CSEP Content Outline

The CSEP Content Outline was developed based on a variety of relevant skills as they apply to the daily practice of special events professionals.

The knowledge base is categorized into four domain areas. The four (4) domains identify major content areas which compose the exam, with an indication in percentage of the amount of the exam that will be devoted to that domain.

CSEP CONTENT OUTLINE

1. Development Phase – 27%

  1. Determine purpose of event and prioritize goals and objectives
  2. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis)
  3. Identify event element requirements (e.g., technical production, food and beverage, ancillary programs, entertainment, risk management, and décor)
  4. Analyze site requirements and select appropriate site
  5. Determine need for ancillary programs (e.g., companion programs, exhibits, optional side trips, recreational activities, or mini-events within event)
  6. Define and develop integrated marketing plan (e.g., situation analysis, marketing objectives, target markets and messages, and measure return on marketing (ROM))
  7. Identify and develop promotional strategy (e.g., advertising, Internet promotions, Web site, sales promotions and contests)
  8. Identify and develop direct sales strategy (e.g., box office and ticket operations, souvenirs, and promotional merchandise)
  9. Identify and develop public relations strategy (e.g., media releases, requests for coverage, photo opportunities, media relations, publications, event publicity, and public guest appearances)
  10. Identify and develop sponsorship program (e.g., sponsorships, donors, grants, and gifts)
  11. Identify protocol and ceremony needs and develop protocol plans as required (e.g., dignitaries, government and other officials, special equipment, flags, and emblems)
  12. Conduct a risk assessment and analysis
  13. Develop event design
  14. Ensure event complies with all federal, provincial, and state legislation and local ordinances
  15. Ensure event complies with labor union jurisdictions and regulations
  16. Determine proper insurance coverage (e.g., liability, event insurance, and additional insurances)
  17. Develop an initial budget
  18. Prepare and present a proposal

2. Pre-Production Phase – 45%

  1. Re-assess available resources (e.g., vendors, funds, people, etc.) and time restrictions
  2. Implement record keeping procedures
  3. Create time lines, including production calendar and schedules
  4. Schedule vendor/supplier meetings
  5. Develop event evaluation criteria
  6. Develop a site plan
  7. Review and comprehend vendor proposals
  8. Create structure of responsibility pertaining to event management and its staffing
  9. Oversee communications with and between all involved parties (e.g., status reports and budget updates)
  10. Determine logical sequence of show or event flow
  11. Coordinate event element requirements
    1. Site and site services (e.g., parking, waste management, capacity, power, telecommunications and floor plan)
    2. Entertainment/presentation (e.g., riders, scripting and rehearsals)
    3. Transportation (e.g., manifests, shuttle service, airport service and valet)
    4. Food and beverage (e.g., alcohol management, catering, guarantees and dietary needs)
    5. Technical production (e.g., audio/visual, lighting, sound, special effects and technical rehearsal)
    6. Rentals (e.g., delivery and setup)
    7. Décor (e.g., scenery, props, branding and floral)
    8. Risk management (e.g., security, EMS, contract liability, fire marshal and crowd control)
    9. Guest services (e.g., handicap accessibility, translation, hospitality and VIP services)
    10. Media production (e.g., photography, videography and show content)
    11. Collateral material (e.g., signage, invitation, brochures, promotional items and gifts)
    12. Staffing (e.g., recruitment, training, motivation, and evaluation of personnel and volunteers)
    13. Ancillary programs (e.g., excursions, companion programs and recreational activities)
    14. Marketing and public relations (e.g., press area, event publicity, photo opportunities and sponsorship)
    15. Shipping and receiving (e.g., drayage, trucking and courier service)
  12. Devise contingency and response plans
  13. Ensure event complies with licensing regulations and other intellectual property rights (e.g., ASCAP and BMI)
  14. Secure all necessary insurance coverage, licenses, permits, waivers, and other compliance instruments and documentation
  15. Negotiate and execute necessary agreements, contracts, leases and other legal documents
  16. Conduct pre-event production meetings and personnel/participant orientations

3. Production Phase – 20%

  1. Implement production schedule
  2. Employ communication systems (e.g., methods of communication and communication protocol)
  3. Implement risk monitoring and control systems as needed (e.g., contingency and response plans, and safety procedures)
  4. Coordinate load-in; load-out
  5. Ensure conceptual and contractual compliance of event
  6. Conduct pre- and post-inspection of event (e.g., security, health and safety, client, staff, and site)
  7. Establish behind-the-scenes locations (e.g., green room, production office and rehearsal space)
  8. Response to and documentation of incidents and changes (e.g., incident reports, change orders and signed authorizations)

4. Post-Production Phase – 8%

  1. Determine return on investment (ROI) (e.g., internal and external stakeholders     and measurable objectives)
  2. Analyze and evaluate entire event management process
  3. Audit and reconcile finances and present final budget (e.g., final invoices/billing, financial reports, and profit and loss)
  4. Archive information (e.g., legal documentation, media documentation and samples)
  5. Ensure full compliance with contractual obligations (e.g., equipment return and payment schedules)