Events can range from large national and international events to smaller local events. These events all contribute to Northern Ireland's tourism offering.

Some examples of types of event include:

• concerts
• festivals
• fairs
• sporting competitions and events
• conferences
• exhibitions
• trade shows
• awards ceremonies
• fan conventions
• food events
• music events
• cultural events
• art events
• theatre performances
• film screenings

International tourism events

International events are those that attract visitors from outside of Northern Ireland. These events highlight Northern Ireland as a tourism destination to global audience. This may include TV and media coverage. Major events can generate economic benefits to Northern Ireland and can leave a lasting legacy.

National tourism events

National events can showcase Northern Ireland's people, places and personality and provide authentic tourism experiences. These events can enhance the profile and appeal of the local area and attract visitors from Northern Ireland and beyond.

The key to running successful events involves advance planning and detailed organisation.

Set your objectives

The first part of planning your event is to decide what your goals and objectives are. You should ensure your objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, realistic and time). Read about setting your marketing objectives.

Plan the elements of your event

You will need to decide on aspects such as:

• dates and times
• site or venue
• site design or venue set up
• speakers
• entertainment
• catering
• agenda
• team - eg hired staff or contractors

Consider how these elements will help you achieve the objective of your event.

It's important to think about health and safety during the planning process. See events health and safety.

Budget

Ensure that your budget covers all your costs. Ask your suppliers and contractors when they will require payment. Selling tickets in advance of the event can help with cashflow. See business budgeting and cashflow management. 

Booking

If you are charging for your event or have limited capacity, consider whether you will allow visitors to book through an event registration or ticketing system. This could involve an online service or be built into your own website. You may choose to simply charge admission at the door.

Promotion

You will need to think about promoting your event well in advance. See promote your event.

In order to ensure a good turnout, you will need to promote your event. Consider how you will raise awareness from the start of the planning process

Event branding

Branding can help your event stand out to potential visitors. Think about the following:

• name - give your event a name that is memorable reflects what you are trying to achieve
• tagline - come up with a tagline that effectively describes your event and makes it sound appealing
• logo - create a logo you can use to represent your event
• visual elements - using a particular unique colour palette and design can enhance your branding and look professional

Your branding should feature on your website and social media, on any advertising and at the event itself. A strong, recognisable brand will enhance your reputation and set your event apart from the competition.

See branding for your business. 

Your marketing strategy and plan

You will need to develop and strategy and plan to promote your event. This will include:

• analysing the market and your positioning
• deciding who your audience are and how to reach them
• setting marketing objectives
• planning your tactics
• creating a plan and timeline for implementing your tactics
• monitoring and evaluation

See create your marketing strategy and how to write a marketing plan.

Tactics you can consider are:

• advertising - eg local magazine and newspaper listings, billboards, radio
• public relations (PR) - eg press releases, launches
• direct marketing - eg direct mail, email marketing
• online advertising such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click and paid search advertising
• social media marketing and advertising 

Promote a business event

If your event is for a business audience, such as a seminar, conference or trade show, you can promote it free on the nibusinessinfo.co.uk Events Finder. Complete the online form to register and get your events listed.  

Tourism NI run an annual events funding programme. International and national tourism events are able to apply for funding if they meet certain criteria. The main goals of this funding are to:

• enhance visitor experience
• increase visitor numbers and spend
• ensure year-round motivation to visit
• enhance Northern Ireland's international profile
• create a legacy

National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme

National tourism events showcase Northern Ireland's regions and destinations. They offer visitors an authentic cultural experience.

To qualify for funding, events must meet certain criteria such as:

• visitor numbers greater than 1,000
• minimum expenditure of £50,000

Applying for funding

The funding programme is open for applications for a short time each year. Check with Tourism NI for information and updates about applying.  

There are a number of legal considerations to be aware of when organising events. You will need to comply with health and safety laws and obtain licences for certain activities.

Entertainment licence

Certain types of entertainment require an indoor or outdoor entertainment licence from your local council. This may include:

• music
• theatrical performance
• circus acts
• boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests or displays
• dancing
• singing
• film screening

Find more information about who requires an entertainment licence.

