Whether it’s a party,class,or promotional occasion,events of any kind are quintessential in connecting individuals within their communities. And as technology progresses, so does the manner in which people plan and host events. But, where did event management start? More importantly, how has it led us here? This brief history of event management compares the then and now of event planning. The Evolution of Event Management The earliest recorded events and gatherings promoted peace and friendship between tribes and clans, and the first known event planner was Cleopatra. She hosted elaborate, lavish, sumptuous meetings in pursuit of potential lovers. Cleopatra even went as far as entering one meeting by drifting down the Nile River on a boat filled with candles and perfume in order to impress Mark Anthony. However, Cleopatra’s events would not have been possible without her servants and free labor. Communication was very limited, and messages were often hand delivered which usually took weeks, if not months, to be delivered. Luxurious events and parties continued with medieval French Royalty. Wealthy aristocratic women were in charge of event management, the most notable being Madame Pompadour, the mistress to King Louis XV of France and Marie Antoine. Parties were themed with costumes and popular musicians of the time. The Industrial Revolution created the need for events and connecting to expand beyond parties for the elite and royal families. Thus, industrialization provided a stronger economy by increasing manufacturing and generating business growth, and it ultimately became necessary for people to set up meetings and events in order to collaborate and grow their businesses. People were making more money, which meant that they could spend more on hosting events. The expansion of transportation provided options to increase the number of events and meetings, as well as an array of location options. New modes of transportation such as trains permitted a feasible manner for people to travel to and from events, all in a timely manner. The introduction of mobile phones and the internet also had an enormous impact on event planning. With the use of these electronics, communication could now happen at any time during the day, from anywhere in the world. Individuals can now create, locate, register, and document an event by using one small portable device.
