentiality
Agreements
Database
Management
Documentation
Procedures
|
Document
Design
Evaluation
/ Analysis
Feedback
Systems
Information
Acquisition
Information
Asset Protection
Information
Distribution
Intelligence
Gathering
|
Lead
Retrieval Systems
Library
/ Archives
Monitoring
& Reporting
Presentations
Photography
/ Videography
Privacy
Policies
Record
Keeping Procedures
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Procurement Management
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Bid
Solicitation
Change
Controls
Contract
Management
Performance
Evaluation
|
Procurement
Policies
Purchasing
Procedures
Quality
Control
Reimbursement
Policies
|
RFPs
/ Briefs
Specifications
Definition
Source
Definition
Source
Selection
|
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Systems Management
|
Bookkeeping
Systems
Change
Control Systems
Communication
Systems
Database
Systems
Decision
Making Systems
|
Document
Generation
Governance
Integration
Management
Inventory
Systems
Knowledge
Management
|
Maintenance
Systems
Procedural
Manuals
Purchasing
Systems
Reservation
/ Booking Systems
Routing
Systems
Security
Systems
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Technology Management
|
Computers
Digital
Electronics
Email
& Voice Mail
|
Internet
/ Intranets
Office
Equipment
Telecommunications
|
Video
Web-based
Wireless
|
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Time Management
|
Activity
Definition
Activity
Sequencing
Change
Controls
Critical
Path Analysis
Deadline
Definitions
|
Duration
Estimation
Gantt
Charts
Planning
Tempo
Production
Schedules
Program
Agendas
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Running
Order
Schedule
Control
Schedule
Development
Time
Lines
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Table
3
The
Taxonomy of the
Operations
Knowledge Domain
|
|
TOPICS
|
|
Audience Management
|
Access
Controls
Admission
Controls
Admission
Systems
Arrival
/ Departure Modes
Credentialing
Systems
Crowd
Management
|
Group
Movements
Guest
Relations
Housing
Systems
Manifests
Pedestrian
Traffic Flow
Protocol
Requirements
|
Queue
Management
Registration
Systems
Seating
Systems
Ticketing
System
Ushering
Systems
|
|
Communications Management
|
Announcement
Protocols
Briefings
/ Debriefings
Channel
Distribution
Command
& Control
Communication
Equipment
Contact
Lists
|
Delegation
Event
Orders
External
Connectivity
Guiding
/ Coaching
Interpreter
Services
Notifications
|
On-site
Communications
Production
Book
Public
Address Systems
Scoring
Systems
Translation
Services
Verification
Documentation
|
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Infrastructure Management
|
Emergency
Services
Gas
Services
Handicap
Services
Housekeeping
/ Maintenance
HVAC
Systems
Lighting
Systems
Medical
Services
|
Parking
Participant
Equipment
Power
Services
Power
Distribution
Recycling
Seating
Sewage
Services
|
Shipping
Services
Telecommunications
Toilet Facilities
Traffic
Transportation
Utilities
Usage Fees
Waste
Management
Water
|
|
Logistics Management
|
Action
Plans
Ceremonial
Protocol
Checklists
Contractor
Coordination
Dismantling
Installation
Loading
Dock Management
|
Move-in
Move-out
Precedence
Order
Replenishing
Requirements
Definition
Running
Order
Scope
Definition
|
Staging
/ Marshalling
Task
Analysis
Task
Assignment
Task
Identification
Task
Interdependence
Task
Monitoring
Terminology
Agreement
|
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Program Design Management
|
Activities
Alcohol
Management
Ancillary
Tours
Celebrities
/ Performers
Ceremonial:
Invocation
Certification
Requirements
Children’s
Programs
|
Companion
Programs
Competitions
Educational
Objectives
Entertainment
Management
Event
Components
Exhibits
Feasibility
Analysis
|
Gap
Analysis
Learning
Environments
Needs
Assessment
Speakers
/ Participants
Sport/Recreational
Activities
SWOT
Analysis
Theme
Development
|
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Site Management
|
Ceremonial
Equipment
Décor
Environmental
Controls
Equipment
Rentals
Furnishings
Maps
|
Mobile
Facilities
Perimeter
Controls
Signage
Site
Development
Site
Inspection Criteria
Site
Plans / Diagrams
|
Site
Selection Criteria
Site
Selection / Contracting
Staging
Equipment
Storage
Temporary
Structures
Tenting
|
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Stakeholder Management
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Accountability
Authenticity
Client
Management
Committees
Constituents
Cultural
Differences
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Economic
Objectives
Facility
Personnel
Government
Host
Community
Media
Military
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Officials
& Authorities
Participants
Political
Objectives
Prioritized
Objectives
Protocol
Management
Tourism
/ Convention Bureaus
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Technical
&
Production Management
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Audiovisual