Liquor licence

If alcohol will be sold at your event you will need to ensure that the venue holds a valid liquor licence. If your event is taking place away from a licensed premises, an occasional licence will be required.

See selling alcohol. 

Health and safety

When organising an event, health and safety should be a top priority. Your responsibilities include carrying out a risk assessment, ensuring the site or venue is suitable and managing traffic and crowds. See events health and safety.

Important organisations

The following organisations can give you advice on your responsibilities for running and managing events, you should contact:

• your local council in Northern Ireland
• Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
• First aid providers - such as St John Ambulance, British Red Cross or Order of Malta
• Your insurer - browse insurance guidance

Forward planning is the key to organising a successful event. Use this checklist to keep on top of things.

Initial event planning stage

Carry out your initial planning at least four to six months before your event:

• decide on your goals and objectives
• begin designing your event brand
• choose the date
• decide and book the venue
• get cost estimates from suppliers
• decide who will be responsible for various aspects of organisation and hire staff and contractors
• identify your speakers, entertainment, caterers and exhibitors
• identify sponsors and partners

See plan and organise an event.

Finalise event details and start promotion

You should work out the finer details of your event three to four months ahead of it taking place. This includes:

• liaising with speakers, entertainment, food stalls and exhibitors to arrange travel, accommodation, logistics, presentations and contracts
• arranging event booking and ticketing if required
• working out what licences and permits you might need - see regulations and licences for events
• beginning to promote your event

Your promotion plan and timeline should lead right up to the day the event.

Final event checks

One week before your event, make your final preparations:

• finalise the agenda
• brief staff, contractors, entertainers and speakers on the final timings and arrangements
• finalise numbers for seating, catering etc
• liaise with the media, if this is part of your event promotion
• confirm logistics such as site or venue set up, deliveries and travel arrangements

Post-event checklist

After your event there are a number of things you should do:

• carry out any post-event PR
• conduct a post-event survey - find out what visitors enjoyed and what could be improved
• conduct your own evaluation, including an evaluation of the budget and expenditure 

Events can range from large national and international events to smaller local events. These events all contribute to Northern Ireland's tourism offering.

Some examples of types of event include:

• concerts
• festivals
• fairs
• sporting competitions and events
• conferences
• exhibitions
• trade shows
• awards ceremonies
• fan conventions
• food events
• music events
• cultural events
• art events
• theatre performances
• film screenings

International tourism events

International events are those that attract visitors from outside of Northern Ireland. These events highlight Northern Ireland as a tourism destination to global audience. This may include TV and media coverage. Major events can generate economic benefits to Northern Ireland and can leave a lasting legacy.

National tourism events

National events can showcase Northern Ireland's people, places and personality and provide authentic tourism experiences. These events can enhance the profile and appeal of the local area and attract visitors from Northern Ireland and beyond.

The key to running successful events involves advance planning and detailed organisation.

Set your objectives

The first part of planning your event is to decide what your goals and objectives are. You should ensure your objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, realistic and time). Read about setting your marketing objectives.

Plan the elements of your event

You will need to decide on aspects such as:

• dates and times
• site or venue
• site design or venue set up
• speakers
• entertainment
• catering
• agenda
• team - eg hired staff or contractors

Consider how these elements will help you achieve the objective of your event.

It's important to think about health and safety during the planning process. See events health and safety.

Budget

Ensure that your budget covers all your costs. Ask your suppliers and contractors when they will require payment. Selling tickets in advance of the event can help with cashflow. See business budgeting and cashflow management. 

Booking

If you are charging for your event or have limited capacity, consider whether you will allow visitors to book through an event registration or ticketing system. This could involve an online service or be built into your own website. You may choose to simply charge admission at the door.

Promotion

You will need to think about promoting your event well in advance. See promote your event.

In order to ensure a good turnout, you will need to promote your event. Consider how you will raise awareness from the start of the planning process

Event branding

Branding can help your event stand out to potential visitors. Think about the following:

• name - give your event a name that is memorable reflects what you are trying to achieve
• tagline - come up with a tagline that effectively describes your event and makes it sound appealing
• logo - create a logo you can use to represent your event
• visual elements - using a particular unique colour palette and design can enhance your branding and look professional

Your branding should feature on your website and social media, on any advertising and at the event itself. A strong, recognisable brand will enhance your reputation and set your event apart from the competition.

