Brief

Delivering a High-Standard Freshers Fayre for Portsmouth University Student Union post Covid.

Objective

To support the Business Development and Operations Team in delivering the 2021 Freshers Fayre to its highest standard.

Strategy and Implementation

1. Initial Brief and Discovery

Initial Brief: Conducted a discovery call with Natalie on 22.07.2021 to understand the event requirements and expectations.
Objective Setting: Defined clear goals and deliverables for the Freshers Fayre based on the initial brief.

2. Project Coordination and Planning

Weekly Subgroup Support:
- Attended weekly subgroup calls.
- Established an agenda for each meeting.
- Assigned and tracked action items to ensure timely completion.
Project Timeline: Created a comprehensive project timeline document outlining activities from 1st August to 8th October, ensuring all tasks were completed on schedule.

3. Event Planning and Management

Office-Based Planning: Worked from the Heard About Sam’s office, coordinating with the team and ensuring all planning tasks were addressed.
Flexibility and Availability: Dedicated one day a week to the project, with flexibility to be available as needed throughout the week.
On-Site Management: Provided on-site event management from Sunday, 3rd October to Friday, 8th October, overseeing all event logistics and operations.

Results

Successful Coordination: Ensured all elements of the Freshers Fayre were coordinated effectively through regular meetings and action tracking.
Timely Execution: Followed the project timeline meticulously, ensuring all activities were completed within the set timeframe.
High-Quality Event: Delivered a well-organised and high-standard Freshers Fayre, meeting the expectations of the Student Union and providing a great experience for new students.

Timescale

5 week period from August to October 2021.

Testimonials

“Sam came in at very short notice to help with the planning and delivery of our 2021 Freshers Fayre (the biggest event of the year for UPSU). With very little time to get used to the site or project as a whole, Sam jumped into every part of the project to support and was an incredible person to work with, ensuring deadlines were met and being my 'organised brain' behind the scenes of everything, as well as recommending and sourcing additional support we required from her vast network of contacts and ensuring we stayed on track with everything to deliver the event effectively.
Sam was present for the full 5 day delivery of the event itself, and was wonderful to work alongside; so professional, calm and collected when there were 'on the day' issues to resolve but also fun and enthusiastic about every element of the event and a pleasure to be on the ground with. She was a brilliant colleague to work with and who kept me going across what was a long and tiring week but that was just such fun as well!
Sam supported me so well throughout the entire process and I would not have been able to deliver the event without her expertise and help. It was sad to have to say goodbye after working together so productively and enjoying every part of the event and we hope that this is the first of many events we ask for Sam to support us on as an organisation as we would absolutely love to bring her in for events we deliver in the future.
Thank you Sam!”

— Natalie Dutka-Bowskill, Student Opportunities & Operations Manager Portsmouth University

University of Portsmouth