COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AGILE AND WATERFALL METHODOLOGIES IN MANAGING BUSINESS CONFERENCE PROJECTS

The article is devoted to a comparative analysis of agile and waterfall project management methodologies in the context of organizing business conferences. The paper clarifies the specific features of business conferences as a form of corporate event, highlighting their time constraints, high degree of organizational complexity, involvement of a wide range of stakeholders, and the need to balance time, budget, and quality. Structural and managerial aspects of the project-based approach are examined within the framework of business event management, with particular attention given to the nature of business conferences as unique, large-scale, and event-driven projects characterized by a high probability of unforeseen changes. The main research objective is to compare Agile and Waterfall models across several criteria: adaptability, adherence to schedules, risk management, stakeholder interaction, achievement of project goals, and customer satisfaction. The analysis confirms the applicability of agile methodologies in highly dynamic and uncertain environments, while the waterfall model is shown to be effective under stable project conditions and precise planning. Special attention is given to the prospects of hybrid approaches that combine the strengths of both methodologies depending on the project stage and its specific characteristics. The article emphasizes that managing business conferences is based on the principles of project management and adaptation to changing internal and external environments. The study substantiates the importance of a rational choice of project management methodology, considering the objectives, nature of the event, and the level of client engagement.