Learning through impact: Events Management students deliver real benefits for local charities
RGU’s fourth-year Events Management students have raised almost £4,000 for local charities through the University’s Live Client Project module, creating meaningful economic and social impact across the North East of Scotland.
Bringing Learning to Life
The Live Client Project module helps students develop professional skills through hands-on experience in event planning, stakeholder management, marketing and fundraising. Over the course of six months, they are challenged to work closely with a local charity towards a key objective and manage the organisation of a large-scale event from conceptualisation all the way through to delivery and evaluation.
For more than a decade, the module has connected students with charities and community partners, generating over £150,000 and creating new event concepts that have left a lasting impact on the region.
This year’s projects included The Makers Exchange, a craft market, exhibition and workshop event at Trinity Hall in support of Erskine Veterans Charity, and Blooms and Bites Family Fun Day at Shivas Steading, which raised awareness and funds for Rainbow Rogues through live music, food vendors and family activities.
Delivering Impact Beyond the Classroom
The impact extended well beyond fundraising. Students supported local venues, businesses, suppliers, performers and sponsors throughout the planning and delivery process. Both events showcased local traders and entertainment providers, helping generate economic activity while strengthening connections between the University and the wider community.
The events also encouraged people to travel to Aberdeen from further afield to explore the region and engage with local causes.
Michael Parkes, Fundraising Development Manager for Erskine, highlighted the difference the project has made for the charity:
“The Makers’ Exchange was a very special day. The amazing commitment and creativity from the students over the last year not only raises vital funds to support Veterans across the North East, but it also helps increase awareness of our Veterans Activity Centre in Forres, which has made a life-changing and life-saving difference to over 700 Veterans.”
Preparing Future Events Professionals
Beyond the positive impact for charity partners, the project provides students with an opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world environment, developing the practical skills, confidence and professional networks needed for their future careers.
Katherine Goldie, Lecturer at Aberdeen Business School and module lead, shares how the project exemplifies RGU’s approach to work-integrated learning:
“We are immensely proud of our students and the positive impact they create through their live event projects, not only for their charities but the many organisations within the local community. These events provide a valuable professional experience which helps to cultivate their passion and skills within their vocational interest in the events industry."
That professional experience left a lasting impression on students, many of whom were managing a large-scale public event for the first time. Reflecting on the project, fourth-year Events Management student Lois Burch said:
“I enjoyed most working with my team and coming up with a lot of creative ideas and seeing our vision come to life. And then on the day of the event, putting so many smiles on people’s faces whether that’s attendees, stallholders or workshop hosts; it was really rewarding.”
Through partnerships with charities, businesses and community organisations, the Live Client Project continues to demonstrate the value of work-integrated learning in action.
By combining academic study with real-world experience, students not only gain the skills and confidence needed for their future careers but also deliver tangible social and economic benefits for communities across the region.
