Every event manager has to face the dilemma of matching an ideal checklist with a given budget and time constraint. It’s been a long time since 25 March 1965, when one of the most iconic figures in 20th Century American history took part in a civil rights march from Selma, Alabama to the state capital in Montgomery. Martin Luther King Jr. and his thousands of followers were campaigning for African-American citizens to have the right to vote.

The march was spurred on after the death of a young church deacon, Jimmie Lee Jackson. He was taking part in a non-violent demonstration the previous month. A state trooper shot him. Also, they used tear gas to set the marchers upon at some point during the protest.

The event became known as ‘Bloody Sunday’ and rose to notoriety. It shared a name with other atrocities that have taken place throughout history in other conflicts around the world.

At last, the movie ‘Selma’ further tells us the story. The European Premiere of the movie took place at the end of January in London. Regardless of the serious subject matter and the important core message of the film, it had all the appearance of the quintessential red carpet event; dapper stars in suits and designer gowns, bright lights, loud music and enthusiastically cheering fans.

Crowd control barriers decked out in banners and posters bearing the film’s name. Also, corralling showbiz reporters and arts correspondents from media organisations into special areas beside the red carpet. They could jostle to get their pre-arranged 2 minutes of video footage, photos and audio recordings of interviews with the stars of the movie; David Oyelowo and Tom Wilkinson. Snapshots of other celebrities also in attendance including Nicole Scherzinger garnered added publicity for the movie. They appeared in the fashion pages of magazines and newspapers in the following days and weeks.

The film’s director was working on the final-cut while the event manager and management team were already busy planning and organising the details of the premiere ahead of the movie’s release date. Which venue would be most appropriate to screen the movie? Will the reputation of the venue add credibility? What level of gravitas and artistic merit will it give to the film and appeal to the target audience?

Will there be pre-screening drinks and entertainment in the venue and a post-screening dinner afterwards in a suitably stylish restaurant? How many of the cast, crew and investors do we need to cater for? If the film is targeted to a young audience is it appropriate to serve alcoholic drinks to the adults or would a selection of fruit juice cocktails be more acceptable?

It takes star power to generate headlines. How many of the star cast will be available to walk the red carpet? Do we need to book hotels and flights for them? Have you appointed enough assistants to assist the stars to navigate graciously and promptly along the media zone? Will the stars actually stay to watch the screening or will they make a discreet exit as soon as the lights go down? Have you arranged transport to return them to the hotel, airport or home?

A ‘Must Do’ Course For Every Event Manager

Finally, the glitz and glamour of a movie premiere can belie the thought, time and effort that the event management team have put into the occasion. A good event manager makes the running of the function seem smooth and effortless. If you would be happier to work away behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera, have you thought about doing an event management course?