This thesis explored the public relations practitioner's role in the growing field of special events.A review of literature found that no study of this type had been conducted and that there is little instructional information available on the topic.A 29-item survey was mailed to 613 public relations professionals acquired through a systematic random sample of O'Dwyer's Directory of Public Relations Firms, 1983. Three mailings resulted in 153 usable responses.The survey included scaled, multiple choice, and open ended questions. Question topics included: awareness and involvement in special events on a national and agency level; responsibility for conceptualization and implementation of special events; objectives for events; amount of responsibility in events; success of events; quantity, quality, type and specific sources of instructional information; and demographic information.The returned responses were coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive data were provided on all responses and crosstabulations were established for selected variables.The majority of the respondents stated that they had seen an increase in the number of events in both their agency and in the United States. In addition they predicted that the trend will continue for both.The majority agreed upon typical objectives for special events, the success of the events and the most effective techniques for measuring the success of the events.The respondents also indicated that there is little instructional information available on special events and that what is available is only average in quality.In conclusion, all of these responses seem to indicate that public relations practitioners perceive special events to be a very positive, growing and successful part of the public relations agency's business. However, there appears to be a need for better educational material on this important aspect of their business.