Master Event Budget Planning Through Real-World Practice

We've spent years managing budgets for corporate conferences, community festivals, and everything in between. Now we're teaching others what actually works—not theory from a textbook, but methods we've refined through hundreds of events across Australia.

Senior financial instructor Henrik Dalsgaard

Henrik Dalsgaard

Lead instructor with 14 years managing event finances for organisations across Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne. Specialises in cost forecasting and vendor negotiations.

Our Six-Month Training Journey

Starting September 2025, we're running a comprehensive programme that takes you from basic budget templates to complex multi-stream event financing. Classes meet twice weekly, with practical assignments based on real event scenarios.

1

Foundation Building

Weeks 1-6

You'll start with how we structure budgets for different event types. We cover income projections, expense categorisation, and contingency planning—skills that apply whether you're planning a 50-person workshop or a 500-person conference.

Budget template development Vendor cost analysis Cash flow management Risk assessment basics
2

Advanced Forecasting

Weeks 7-14

This is where things get interesting. We teach you how to predict costs for events you haven't run yet, using historical data and market research. You'll also learn negotiation strategies that have saved our clients thousands on venue hire and catering.

Comparative pricing methods Seasonal cost variations Contract negotiation tactics Multi-event planning
3

Complex Scenarios

Weeks 15-22

Now you're managing budgets with multiple revenue streams, sponsorship agreements, and changing attendance numbers. We throw curveballs at you—last-minute venue changes, cancelled sponsors—because that's what happens in real life.

Sponsorship management Crisis budget adjustments Multi-stakeholder reporting Profit optimisation
4

Capstone Project

Weeks 23-26

You'll plan and budget a complete event from scratch. We provide the brief—maybe it's a three-day industry conference or a charity fundraiser—and you handle everything. Then you present it to us and defend your decisions, just like you would to a real client or board.

Full budget creation Stakeholder presentation Financial reporting Professional feedback
Students working through event budget scenarios in classroom setting

Recognition From Industry Bodies

In 2024, the Australian Event Management Association recognised our training programme for practical excellence. We've also maintained a working relationship with the Professional Convention Management Association since 2022.

But honestly? The recognition that matters most comes from former students who tell us they're using what they learned every week. That's what we're after.

340+ Graduates Since 2019
87% Working in Events
26 Industry Partners
4.7/5 Average Rating

What Past Participants Say

I'd been managing small community events for three years, but I was winging the budgets every time. This programme taught me how to actually forecast costs and build in proper contingencies. Last month I managed a 200-person fundraiser and came in under budget with no surprises. That's never happened before.
Programme graduate Liesl Vanderberg

Liesl Vanderberg

Events Coordinator, Perth Community Foundation

Next Intake Starts September 2025

We're taking applications until June 30th. Classes run Tuesday and Thursday evenings, with online options for those outside metro areas. Course fee is ,850, with payment plans available.

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