See branding for your business. 

Your marketing strategy and plan

You will need to develop and strategy and plan to promote your event. This will include:

• analysing the market and your positioning
• deciding who your audience are and how to reach them
• setting marketing objectives
• planning your tactics
• creating a plan and timeline for implementing your tactics
• monitoring and evaluation

See create your marketing strategy and how to write a marketing plan.

Tactics you can consider are:

• advertising - eg local magazine and newspaper listings, billboards, radio
• public relations (PR) - eg press releases, launches
• direct marketing - eg direct mail, email marketing
• online advertising such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click and paid search advertising
• social media marketing and advertising 

Promote a business event

If your event is for a business audience, such as a seminar, conference or trade show, you can promote it free on the nibusinessinfo.co.uk Events Finder. Complete the online form to register and get your events listed.  

Tourism NI run an annual events funding programme. International and national tourism events are able to apply for funding if they meet certain criteria. The main goals of this funding are to:

• enhance visitor experience
• increase visitor numbers and spend
• ensure year-round motivation to visit
• enhance Northern Ireland's international profile
• create a legacy

National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme

National tourism events showcase Northern Ireland's regions and destinations. They offer visitors an authentic cultural experience.

To qualify for funding, events must meet certain criteria such as:

• visitor numbers greater than 1,000
• minimum expenditure of £50,000

Applying for funding

The funding programme is open for applications for a short time each year. Check with Tourism NI for information and updates about applying.  

There are a number of legal considerations to be aware of when organising events. You will need to comply with health and safety laws and obtain licences for certain activities.

Entertainment licence

Certain types of entertainment require an indoor or outdoor entertainment licence from your local council. This may include:

• music
• theatrical performance
• circus acts
• boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests or displays
• dancing
• singing
• film screening

Find more information about who requires an entertainment licence.

Liquor licence

If alcohol will be sold at your event you will need to ensure that the venue holds a valid liquor licence. If your event is taking place away from a licensed premises, an occasional licence will be required.

See selling alcohol. 

Health and safety

When organising an event, health and safety should be a top priority. Your responsibilities include carrying out a risk assessment, ensuring the site or venue is suitable and managing traffic and crowds. See events health and safety.

Important organisations

The following organisations can give you advice on your responsibilities for running and managing events, you should contact:

• your local council in Northern Ireland
• Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
• First aid providers - such as St John Ambulance, British Red Cross or Order of Malta
• Your insurer - browse insurance guidance

Forward planning is the key to organising a successful event. Use this checklist to keep on top of things.

Initial event planning stage

Carry out your initial planning at least four to six months before your event:

• decide on your goals and objectives
• begin designing your event brand
• choose the date
• decide and book the venue
• get cost estimates from suppliers
• decide who will be responsible for various aspects of organisation and hire staff and contractors
• identify your speakers, entertainment, caterers and exhibitors
• identify sponsors and partners

See plan and organise an event.

Finalise event details and start promotion

You should work out the finer details of your event three to four months ahead of it taking place. This includes:

• liaising with speakers, entertainment, food stalls and exhibitors to arrange travel, accommodation, logistics, presentations and contracts
• arranging event booking and ticketing if required
• working out what licences and permits you might need - see regulations and licences for events
• beginning to promote your event

Your promotion plan and timeline should lead right up to the day the event.

Final event checks

One week before your event, make your final preparations:

• finalise the agenda
• brief staff, contractors, entertainers and speakers on the final timings and arrangements
• finalise numbers for seating, catering etc
• liaise with the media, if this is part of your event promotion
• confirm logistics such as site or venue set up, deliveries and travel arrangements

Post-event checklist

After your event there are a number of things you should do:

• carry out any post-event PR
• conduct a post-event survey - find out what visitors enjoyed and what could be improved
• conduct your own evaluation, including an evaluation of the budget and expenditure 

Events can range from large national and international events to smaller local events. These events all contribute to Northern Ireland's tourism offering.

