By Ngresangma Martha (UniMAC-IJ, ngresangma54@gmail.com)
The 3rd UniMac-IJ Mentorship Dinner, held on July 13, 2024, at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IJ) in South Legon, was a testament to the power of meticulous event planning. The event underscored how engaging public relations (PR) students in event planning can significantly enhance their skills and positively impact their peers in other universities.
This year’s dinner stood out for its exceptional organization and execution, surpassing the previous editions. Attendees noted improvements in various aspects, from the seamless coordination to the quality of speakers and the overall atmosphere. The difference was palpable, demonstrating the importance of continuous learning and refinement in event planning.
Among the distinguished speakers was George Quaye, a renowned Ghanaian actor, media personality, and communication professional. Quaye emphasized the critical phases of event planning, highlighting that preparation (50%), the event itself (35%), and post-event activities (15%) are crucial to success. “The most important part of the event is the planning phase,” he stated. Quaye warned that poor coordination on the event day can render even the best-laid plans ineffective.
Quaye also discussed the challenges of maintaining professionalism in the event and entertainment industry. “Any country that takes its event industry seriously goes far. The event space is not an easy field to play in. One little slip and you could ruin a life,” he cautioned. His insights resonated deeply with the audience, particularly emphasizing the need for PR students to develop robust planning skills.
The mentorship dinner illustrated how involving PR students in event planning not only hones their practical skills but also sets a precedent for their peers. By organizing events, students learn to manage logistics, coordinate with various stakeholders, and navigate unforeseen challenges—all crucial skills in the PR industry.
Such experiential learning opportunities are invaluable. They foster collaboration, creativity, and strategic thinking, equipping students with the tools needed for successful careers in public relations and beyond. If other universities adopt similar initiatives, the benefits could be profound. Engaging PR students in event planning can create a more dynamic and skilled workforce, ultimately raising the industry’s standards.
Recommendations for other universities include integrating event planning into their PR curriculum and providing hands-on opportunities for students to organize and execute events. By doing so, they can cultivate a new generation of professionals, adept at managing and executing successful events, thereby enhancing their career prospects and the quality of the industry as a whole.
