When people say they work in live events, it can mean everything, and nothing, at the same time.

So what actually counts as an event, and why does defining it matter?

In this episode of So You Want to Be an Event Planner, we break down what planned live events really are and why they deserve to be understood as a legitimate field of work and study. Using examples from corporate events, festivals, sport, social rituals, and civic life, we introduce a clear definition of events and explain how careers across live events fit within the broader experience industries. We also explore why events are typically taught in hospitality programs in the U.S. and how defining and naming the live event field creates clarity, confidence, and belonging for students, career-switchers, parents, school counselors, and advisors.

If you’re curious about event planning or event management — or wondering whether you belong in this industry — this episode is your starting point.

1. Events are intentional, temporary, designed, and purpose-driven gatherings
2. Events exist across business, culture, sport, civic life, and social spaces
3. Event planning is a legitimate interdisciplinary field, not just a job title or side task
4. Hospitality became the academic home for events in the U.S. for structural reasons
5. Naming the field creates visibility, legitimacy, and belonging

1. Planned live events
2. Experience industries
3. Temporary organizations
4. Purpose-driven gatherings
5. Event ecosystem

Think about the last three events you attended.

What was each event’s purpose, and which sector did it belong to (business, social, cultural, sport, civic)?

Notice how different events serve very different outcomes — even though we often use the same word for all of them.

Episode 2: The Live Events & Experience Industries — A Tour of the Ecosystem

If events are a real field, where do they actually live? We’ll map the industries, sectors, and systems that rely on events — and why event jobs are often harder to see than they should be.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Disney
2. Walmart
3. Coachella
4. Olympics
5. World Cup