Some examples of types of event include:

• concerts
• festivals
• fairs
• sporting competitions and events
• conferences
• exhibitions
• trade shows
• awards ceremonies
• fan conventions
• food events
• music events
• cultural events
• art events
• theatre performances
• film screenings

International tourism events

International events are those that attract visitors from outside of Northern Ireland. These events highlight Northern Ireland as a tourism destination to global audience. This may include TV and media coverage. Major events can generate economic benefits to Northern Ireland and can leave a lasting legacy.

National tourism events

National events can showcase Northern Ireland's people, places and personality and provide authentic tourism experiences. These events can enhance the profile and appeal of the local area and attract visitors from Northern Ireland and beyond.

The key to running successful events involves advance planning and detailed organisation.

Set your objectives

The first part of planning your event is to decide what your goals and objectives are. You should ensure your objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, realistic and time). Read about setting your marketing objectives.

Plan the elements of your event

You will need to decide on aspects such as:

• dates and times
• site or venue
• site design or venue set up
• speakers
• entertainment
• catering
• agenda
• team - eg hired staff or contractors

Consider how these elements will help you achieve the objective of your event.

It's important to think about health and safety during the planning process. See events health and safety.

Budget

Ensure that your budget covers all your costs. Ask your suppliers and contractors when they will require payment. Selling tickets in advance of the event can help with cashflow. See business budgeting and cashflow management. 

Booking

If you are charging for your event or have limited capacity, consider whether you will allow visitors to book through an event registration or ticketing system. This could involve an online service or be built into your own website. You may choose to simply charge admission at the door.

Promotion

You will need to think about promoting your event well in advance. See promote your event.

In order to ensure a good turnout, you will need to promote your event. Consider how you will raise awareness from the start of the planning process

Event branding

Branding can help your event stand out to potential visitors. Think about the following:

• name - give your event a name that is memorable reflects what you are trying to achieve
• tagline - come up with a tagline that effectively describes your event and makes it sound appealing
• logo - create a logo you can use to represent your event
• visual elements - using a particular unique colour palette and design can enhance your branding and look professional

Your branding should feature on your website and social media, on any advertising and at the event itself. A strong, recognisable brand will enhance your reputation and set your event apart from the competition.

See branding for your business. 

Your marketing strategy and plan

You will need to develop and strategy and plan to promote your event. This will include:

• analysing the market and your positioning
• deciding who your audience are and how to reach them
• setting marketing objectives
• planning your tactics
• creating a plan and timeline for implementing your tactics
• monitoring and evaluation

See create your marketing strategy and how to write a marketing plan.

Tactics you can consider are:

• advertising - eg local magazine and newspaper listings, billboards, radio
• public relations (PR) - eg press releases, launches
• direct marketing - eg direct mail, email marketing
• online advertising such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click and paid search advertising
• social media marketing and advertising 

Promote a business event

If your event is for a business audience, such as a seminar, conference or trade show, you can promote it free on the nibusinessinfo.co.uk Events Finder. Complete the online form to register and get your events listed.  

Tourism NI run an annual events funding programme. International and national tourism events are able to apply for funding if they meet certain criteria. The main goals of this funding are to:

• enhance visitor experience
• increase visitor numbers and spend
• ensure year-round motivation to visit
• enhance Northern Ireland's international profile
• create a legacy

National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme

National tourism events showcase Northern Ireland's regions and destinations. They offer visitors an authentic cultural experience.

To qualify for funding, events must meet certain criteria such as:

• visitor numbers greater than 1,000
• minimum expenditure of £50,000

Applying for funding

The funding programme is open for applications for a short time each year. Check with Tourism NI for information and updates about applying.  

There are a number of legal considerations to be aware of when organising events. You will need to comply with health and safety laws and obtain licences for certain activities.

Entertainment licence

Certain types of entertainment require an indoor or outdoor entertainment licence from your local council. This may include:

• music
• theatrical performance
• circus acts
• boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests or displays
• dancing
• singing
• film screening

Find more information about who requires an entertainment licence.

