Caroline Westwood

Senior Lecturer

• Department of Service Sector Management

Summary

Professional Biography: I have worked at Sheffield Hallam University for the last five years and prior to that I was based at the University of Derby teaching on undergraduate full time, part time and distance learning programmes. My role within SBS allows me to connect with a wide variety of students and be part of a large and passionate team with many areas of expertise, covering all aspects of event management. Prior to this time at the University of Derby, provided the opportunity of delivering both on-campus and distance learning programmes, as programme leader for FdA in Events Management. My interest in technology enhanced learning developed here, ensuring all students regardless of how far they were studying away from the campus, received stimulating and engaging teaching delivered through various technologies. Before entering into academia, my experience as a practitioner spans more than 15 years working in the service industry specialising in corporate event management. Fortunately I have worked for both public and private sector organisations and also currently offer event consultancy to charitable organisations. I have worked for international companies such as Starwood Resorts, Mariott International and Hilton Worldwide as we as small privately run hotels and venues, academic venues and event management agencies. Whilst working in the agency sector I was responsible for managing the event requirements for large corporate accounts such as DFS, Bensons Beds, Harveys Furnishings, Wolseley Group, Skipton Group, Rightmove.co.uk and Balfour Beatty. Teaching Interests: I deliver a range of modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels across the Event Management programmes. My specialisms are centered around business event venues and business, delivering on modules such as Eventscape, The International Events Industry, Managing Exhibitions, Business and Corporate Events, Social Media and PR, Delivering Successful Business Events. As well as these event related modules, I am a Placement Employability Tutor, assisting the level 5 students finding placements, an integral role as they prepare for their year in industry.

Research Interests:

My research specialism focus on the integral role agricultural societies and agricultural events contribute to the event experience.  This is largely and underearched sector with the events industry, but a large contributor in terms of economic impact.  Currently working with several Agricultural Societies to conduct research which is tangible and relevant to feed into strategy.  Within this area of research, I am also considering the strategic design of these events to position themselves for the future, offering the connect between urban consumers and rural producers.