Lesson

Special Events

Celebrations and occasions vocabulary

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Special Events — Vocabulary Overview

This lesson covers common vocabulary used for special events in professional contexts. You will learn words for types of events, roles, actions, and logistics that appear frequently in business communications, invitations, and reports.

  • Types of events: conference, workshop, gala, product launch, trade show
  • Roles and providers: host, speaker, keynote, sponsor, caterer, venue
  • Actions and logistics: RSVP, register, schedule, set up, coordinate

Table

Special Events Vocabulary (Word — POS — Definition — Example)

Word Part of speech Definition Example
RSVP verb / noun To confirm attendance / a request to confirm attendance Please RSVP by Friday so we can confirm catering numbers.
venue noun The place where an event is held The conference will take place at a downtown venue.
caterer noun A company or person who provides food and beverage services We hired a caterer to provide lunch for the workshop.
keynote noun A main speech given to set the theme of an event The CEO will deliver the keynote address at 9:00 AM.
sponsor noun / verb An organization that supports an event financially / to support Several sponsors will appear on the event programme.
product launch noun An event to introduce a new product to the market The product launch attracted many industry journalists.
registration noun The process of signing up to attend an event Online registration closes two days before the summit.
breakout session noun Small group meetings that happen within a larger event Choose a breakout session that matches your interest area.

Tip

Key collocations and register

Pay attention to common pairings and the formality level of words:

  • Use 'attend' or 'participate in' for events: attend a conference / participate in a workshop
  • Use 'host' or 'hold' for organising: host a reception / hold a product launch
  • Use 'RSVP' on formal invitations and 'register' for online event sign-up
  • Use 'venue' with prepositions: at the venue / venue for the meeting

Match vocabulary to the level of formality in business contexts: email invites tend to be formal; internal meetings can be more casual.

Example

Examples in context

Please RSVP by Monday so the caterer can finalize the menu.

The keynote speaker will speak after the opening remarks.

We need to confirm the venue and the AV equipment for the trade show.

Attendees can choose one breakout session in the afternoon.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors when using event vocabulary:

  • Confusing 'host' (organize/act as host) and 'attend' (be present) — they are not interchangeable
  • Using the wrong preposition with 'venue' or 'event' — say 'at the venue', 'on the agenda', 'during the event'
  • Mixing up 'register' (sign up) and 'RSVP' (confirm attendance) — register is often online, RSVP is a reply to an invitation
  • Incorrect pluralization: 'a sponsor' vs 'sponsors' — match the verb (The sponsor is… / The sponsors are…)
  • Overusing informal verbs for formal contexts — prefer 'attend' or 'participate in' for official communications

When in doubt, check collocations (common word pairings) and the expected level of formality.

Quiz

Choose the correct meaning of 'caterer':

Hint: Think about who supplies meals at conferences and receptions

Quiz

Complete: Please _____ by Friday if you will attend the gala.

Hint: Think about how hosts ask guests to confirm they will come

Quiz

Choose the best verb: We will _____ the product launch next Tuesday.

Hint: Which verb collocates with events and meetings?

Key Points

Vocabulary

RSVP

verb / noun CEFR B1 //ˌɑːrˌɛsviːˈpiː//

To confirm attendance; also used on invitations to request confirmation

Please RSVP by email so we can prepare name badges.

Vocabulary

venue

noun CEFR B1 //ˈvɛnjuː//

The place where an event is held

We chose a central venue to make travel easier for attendees.

Vocabulary

caterer

noun CEFR B2 //ˈkeɪtərə(r)//

A company or person that provides food and beverage services for events

The caterer must receive the final guest count by Thursday.

Vocabulary

keynote

noun CEFR B2 //ˈkiːˌnəʊt//

A main speech that sets the theme or tone of an event

The keynote address will cover industry trends for the next year.

Vocabulary

sponsor

noun / verb CEFR B2 //ˈspɒnsər//

An organization that supports an event financially; to provide financial support

Several sponsors will have booths at the trade show.

Vocabulary

registration

noun CEFR B1 //ˌrɛdʒɪˈstreɪʃən//

The process of signing up or enrolling to attend an event

Early registration offers a discounted fee for participants.

Vocabulary

breakout session

noun CEFR B2 //ˈbreɪkaʊt ˈsɛʃən//

A smaller, focused meeting within a larger conference or event

Attendees can select one breakout session per time slot.