Liquor licence

If alcohol will be sold at your event you will need to ensure that the venue holds a valid liquor licence. If your event is taking place away from a licensed premises, an occasional licence will be required.

See selling alcohol. 

Health and safety

When organising an event, health and safety should be a top priority. Your responsibilities include carrying out a risk assessment, ensuring the site or venue is suitable and managing traffic and crowds. See events health and safety.

Important organisations

The following organisations can give you advice on your responsibilities for running and managing events, you should contact:

• your local council in Northern Ireland
• Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
• First aid providers - such as St John Ambulance, British Red Cross or Order of Malta
• Your insurer - browse insurance guidance

Forward planning is the key to organising a successful event. Use this checklist to keep on top of things.

Initial event planning stage

Carry out your initial planning at least four to six months before your event:

• decide on your goals and objectives
• begin designing your event brand
• choose the date
• decide and book the venue
• get cost estimates from suppliers
• decide who will be responsible for various aspects of organisation and hire staff and contractors
• identify your speakers, entertainment, caterers and exhibitors
• identify sponsors and partners

See plan and organise an event.

Finalise event details and start promotion

You should work out the finer details of your event three to four months ahead of it taking place. This includes:

• liaising with speakers, entertainment, food stalls and exhibitors to arrange travel, accommodation, logistics, presentations and contracts
• arranging event booking and ticketing if required
• working out what licences and permits you might need - see regulations and licences for events
• beginning to promote your event

Your promotion plan and timeline should lead right up to the day the event.

Final event checks

One week before your event, make your final preparations:

• finalise the agenda
• brief staff, contractors, entertainers and speakers on the final timings and arrangements
• finalise numbers for seating, catering etc
• liaise with the media, if this is part of your event promotion
• confirm logistics such as site or venue set up, deliveries and travel arrangements

Post-event checklist

After your event there are a number of things you should do:

• carry out any post-event PR
• conduct a post-event survey - find out what visitors enjoyed and what could be improved
• conduct your own evaluation, including an evaluation of the budget and expenditure 

Events can range from large national and international events to smaller local events. These events all contribute to Northern Ireland's tourism offering.

Some examples of types of event include:

• concerts
• festivals
• fairs
• sporting competitions and events
• conferences
• exhibitions
• trade shows
• awards ceremonies
• fan conventions
• food events
• music events
• cultural events
• art events
• theatre performances
• film screenings

International tourism events

International events are those that attract visitors from outside of Northern Ireland. These events highlight Northern Ireland as a tourism destination to global audience. This may include TV and media coverage. Major events can generate economic benefits to Northern Ireland and can leave a lasting legacy.

National tourism events

National events can showcase Northern Ireland's people, places and personality and provide authentic tourism experiences. These events can enhance the profile and appeal of the local area and attract visitors from Northern Ireland and beyond.

The key to running successful events involves advance planning and detailed organisation.

Set your objectives

The first part of planning your event is to decide what your goals and objectives are. You should ensure your objectives are SMART (specific, measurable, realistic and time). Read about setting your marketing objectives.

Plan the elements of your event

You will need to decide on aspects such as:

• dates and times
• site or venue
• site design or venue set up
• speakers
• entertainment
• catering
• agenda
• team - eg hired staff or contractors

Consider how these elements will help you achieve the objective of your event.

It's important to think about health and safety during the planning process. See events health and safety.

Budget

Ensure that your budget covers all your costs. Ask your suppliers and contractors when they will require payment. Selling tickets in advance of the event can help with cashflow. See business budgeting and cashflow management. 

Booking

If you are charging for your event or have limited capacity, consider whether you will allow visitors to book through an event registration or ticketing system. This could involve an online service or be built into your own website. You may choose to simply charge admission at the door.

Promotion

You will need to think about promoting your event well in advance. See promote your event.

In order to ensure a good turnout, you will need to promote your event. Consider how you will raise awareness from the start of the planning process

Event branding

Branding can help your event stand out to potential visitors. Think about the following:

• name - give your event a name that is memorable reflects what you are trying to achieve
• tagline - come up with a tagline that effectively describes your event and makes it sound appealing
• logo - create a logo you can use to represent your event
• visual elements - using a particular unique colour palette and design can enhance your branding and look professional

Your branding should feature on your website and social media, on any advertising and at the event itself. A strong, recognisable brand will enhance your reputation and set your event apart from the competition.

