Currently included in the event and hospitality management curriculum at over twelve universities, The Art of Event Planning: Pro Tips from an Industry Insider is a practical, case-study-driven text ideal for courses in event management, hospitality and tourism, marketing, and business leadership, at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
Written by Gianna Gaudini, former event leader for Google, AWS, Airtable, SoftBank and Cognition AI, this book bridges real-world industry experience with a clear, teachable framework for event strategy, planning, and execution. Students gain direct exposure to case studies, decision-making frameworks, and lessons drawn from high-stakes corporate events, galas, conferences, and virtual experiences, making it equally relevant to event management, marketing, and hospitality coursework.
Why instructors choose this book for their curriculum:
* A structured, step-by-step framework that translates directly into course modules, from defining target audience and building event strategy, to RFPs, budgeting, ROI measurement, and flawless execution
* Real-world case studies and practical applications drawn from Fortune 500-level events
* Coverage of both foundational skills (venue selection, vendor and stakeholder management, contracts and negotiation) and modern topics (diversity and inclusion in event design, personalization at scale, virtual and hybrid event strategy)
* Content that doubles as a leadership and communication text — useful beyond event-specific courses, in any class touching project management, client relations, or team leadership
* Written in an engaging, accessible style that keeps student interest while delivering substantive, applicable content
Topics covered include how to:
* Build a career in event planning and establish a unique niche
* Create unforgettable live and virtual event experiences
* Build and lead a high-performing event team
* Develop and win RFPs
* Define target audience and event strategy
* Select the perfect venue
* Measure and create ROI
* Navigate contracts and negotiation
* Incorporate diversity and inclusion practices
* Personalize event experiences at scale
* Execute flawless events from concept to completion
"In The Art of Event Planning, Gianna Gaudini demystifies the process, challenges and joys of event planning at the highest level. She comes to the table as a highly seasoned professional, but she delivers incredible information that can be applied to a large event or the most intimate dinner at home, interchangeably... This book is also an empowering guide to leadership, communication, partnership and visionary thinking... I recommend this book wholeheartedly. BRAVO!"
- David Stark, Founder and Chief Creative Officer, David Stark Design and Production
Gianna Gaudini is a sought-after writer, event strategist, and speaker. She holds certifications in interior design and as a court master sommelier. Learn more, including press, podcasts, and webinars, at www.giannagaudini.com.
A companion e-learning course, Million Dollar Event Planning Career, is also available at GiannaGaudini.com/course for readers and students who want to continue their learning journey beyond the book.
Gianna Cardinale Gaudini is an award winning Executive Event producer for Google. At the time of publishing (2019), she's worked at Google for nine years, and has over thirteen years experience in the hospitality industry. Gianna earned her interior design certification from The Interior Design Institute and is also a certified Court Master Sommelier. She authors the popular wine lifestyle blog, Decantress Wine Diary, and has contributed as a featured writer for Which Winery, Wine Country Weddings, Love &, Sonoma Weddings, Destination Races, and Event Marketer and also designed the wine list for the opening of Noir Wine Bar in San Francisco. Gianna holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California at San Diego and also attended Pompeu Fabra Universidad in Spain. Gianna resides in San Francisco with her husband, Garrett, and son, Giacomo. When she isn't producing events or writing, she enjoys exploring Napa wine country, cooking, entertaining, long distance running and unwinding with a yoga class or a good book.
