Emilis Vaičiūnas is an active and creative third-year student in the Event Engineering program at the Faculty of Creative Industries at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH), successfully combining his studies with work at the Event Engineering Laboratory. From his very first year of studies, Emilis has immersed himself in the real world of events – he designs and plans the layout and operation of stage technology using specialized computer programs, models lighting and sound solutions for events, and immediately puts his ideas into practice by actively contributing to the implementation of faculty events.
Emilis also actively participates in organizing practical sessions for his fellow students and assists lecturers, thus gaining valuable mentoring experience. "I chose this study program because it ideally combines creativity, technology, and engineering. The studies are vibrant, dynamic, and constantly encourage learning and practical improvement," says Emilis.
His favorite aspects of the studies include independently creating and implementing technical event projects and providing technical support at events held in schools previously attended by current faculty students. He values the opportunity to tackle real challenges from the beginning of his studies, effectively supplementing the theoretical knowledge gained in lectures.
Emilis’ experience is a great example of how future professionals are successfully trained in the VILNIUS TECH Event Engineering program, where they are provided not only with knowledge but also with valuable real-world professional experience.
The Event Engineering study program, which encompasses a four-year bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Creative Industries, aims to prepare well-rounded professionals capable of contributing to any event's success not only with technical skills but also with management, creative, and marketing competencies. The four-year curriculum integrates subjects such as mathematics, physics, mechanics and material strength, sound acoustics, lighting technologies, electronics, information technology, management, and communication, offering an engineering, artistic, and managerial perspective.
The idea and structure of the program were developed in close cooperation with industry. Meetings with social partners allow for updates to the program content and monitoring of market changes. According to Laurynas Paškevičius, General Director of the company Scenos techninis servisas, "In the field of stage technology, technical knowledge alone is no longer enough. The most valuable professionals are those who understand the equipment and the entire event process – from planning to execution. If a person is quick, works well in a team, follows safety regulations, and can think critically, they become a reliable team member capable of making real-time decisions. Flexibility is especially important today – the ability to adapt to constantly changing conditions. Technology matters, but the decisive factor is the person who can manage it responsibly." This study program clearly meets that need.
Modern Event Engineering Laboratory
Last year, the Event Engineering Laboratory opened its doors at the Faculty and became a vital space for practical learning: students here find advanced lighting control consoles and mobile spotlights. Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Vaida Asakavičiūtė notes that the new laboratory enhances the material base of the program, allowing students to carry out technical projects and apply their knowledge in practice. "The laboratory features stage constructions that allow for real event layout simulations, trial installations, and full-fledged tests of sound and lighting programs. During their studies, students work both individually and in groups – they prepare technical plans, program lighting scenarios, and measure sound parameters using acoustic tools. This way, students gain invaluable experience needed in the job market and solve real technical challenges during their studies."
The Dean states, "Event Engineering is a unique and the only study program in Lithuania preparing event engineers. The employment rate for graduates of this specialty is very high – such professionals work not only in Lithuania but also in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and other countries. The demand for this type of specialist in the labor market is truly impressive. Many students receive job offers while still studying."
Event Engineering graduate Edvinas Švipas, currently working as a sound systems engineer at the event technical support company "Šviesiai garsiai", says: "I started working here in my second year of studies, so the work experience helped me better understand theoretical subjects, while the knowledge gained during studies made me a better specialist in the field." Having started a successful career as early as his second year, Edvinas says that he has always been surrounded by events and the stage from a young age, so he always knew he wanted to link his life to this "kitchen" – because backstage, like in a kitchen, unknown things are constantly happening, with lots of interesting technology and stage structures. Edvinas adds: "The studies were interesting – some things were easy for me because I already knew them from work, and some were difficult and required extra time and learning. I especially liked theoretical mechanics, material mechanics, and stage constructions. These subjects were very useful in my work."
Laurynas Paškevičius, General Director of Scenos techninis servisas, notes that "most graduates start with technical positions – working as stage assemblers, lighting or sound technicians, but that’s just the first step. The event industry is very dynamic, so motivated people quickly advance to coordinator, technical manager, or even project manager roles. Those with deeper interests can specialize in areas like structural engineering, stage mechanics, or technological design. The field is broad and open – everything depends on one’s ambition to grow." It is also observed that in the next 5–10 years, the demand for event engineering professionals will only increase. Today, we see how the event industry is becoming more and more technologically advanced, while the average age of workers in this field is rising, and there is a shortage of young, tech-savvy people. This means one thing – graduates in this field will have a very clear path into the labor market both in Lithuania and internationally.
One of the most prominent examples of practical work in the Event Engineering program is the student-organized live music festival “Atlantida. Underground.” All technical solutions for this event were prepared and implemented using the system of knowledge acquired during studies – from constructions to the actual execution of the event. The program’s social partners played a significant role in the technical side of "Atlantida. Underground": Scenos techninis servisas (StS), Midiaudio.lt, AGATA, Šiaulių naktys, and NGR – Nepriklausomi garso režisieriai – provided the necessary equipment for the festival. Such partnerships are especially valuable for students – they not only work with top-class equipment but also gain hands-on experience in coordinating technical teams, planning budgets, and preparing safety documentation in real business settings. “Atlantida. Underground” is a great example of how the integrated modules of the study program are transformed into real projects, giving Event Engineering graduates a competitive edge in the job market.