See branding for your business. 

Your marketing strategy and plan

You will need to develop and strategy and plan to promote your event. This will include:

• analysing the market and your positioning
• deciding who your audience are and how to reach them
• setting marketing objectives
• planning your tactics
• creating a plan and timeline for implementing your tactics
• monitoring and evaluation

See create your marketing strategy and how to write a marketing plan.

Tactics you can consider are:

• advertising - eg local magazine and newspaper listings, billboards, radio
• public relations (PR) - eg press releases, launches
• direct marketing - eg direct mail, email marketing
• online advertising such as search engine optimisation (SEO) and pay-per-click and paid search advertising
• social media marketing and advertising 

Promote a business event

If your event is for a business audience, such as a seminar, conference or trade show, you can promote it free on the nibusinessinfo.co.uk Events Finder. Complete the online form to register and get your events listed.  

Tourism NI run an annual events funding programme. International and national tourism events are able to apply for funding if they meet certain criteria. The main goals of this funding are to:

• enhance visitor experience
• increase visitor numbers and spend
• ensure year-round motivation to visit
• enhance Northern Ireland's international profile
• create a legacy

National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme

National tourism events showcase Northern Ireland's regions and destinations. They offer visitors an authentic cultural experience.

To qualify for funding, events must meet certain criteria such as:

• visitor numbers greater than 1,000
• minimum expenditure of £50,000

Applying for funding

The funding programme is open for applications for a short time each year. Check with Tourism NI for information and updates about applying.  

There are a number of legal considerations to be aware of when organising events. You will need to comply with health and safety laws and obtain licences for certain activities.

Entertainment licence

Certain types of entertainment require an indoor or outdoor entertainment licence from your local council. This may include:

• music
• theatrical performance
• circus acts
• boxing, wrestling or martial arts contests or displays
• dancing
• singing
• film screening

Find more information about who requires an entertainment licence.

Liquor licence

If alcohol will be sold at your event you will need to ensure that the venue holds a valid liquor licence. If your event is taking place away from a licensed premises, an occasional licence will be required.

See selling alcohol. 

Health and safety

When organising an event, health and safety should be a top priority. Your responsibilities include carrying out a risk assessment, ensuring the site or venue is suitable and managing traffic and crowds. See events health and safety.

Important organisations

The following organisations can give you advice on your responsibilities for running and managing events, you should contact:

• your local council in Northern Ireland
• Police Service of Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
• First aid providers - such as St John Ambulance, British Red Cross or Order of Malta
• Your insurer - browse insurance guidance

Forward planning is the key to organising a successful event. Use this checklist to keep on top of things.

Initial event planning stage

Carry out your initial planning at least four to six months before your event:

• decide on your goals and objectives
• begin designing your event brand
• choose the date
• decide and book the venue
• get cost estimates from suppliers
• decide who will be responsible for various aspects of organisation and hire staff and contractors
• identify your speakers, entertainment, caterers and exhibitors
• identify sponsors and partners

See plan and organise an event.

Finalise event details and start promotion

You should work out the finer details of your event three to four months ahead of it taking place. This includes:

• liaising with speakers, entertainment, food stalls and exhibitors to arrange travel, accommodation, logistics, presentations and contracts
• arranging event booking and ticketing if required
• working out what licences and permits you might need - see regulations and licences for events
• beginning to promote your event

Your promotion plan and timeline should lead right up to the day the event.

Final event checks

One week before your event, make your final preparations:

• finalise the agenda
• brief staff, contractors, entertainers and speakers on the final timings and arrangements
• finalise numbers for seating, catering etc
• liaise with the media, if this is part of your event promotion
• confirm logistics such as site or venue set up, deliveries and travel arrangements

Post-event checklist

After your event there are a number of things you should do:

• carry out any post-event PR
• conduct a post-event survey - find out what visitors enjoyed and what could be improved
• conduct your own evaluation, including an evaluation of the budget and expenditure