Services
Entertainment
Equipment
Equipment
Rentals
Lighting
Equipment
Multi-Media
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Performer
Equipment
Projection
Systems
Pyrotechnics
Sound
Distribution
Sound
Equipment
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Special
Effects
Stage
Configurations
Staging
Requirements
Technical
Producers
Technical
Rehearsals
Technicians
/ Engineers
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Table
4
The
Taxonomy of the
Marketing
Knowledge Domain
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TOPICS
|
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Hospitality Management
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Catering
Ceremonial
Equipment
Client
Entertainment
Dressing
Rooms
|
Guest
Services
Gifts
/ Amenities
Housing
Services
Lounge
Facilities
|
Ready
Rooms
Reception
Areas
Sponsor
Benefits
VIP
Services
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Marketing Plan Management
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Branding
Requirements
Customer
Intelligence
Customer
Needs / Benefits
Customer
Relationships
Database
Building
Demographics
Differentiation
Image
Enhancement
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Loyalty
/ Affinity Programs
Marketing
Objectives
Market
Research
Market
Segmentation
Marketing Media
Marketing
Messages
Niche
Marketing
Positioning
Product
Definition
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Product
Pricing
Psychographics
Retention
Marketing
ROI
Evaluation
ROO Evaluation
Schedule
Definition
Situation
Analysis
Strategic
Marketing
Target
Market Definition
|
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Materials Management
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Advertising
Specialties
Awards
/ Prizes
Badges
/ Passes / Credentials
Brochures
Coupons
Distribution
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Flyers
Forms
Invitations
Media
Kits
Newsletters
Posters
|
Printing
Production
Printing
Specifications
Programs
Registration
Packets
Tickets
Videos
/ CD ROMs
/ DVDs / MP3
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Merchandise Management
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Brand
Management
Collectables
Commemoratives
Concessions
|
Customer
Service
Display
Distribution
Licensing
|
Logo
Wear
Manufacture
Packaging
Souvenirs
|
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Promotions Management
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Advertising
Broadcasting
Ceremonies
Contests
/ Sweepstakes
Couponing
Cross
Promotions
Direct
Mail
Displays
|
FAM
Tours
Giveaways
Internal
/ External
Internet
/ Intranet
Logo
Management
Media
Tie-ins
Narrowcasting
Networking
|
Pod-casting
Product
Demonstrations
Product
Sampling
Proof
of Purchase Discounts
Sales
Promotions
Special
Appearances
Stunts
Trade
Show Participation
Web-based
|
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Public Relations Management
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Disaster
Recovery
Disaster
Response
Media
Conferences
Media
Contact Lists
|
Media
Kits
Media
Previews
Media
Relations
Media
Releases
|
Photo
Opportunities
Publication
Articles
Requests
for Coverage
Spokespersons
|
|
Sales Management
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Box
Office Operations
Cash
Handling Procedures
Concession
Sales
Coupon
Redemption
|
Merchandise
Sales
Proposal
Delivery
Proposal
Development
Proposal
Packaging
|
Sales
Techniques
Sponsorship
Sales
Ticketing
Operations
Web-based
Sales
|
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Sponsorship Management
|
Benefits
Delivery
Benefits
Packaging
Commercial
Sponsorship
Cross
Promotions
Donor
& Patron Gifts
|
Grants
& Underwriting
Image
Management
In-kind
Donations
Selling
Sponsorships
Servicing
Sponsors
|
Solicitation
Proposals
Sponsorship
Kits
Target
Definition
Target
Solicitation
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Table
5
The
Taxonomy of the
Risk Management
Knowledge
Domain
|
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TOPICS
|
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Compliance Management
|
Accessibility
(ADA)
Alcohol
/ Liquor Laws
Antitrust
Laws
Assembly
Occupancy
Codes
& Regulations
Consent
Forms
Environmental
Protection
Exemptions
|
Fire
Safety
Food
Service Codes
Intellectual
Property
Licenses
Merchandise
Licensing
Music
Licensing
Permits
|
Releases
Safety
Inspections
Sanctioning
Bodies
Special
Effects Codes
Union
Jurisdictions
Waivers
Work
Permits / Visas
|
|
Emergency Management
|
Audience
Preparation
Civil
Disorder
Command
Structure
Communications
Plan
Crowd
Control
Disaster
Preparedness
Emergency Action Plan
(EAP)
Earthquake
Evacuations
|
Fire
Flood
Hazardous
Materials
Medical
Services
Mutual
Aid Agreements
Power
Loss
Response
Accessibility
Response
Equipment
Response
Services
Severe
Weather
|
Shutdown
Procedures
Spokespersons
Terrorism
Threat
Assessment
