Our academic work

Trusted by leading academic institutions

See how we’re turning academic events into unforgettable experiences with creative strategies and flawless execution!

A professionally dressed man in a dark suit and tie speaks at a leadership conference. He is wearing a microphone and appears engaged in delivering a speech or presentation. Behind him, a large banner displays the words 'Leadership Conference' along with a globe graphic, indicating an event related to business and leadership. The setting suggests a formal academic or corporate environment.

“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

“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

A formal event with a well-dressed audience watching a speaker on stage. The speaker, a man in a blue suit and orange tie, stands with arms outstretched, addressing the crowd. Behind him, a large screen displays golden confetti-like visuals, creating a celebratory atmosphere. A group of individuals stands behind the speaker, clapping in recognition or support. The audience, seated in transparent chairs, attentively watches the stage, reinforcing the sense of an important moment or achievement being highlighted.

A formal gala dinner takes place inside an elegantly decorated venue with a glass ceiling. Attendees, dressed in formal attire, are engaged in conversation while dining at long tables adorned with floral centerpieces, fine glassware, and plated meals. A large chandelier hangs from the ceiling, adding to the ambiance. In the background, a stage features the words 'breakthrough' on large screens, indicating a themed event or celebration. Soft lighting and a sophisticated setting create an upscale atmosphere.

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

NC State University

“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 Mens Basketball Coach

A large-scale multimedia display inside an arena features a red-lit cube showcasing historical images of Alexander Graham Bell and his wife, Mabel Bell. Text on the cube highlights Bell as an inventor and professor, while Mabel is noted as a businesswoman. The arena floor is illuminated with a projection of cursive handwriting, adding an interactive and immersive element to the presentation. The background shows dimly lit stadium seating with spectators watching the display.

Two speakers stand on a large stage, delivering a presentation for 'The Campaign for Bloomsburg.' Behind them, multiple vertical screens display images of students and campus life, with the central screen featuring an aerial view of a university. The stage is lit with warm lighting, and a musical setup, including drums and other instruments, is visible in the background, indicating a possible performance element to the event.

“You have a fantastic team, so professional and in tune with what the client is looking to accomplish! Our team enjoyed working with yours, and the end product was fantastic!”

Bloomsburg University

Trust our proven track record

We help great institutions effectively engage with their community…and we’ve won some awards along the way! Here are just a select few of the awards our creative team of passionate academic event planners has won:

Our awards

Special Event Magazine Award for Princeton-Fung Global Forum, Paris

Best International Conference Program

Campaign for Duke Spring Sabbatical, London for Duke University

Best Multi-Day Event, Special Events Gala Award

Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions Launch for Duke University

Best Corporate Event, Special Events Gala Award

Special Events Gala Award for Campaign Closing for Boston University

Best Event Produced for a Nonprofit Organization

Special Events Gala Award for Elon LEADS Campaign Launch, Elon Univeristy

Best Technical Production (partnering with Creative Visions)

Special Gala Award for Fuqua School of Business & Coach K Leadership Conference

Best Event with Legacy

ILEA Trinity Award for Duke Health Asia Celebration

Best Non-Profit Event

ILEA Esprit Award for Duke Children’s Hospital 10th Anniversary Gala

Best Non-Profit Event

ILEA Trinity Award for Duke University Alumni – European Program

Best Non-Profit Event

ILEA EVIE Award for Fuqua School of Business Global Initiative Launch

Best Technical Production

ILEA Esprit Award for Caltech Campaign Launch

Best Event Solution

ILEA Esprit Award for Fuqua School of Business Global Initiative Launch

Best Entertainment Production

We are academic event professionals

TSEC is more than just a creative, full-service event agency; we’re passionate advocates for academic event professionals. Nearly 20 years ago, we created the AEP (Academic Event Professional) Conference to advance professional development in the field, and we continue to champion this mission today through AEP Fellows, the premier professional networking association by academic event planners for academic event planners. Check out the AEP website to learn more about our vibrant community that lives for creating extraordinary academic experiences and register to attend our next conference!