Synapbrighton

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Budget Planning That Actually Makes Sense

We've spent years working with event organizers across Thailand who struggle with the same thing: building realistic budgets that don't fall apart halfway through. Our program walks you through the real process—step by step, module by module—so you can manage finances without the guesswork.

The Learning Journey

This isn't a quick weekend course. Our autumn 2025 cohort runs for eight months because that's how long it takes to build proper skills. You'll work through real scenarios, make mistakes in a safe environment, and come out with confidence in handling actual event budgets.

1
Months 1-2

Foundation Building

Start with the basics that many people skip. We cover budget structures, expense categories specific to events in Thailand, and how to set realistic financial goals when you're still figuring things out.

Expense tracking Category setup Goal setting
2
Months 3-4

Practical Application

Here's where theory meets reality. You'll work on sample events, forecast vendor costs, and deal with those annoying last-minute changes that blow budgets apart. We use case studies from actual events—some successful, some not.

Vendor negotiation Contingency planning Cost forecasting
3
Months 5-6

Advanced Scenarios

Things get messier now. Multi-day events, international vendors, currency fluctuations, and dealing with clients who change their minds every week. This is where you learn to adapt without panic.

Complex budgeting Risk management Client communication
4
Months 7-8

Capstone Project

You'll plan a full event budget from scratch. We provide the brief, you build the financial plan, defend your choices, and revise based on feedback. It's challenging but useful—you'll reference this project for years.

Full-scale planning Presentation skills Professional documentation
Students collaborating on budget planning exercises during workshop session
Practical budget review session with instructor feedback and real event scenarios

Where They Are Now

We stay in touch with graduates. Not everyone becomes a finance expert overnight, but many have found their footing. Here's what some of them are doing now—several years after finishing the program.

Fern Wachiraporn portrait
Fern Wachiraporn
Events Coordinator

I completed the program in early 2023. Took me a while to apply everything, honestly. But by mid-2024, I was handling budgets for corporate events without constantly second-guessing myself. The contingency planning module saved me during a venue cancellation last October.

Two-year progress: Started with small community events, now manages quarterly corporate conferences
Still uses the budget templates from month 3 for initial planning
Marco Tanaka portrait
Marco Tanaka
Freelance Event Planner

Finished autumn 2022 cohort. The program didn't make me rich or anything, but it gave me a framework. I've used the vendor negotiation techniques consistently since then. My clients appreciate that I can explain where their money goes—that transparency builds trust over time.

Three-year journey: Transitioned from part-time planning to sustainable freelance business
Returns to program materials when taking on new event types
Dawn Supaporn portrait
Dawn Supaporn
Wedding Planning Assistant

Graduated late 2023. I work for a wedding planning company now, and I handle all the financial tracking. Not glamorous, but essential. The skills around client communication and managing expectations have been more valuable than I expected. Couples change their minds constantly.

18-month development: From volunteer coordinator to paid financial planning role
Considering starting own consultancy in 2026
Iris Kanyarat portrait
Iris Kanyarat
Non-Profit Event Manager

Took the program in 2022 while volunteering with a non-profit. The budgeting skills translated really well to fundraising events where every baht matters. Three years later, I'm managing our annual gala—we raised 40% more in 2024 because we reduced waste and negotiated better vendor rates.

Long-term impact: From volunteer to full-time manager, consistently improving event ROI
Mentors new staff using program principles

Questions We Get Often

People ask us the same things before enrolling. Here are honest answers.

Do I need prior finance experience? +
Not really. We start from basics. If you can use a spreadsheet and do basic math, you're fine. Most of our students come from event planning backgrounds with minimal financial training. The first two months cover fundamentals specifically for that reason.
When does the autumn 2025 program start? +
September 15, 2025. Applications open July 1st. We cap enrollment at 30 students because larger groups make individualized feedback impossible. Last year we filled up by mid-August, so if you're interested, don't wait until the last minute.
Is this online or in-person? +
Hybrid. Core sessions are live online every Tuesday and Thursday evening (Bangkok time), with monthly in-person workshops at our Yala location. Recordings available if you miss a session, but live participation helps—discussions are often more valuable than lectures. Check schedule details here.
What happens after I finish? +
You get a certificate and access to our alumni network. We can't promise jobs—that's unrealistic and honestly misleading. What you get is a solid skill set, practical experience from the capstone project, and ongoing support through quarterly check-ins. Many alumni collaborate on projects years later.
Can I get help between sessions? +
Yes. We have office hours twice weekly and a private discussion forum. Instructors typically respond within 24 hours. During capstone months, we increase support availability because that's when people need the most guidance. Meet the teaching team.
What's the time commitment? +
Around 8-10 hours weekly. Two evening sessions (3 hours total), plus homework, reading, and project work. It ramps up during months 7-8 for the capstone—expect 12-15 hours those weeks. This isn't something you can do casually while working full-time without adjusting your schedule.

Autumn 2025 Enrollment Opens July

If you're serious about improving your budget planning skills and willing to put in the work over eight months, we'd like to hear from you. Applications open July 1st with a rolling review process. Space is limited.

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