Training
& Drills
Transportation
Incident
Triage
Vehicles
& Equipment
Warning
Systems
|
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Health & Safety Management
|
AED / CPR Certification
Chemical
Hazards
Equipment
Training
Fall
Protection
Fire
Safety Systems
Infectious
Materials
|
Lighting
/ Visibility
Manual
Handling Procedures
Noise
Levels
Occupational
Hazards
OSH
Requirements
Pollution
|
Protective
Equipment
Safety
Meetings
Sanitation
Systems
Slip
& Trip Hazards
Structural
Integrity
Waste
Management
|
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Insurance Management
|
Additionally
Insured
Business
Insurance
Cancellation
Certificates
of Insurance
Contractually
Required
|
Errors
& Omissions
Event-Specific
Insurance
Income
Loss
Legal
Requirements
Liability
Exposures
|
Liquor
Liability
Negligence
/ Liability
Property
Loss / Damage
Workers
Compensation
|
|
Legal
Management
|
Anti-Discrimination
Laws
Attrition
/ Cancellation
Behavior
Policies
Confidentiality
Contract
Execution
Contract
Management
Contract
Negotiation
Dispute
Resolution
|
Employment
Laws
Equal
Opportunity Policies
Fraud
Freedom
of Information Act
Fundraising
Laws
Gift
Acceptance Policies
Liquor
Laws
Not-for-Profit
Laws
Perquisites
|
Privacy
Laws
Public
Assembly Laws
Public
Safety Laws
Statutory
Compliance
Taxation
Laws
Terms
& Conditions
Traffic
/ Transport Laws
Zoning
Laws
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Risk Assessment Management
|
Cause/Effect
Analysis
Contingency
Plans
Crisis
Plans
Documentation
Fault
Tree Analysis
Hazard
Mapping
Incident
Reporting
Influence
Diagram
Prevention
Plans
|
Probability
/ Severity Analysis
Residual
/ Secondary Risk
Response
Planning
Risk
Analysis
Risk
Avoidance
Risk
Control
Risk
Diffusion
Risk
Documentation
Risk
Fields
|
Risk
Identification
Risk
Mitigation
Risk
Monitoring
Risk /
Opportunity Analysis
Risk
Resilience
Risk
Retention
Risk
Transference
Walk-Through
Inspections
|
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Security Management
|
Access
Control
Briefings
Command
Center
Communications
Contracted
Personnel
Credentials
Crime
Deterrence
Crowd
Control
|
Deployment
Detection
Sweeps
Emergency
Assistance
Equipment
Escorting
Guarding
Incident
Reporting
Incident
Response
Law
Enforcement
|
Peer
Security
Personal
/ VIP Protection
Private
Security Personnel
Property
Protection
Stewarding
Surveillance
Vehicles
Volunteer
Personnel
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Many of the units and topics represent
specific specializations, disciplines, or its own distinct industry, with its
own body of knowledge and credentials, some requiring specific licenses in many
jurisdictions, with which the event manager must interact or subcontract in
order to plan and produce an event. For example, catering management, traffic
management, and emergency management may all be included within the scope of an
event, and all are distinct professions with their own expertise criteria,
curricula, and credentials.
At this stage the knowledge domain
structure represents a simple mapping of concepts. It is not practical to
numerically quantify the units or topics contained in the various certification
competency blueprints, vocational qualifications, guides, and texts because, as
yet, standard units and terminology have not been adopted by the industry as a
whole. This initial taxonomy will serve as a platform that will enable expert
participants, from a variety of disciplines around the world, to continue its
refinement and develop a shared understanding and interaction.
The establishment of a global Event
Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK), with this domain structure as the
foundation, may influence all levels of academic and professional development
programming (formal, association, and informal), research, publications,
credentialing, product development, specialization, assessment criteria, and
many other outcomes. As usual, once a tool is available, its uses expand beyond
its originally conceived purpose.
Landey
EMBOK Application
Considering the fact that event management
spans such a variety of event genre and disciplines, the development of a
multi-disciplinary-validated Event Management Body of Knowledge will set the
stage for development of practice standards that will lead to the legitimacy of
event management as a true profession, as well as create a platform for
curriculum development, competency assessment for employers, and career
mobility for practitioners.
Further
development, improvement, expansion, and ratification of the Event Management
Body of Knowledge Project depends on the review and input of a broad variety of
industry practitioners, experts, certification bodies, and academicians from the full spectrum of event genres and
industries.
A
Brief History of the EMBOK
EMBOK Day
at the 2006 LV Summit
EMBOK Day at the 2007 LV Summit
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