Designed and delivered by event industry professionals, it is for those either new or with a little bit of experience with the event management and music scene, aiming to equip participants with the essential skills to plan and execute a gig or club night successfully.

Attendees will learn about identifying and coordinating with key stakeholders, securing funding, and the logistical aspects of event planning. We will cover everything from initial concept development to day-of event management, including programming, promotion, handling, legal and safety considerations, and dealing with unexpected challenges.

• Who is teaching the workshop?

  Rebecca Pickles brings over 20 years of experience in the creative industries, specialising in music, culture, and comedy, with a strong background in live events, venue management, and festivals, such as Parklife, Kendal Calling, Greenwich Comedy Festival, Y Not? Festival, and Factory International. Their expertise spans event operations, logistics, stage management, artist liaison, promotion, and producing, alongside a commitment to inclusive and sustainable event practices. As the founder of Live at St. Mary's she has been able to fully utilise her expertise, reimagining St Marys in the Marketplace and securing the building as a vital new music and events space for Stockport. She is currently working as producer of Festival Square for Manchester International Festival 2025.

  Currently lecturing in Event Management at Sheffield Hallam University and Spirit Studios, they have over 10 years’ experience in education, designing curriculum and assessment, project management, student engagement, and programme leadership, with a strong focus on student autonomy. Alongside their academic role, they are an experienced vocalist and songwriter with a deep understanding of the music industry, having achieved commercial success with pop band The Pipettes, which resulted in two top 40 singles, a top 5 album in Japan, a Pyramid Stage performance at Glastonbury, and performances with Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Bryan Ferry, and The Libertines.

• What are the timings?

  9.45 - 10.00: Arrivals

  10.00 - 1.00: Workshop (including a break with refreshments and snacks)

  5.00: We invite you to re-join us at St Mary's for a behind-the-scenes look at the production setup and soundcheck for our gig that evening

• What do you need to bring?

  Please bring your laptop or tablet device with you for the session to participate in the activities.

• Is the venue accessible?

  The venue has step free access. Inside the venue is an accessible lift to access all floors and an accessible toilet.

• What ages can attend?

  We have set the age as 16+ to ensure that the workshop is pitched at a level that is appropriate for adult participants. Our workshop leaders are DBS-checked.

• What level of experience is this workshop for?

  Some understanding and curiosity about events and the live music industry is useful, but prior experience is not required. If you have worked on music events, the workshop will still be valuable, covering industry best practices to help refine your approach and expand your knowledge.