Impact of events focus of student led debate

HND Event Management students at City of Glasgow College held an online panel discussion to debate the impact of large events on the cities and local communities they are held in.

It was the students first event under the banner of their newly created brand, Cog Events Scotland, part of their course project portfolio, and was aimed at those interested in the event sector, event management students, and event professionals.

Using COP26 as a case study the event examined sustainable planning, resources, mitigation of risks, incorporating hybrid, and maintaining post event legacy.  

The four second-year event management students, who organised the panel debate, saw the event as a great opportunity. Taylor Gallagher said:

"Our debate was targeted at event students and industry bodies to discuss and evaluate COP26. Our industry has had a tough time during the pandemic so we felt it made sense to focus on such a major event taking place in our own hometown. Our guest speakers were from organisations directly involved in COP26 and it was exciting for us to use that event and its results as a case study.

“As students, we have lived and studied events through COVID times and, although event courses are still going across Glasgow’s colleges and universities, we’ve missed that platform on which to connect, share experiences and learn from each other.”

Suzanne Lynch, lecturer for hospitality and events at City of Glasgow College, who hosted the panel debate, said:

“Organising this event was a valuable, real-life work experience for our students, but it also highlighted how different sectors within events have handled the challenges of recent times to facilitate landmark occasions such as COP26, alongside their projections of the short- and long-term legacies stemming from such events”.  

Ava Kaskonas, who is the students’ class lecturer, added:

“The last few years have been a challenge, with the impact of COVID still with us, so our Event Management students have really shown tenacity in ensuring success when managing their events. They have all worked incredibly hard to gain first-hand event management experience.

“Creating the brand, Cog Events Scotland, has helped the students gain knowledge from industry professionals and also provided an opportunity to expand their network.

“They have created a conversation to understand the planning of major events and to incorporate the impact of COP26 which is just excellent. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and determination of the students in the class. They have all stepped up and worked hard to achieve successful events again this year, despite any hurdles they have faced.”

The event was held online on the Hopin Platform and was free to attend. Panel speakers included David Hay, CEO of Compass, Marian Brown from Ostrero, and Brian Robertson and Christopher Graham from Glasgow City Council who were both involved in COP26.