Training for organisers of socially significant events took place at the National Centre RUSSIA

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The federal educational programme "Event Management Workshop. 3rd module" took place on May 13 at the National Centre RUSSIA. The participants of the large-scale strategic session, practical seminar, and mini-lectures were organisers and directors of socially significant and creative events from the regions of the country, selected by the organisers of the project from more than 3,000 applications. The experts of the third module of the training were representatives of the Directorate of the National Centre RUSSIA.

In her speech on the topic "Visual Code of Events," adviser to the Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA Olga Pilyavskaya-Binda spoke about the creation of the visual code of the RUSSIA EXPO, about meanings that are embedded in the logo of the National Centre RUSSIA, shared how to make the visual design unified, and what message should be incorporated in order for the visual to be liked by everyone. 

"Behind each of our theses there is a story, an explanation, a description from the point of view of organisation, history, culture, and other features of our country and its regions. We strive to create not just beautiful images, but a meaningful visual language that would reflect the scale, diversity, and spirit of Russia. And I have to say that the word 'Russia' in branding is a huge responsibility. It must speak for itself, inspire trust and pride, be recognisable and at the same time contemporary. And of course, it is necessary to do everything possible so that it is treated with due respect," emphasised Olga Pilyavskaya-Binda.

Deputy Head of Protocol Service of the National Centre RUSSIA Timur Gezikov presented the mini-lecture "Event at the Highest Level." He listed typical difficulties faced by the protocol service when organising events with the participation of high-profile guests and shared his experience of unforeseen situations that require an immediate response. The speaker paid special attention to the necessity of being flexible, even when it is required to observe classical protocol norms.

"The protocol service must be very flexible, because unfortunately, it is impossible to conduct every event according to the same template. It is necessary to take into account not only protocol practice, seniority, and other aspects, but also the logic and, so to speak, the conceptual nature of the event. That is why the organisation of high-level events is always a balance between impeccable observance of protocol and readiness for improvisation. Even the most detailed and well-thought-out scenario is not protected from surprises, and it is precisely then that the professionalism of the entire team is revealed — when, within strict limits, you find an elegant and quick solution while maintaining the dignity of the event," noted Timur Gezikov.

Together with the Deputy Director General for Development and External Relations of the National Centre RUSSIA, Alexander Molchanov, the participants of the project reviewed the success of the International Symposium "Inventing the Future," the first and one of the most significant events of the National Centre RUSSIA. Alexander Molchanov shared how the idea of organising the Symposium was born, highlighted the key meanings of the event, and pointed out the main features that favourably distinguish it from its analogues.

"The success of the RUSSIA EXPO imposed certain obligations on us. We understood that we not only had to repeat this success, but also take the events of the National Centre RUSSIA to a new level by creating a world-class platform for dialogue about the future. Therefore, every component of the Symposium, from organisational decisions and business programme events to consideration of the interests of a wide audience within the framework of two large exposition spaces, was designed to emphasise the role of Russia as a global centre of competences and innovations," said Alexander Molchanov.

Within the framework of the strategic session "From Idea to Scale: National Centre RUSSIA 2030," the participants received a case in a specific direction, for which it was necessary to develop a strategic solution. Then, divided into teams, they went through all the stages of work: from discussion and consultation with mentors to adjustment of solutions and preparation of speeches-presentations.

The final module of the "Event Management Workshop" training concluded with an engaging practical seminar, "Why Boring Events Are a Crime," conducted by the writer and scriptwriter Alexander Tsypkin.

The "Event Management Workshop" is a federal educational programme of the "New Media Workshop" and the Polylog consulting group. The key goal of the project is to teach producers, NGO representatives, and specialists in youth and cultural policy how to create high-quality events that promote national culture and traditional Russian values.

The in-person training is held in Moscow in three modules: "Event as an Instrument of Influence," "The Anatomy of Events," and "The Future of the Industry." The knowledge and skills acquired by the participants can be applied in the implementation of their own projects and initiatives.