A professional speaker, wearing glasses and a suit, stands at a podium delivering a talk at an academic event. The stage is bathed in purple lighting, and a large screen behind him displays the words 'TEACH IT FORWARD' along with 'The Campaign for Williams,' indicating an educational initiative or fundraising effort. A bold teal triangular frame overlays part of the image, drawing focus to the speaker, with the phrase 'Academic solutions' prominently displayed in white text on a teal banner.


 Our premier academic event division, where excellence and innovation converge. 

With a distinguished history of crafting award-winning programs on both national and international stages, we proudly stand among the world’s leading experiential academic event planners.

Recognized as a Top 50 Global Event Company by Special Events Magazine for three consecutive years and honored with numerous accolades, our commitment to this field is unwavering and unparalleled.

A grand formal gala event with elegantly dressed attendees standing and applauding as red and silver confetti rains down from above. The venue is adorned with luxurious decor, including candlelit tables with red floral centerpieces. A large stage in the background features a live band and screens displaying celebratory messages, including a significant fundraising total. The atmosphere is festive and jubilant, marking a moment of achievement and celebration.
Projection mapping of a man on the Boston University ice rink during the campaign closing event.

For nearly 40 years, our comprehensive solutions have inspired and engaged attendees, driving them toward meaningful action. Whether you’re in the soft phase of an upcoming campaign, developing a new impactful alumni program, envisioning donor opportunities, or reviewing your institution’s global communications, our team of over 400 experts blends strategic insight, deep knowledge and creative prowess to deliver truly unforgettable experiences and achieve your advancement goals.

It’s all in the details

Our academic work

Discover how we transform academic events into extraordinary experiences through innovative strategies and seamless execution!

AEP: Academic Event Professional

AEP is the premier community for higher education event planners, providing year-round support, networking, and professional development to elevate academic events.

Our services

From strategy to design and execution, we craft academic events that engage, inspire and drive results.

#1

in academic professional development events

5000+

events produced

30+

countries worked in

350+

amazing clients

40+

international awards won

38

years in the biz

“I have enjoyed the many times we have worked together. You can be sure that I will kindly be one of your references when someone reaches out. You have always done extraordinary work.”

Duke Men’s Basketball Coach

“I have never been prouder of UOP than I am today! This campaign celebration helped me understand how truly amazing this institution is. It’s really incredible what you did.”

University of the Pacific

“The outstanding work of The Special Event Company will live on in our university’s history forever! We would not have been able to create and execute our campaign launch on our own.”

Salem State University

“Beyond what we could have created ourselves. Your expertise helped us tell our story in a way that resonates with our donors and other constituents. The gala dinner was creative, celebratory and simply outstanding.”

Boston University

“We simply cannot stress how pleased we were with the outstanding job that you guys did for us!”

NC State University

“Their input into The Coach K & FSB Leadership Conference has raised the bar for conference management in general at Duke University, and their expertise has been invaluable to us.”

Duke University

“What is most admirable, beyond their level of expertise, is also the sense of ownership, responsibility and accountability that they bring to the table.”

Duke Comprehensive Cancer Center

“The reimagining of the center of campus into the immersive campaign launch event you created was beyond our expectations.”

Caltech