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An event manager's guide: The ultimate event glossary

As a newly qualified event manager, it is crucial to develop a solid understanding of the terminology used in the event industry. Regardless of whether you work in B2B or B2C event planning, a sound knowledge of the most important terms is essential. In this event management glossary, you will find everything you need to navigate the daily life of an event manager with confidence.

March 5, 2024
10 min
Woman sitting in audience and applauding.

Anna brings over 6 years of experience in digital event management, including 2 years as Marketing Manager at START Global for the START Summit, and is an expert in product development and customer success at Oniva. She holds a Master's degree in Business Innovation from HSG.

Expertise
#Event marketing #Innovation #Event technology
Co-Founder
Oniva
Woman sitting in audience and applauding.

A/V technology

A/V Technology stands for audio and video technology needed for an event. It includes everything from microphones and speakers to projectors and screens.

B2B events

“Business to business” events are aimed at companies. They serve to establish business contacts, exchange ideas, and explore new trends in the industry.

B2C events

“Business to customer” events are open to the general public and offer companies the opportunity to market their products and services directly to consumers.

Breakout session

A breakout session is a targeted interruption of the main program, during which participants meet in small groups to discuss or work on a specific topic.

CAD plan

A CAD plan is a true-to-scale plan that contains all event buildings and facilities of an event venue.

Capacity

The capacity refers to the available number of seats or participation opportunities for an event.

Catering

Catering refers to the provision of food and drinks during an event, from snacks and beverages to full meals.

Corporate event

Corporate events are events that are exclusively accessible to a closed target group in a business context.

Curfew

The “curfew” is the time when all dismantling work of an event must be completed.

Customer relationship management (CRM)

A CRM is a central system or database that stores and manages information about contacts and activities.

Deadline

The deadline is the last possible time for an activity or task in event management.

Dressing room

A dressing room is a room that serves as a changing room and preparation room for artists or speakers.

Early bird

The early bird tariff allows early registration at a reduced price.

F&B

“F&B” stands for “food & beverage” and includes catering during an event.

Fireside chat

A Fireside Chat is an informal meeting in a small group where a specific topic is discussed.

Guest management

Guest management includes the administration, communication and support of all invited and participating persons.

Get-in

The get-in is the fixed time at which the event staff must arrive before the guests arrive.

Go live

“Go live” refers to the time at which registration for an event is opened.

Hybrid event

A hybrid event combines a live local audience with a simultaneous virtual live stream.

In-person event

An in-person event takes place exclusively with the physical presence of the participants.

Keynote

A keynote is the opening speech or an important plenary session at an event.

Keynote speaker

The keynote speaker is the main speaker at an event who motivates and inspires the audience.

MICE

“MICE” stands for “meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions” and describes various types of events in the event industry.

No show

No show means participants who do not participate in the event even though they have signed up.

No show rate

The no show rate is the percentage of guests not showing up in relation to the total number of registrations.

Opening rate

The opening rate is the ratio of opened emails to the total number of emails sent when invited or reminded about an event.

PA system

A PA system is the audio system of an event venue.

Public event

Public events are events that are open to the general public.

PURL

PURL stands for “personal URL” and makes it easier for guests to register and participate in an event.

Reminder

A reminder is a communication measure to remind registered or non-registered contacts.

Request for information (RFI)

An RFI is a preparatory step for an offer request (RFP), in which companies request information about products and services from potential event providers.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

An RFP is a formal request from an event organizer to service providers to obtain offers to host an event.

Return of Investment (ROI)

The ROI is a performance measurement value for event organizations that shows the relationship between profit achieved and investment costs.

Rider

A rider is a list of requirements that artists or bands place on the event organizer.

Save the date

A save the date informs potential participants about the date of an event.

Session

A session is a session, presentation, or workshop that takes place during a larger event.

tba

“to be announced” means that information has yet to be announced.

tbc

“to be confirmed” means that information has yet to be confirmed.

Virtual event

A virtual event takes place exclusively online, without the physical presence of the participants.

Waiting list

A participant is placed on the waitlist when an event is fully booked. Participants can be placed on a waitlist in case spots become available due to cancellations.

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