Figure 1 Ann Catabas image Lake District (2025)
I have to admit, I was overwhelmed at the beginning of my blog assignment. Over time, I started to feel more comfortable with the expectations of my assignments. It was only through the absorption of concepts like the reflective learning model by Gibbs (1988) did I realize I could have been questioning what I experienced and then drew upon conclusions to see which approaches failed, which were successful, and which still needed improvement. This will be my reflective and creative practice moving forward.
Figure 2. Gibbs experiential learning model by Ann Catabas Powerpoint. 2025
Realizing I can be more comfortable with our learning material came from topics that I enjoyed the most. The week about Business and Finance inspired me to think about the type of company I want to create. Sinek’s Golden Circle Theory (2010) had me thinking of the “how”, “what”, and “why” core principles that would propel my company to stand out from the rest by specializing in bespoke weddings with unique event design all supported with great customer experience. Using the Strategyzer Business Model Canvas tool helped give me a cohesive and more accurate structure in my planning.
I’m not 100% confident in everything, but I did identify areas in which I need improvement, and this would be my skill sets in research. I believe that applying what I learned into the real world will help me be more proficient in my ongoing CPD and event practice. As soon as the next big Comic Con rolls around, I am going to use the methodology I learned from Primary and Secondary Research to put my hypothetical attendee questionnaire into action. I’m confident this will benefit guest experiences in the future.
Out of all the modules I learned, the one thing that truly resonates with me are the guiding principles from John Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line (1997) where people, planet, and profit coincide with sustainable event planning. My appreciation for the power and impact that events have, regardless of size, leads me to a strong belief that my participation and contribution through my event practice will change communities, economies, and the environment. This starts now.
I am really grateful that each week’s webinar gave me the knowledge I need to progress in my CPD and for my work life. I finally came out of my shell with my fellow students in our social group where we talked about tasks of the week. I think I can safely speak for everyone when I say that our education is going to enact change and improvements to the world of event management in significant ways. I am eager to find out with all of you!
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Ann Catabas. Lake district. 2025.
Figure 2. Gibbs experiential learning model by Ann Catabas Powerpoint. 2025.
REFERENCES
GIBBS, Graham,(1988) Great Britain. Further Education Unit. ‘Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods’. FEU.
SINEK, Simon. 2009. How Great Leaders Inspire Action. Accessible at: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action [accessed on 05 March 2025]
ELKINGTON, John. (1997). Cannibals With Forks: The Triple Bottom Line of 21st Century Business. New Society Publishers