Events Are Easy... At least, that is what a lot of people think! It's just some people in a place, at a time, and it happens... Of course, it looks easy when events have been planned with care, detail and precision. That is the art of the events professional. This book offers a practical overview to help anyone who needs to plan and deliver an event, however small or large. Paul J. Abbott is a seasoned events professional who has enjoyed an exciting and varied career in the meetings and events industry. Like many people, he learned 'on the job' and made plenty of mistakes along the way. From Event Coordinator on international conferences to Director in a mixed-use performance venue, he has an extensive history to draw on, from the mundane to the extraordinary. This book is the simple, straight-talking guide he would have wanted when he started out. Paul shares thoughts and insights on everything from developing an idea and turning it into a plan, to delivering and evaluating the event. Along the way, he presents simple explanations of common terminology and practical guides on a range of subjects from identifying content to working with venues, via integrated risk management, sustainability, and a whole lot more. I have a unique perspective on how events work... This book brings together practical advice from my own experiences with reflections from an exciting career which I hope will inspire you, whatever stage you are at on your events journey. PAUL J. ABBOTT