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Professional Association Links
LinkedIn: Meeting and Event Planning at CSUDH Continuing Education
American Society of Association Executives
Convention Industry Council
http://www.conventionindustry.org
Certificate of Completion in Meeting & Event Planning
View Course Schedule & Register Request Information Now!
How to Become a Meeting and Event Planner in 2 Months
About the Meeting & Event Planning Industry
Event Management is a multibillion-dollar industry, growing rapidly, with conferences, meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, and social events hosted regularly all over the world. Recent events have rendered big changes, but the industry continues to adapt and is going strong—be it learning and using new virtual platforms, or planning in-person meetings and events of all types.
In addition, many professional roles and responsibilities require meeting planning skills. Careers in Human Resources and public relations are just two examples of industries that utilize events to meet company goals.
Meeting & Event Planning Certificate: Program Overview
The Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is designed to teach the fundamental yet critical skills necessary to produce a successful meeting, conference, or event.
The curriculum strengthens the skills of those already working in the industry and provides a strong foundation for those seeking a profession in Meeting and Event Planning. Additionally, the program supplies essential skills to those needing to plan any function within their organization.
The Meeting and Event Planning Program at CSUDH provides an overview of the industry and information regarding resources, professional organizations, and career possibilities. Each session will provide in-depth information in the critical aspects of event planning, thereby providing students with a sound basis upon which to decide on their direction in the profession and successfully plan events.
For those seeking careers in the hospitality industry, this program provides a broad awareness of multiple career possibilities. The information provided in this program will also benefit those who want to plan social events such as weddings, gala dinners and networking events. As an added benefit, the program provides essential Continuing Education Units (CEU) for those seeking industry designations such as Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), Digital Event Strategist (DES), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), etc.
Features & Benefits of the MEX Certificate Program
Instructor Expertise – Interactive – Presentations – Industry Speakers – Hotel Visit
In this interactive hybrid (live online/in-person) instructor-led program, participants will be equipped with knowledge and tools such as templates, case studies, and check lists to apply to real-life experiences such as social as well as corporate events. Group activities, projects and simulations enable students to amass hands-on experience and portfolio pieces. Each session includes time to work on the project component associated with that session’s topics.
The program will also give participants the opportunity to practice and demonstrate their comprehension of program materials and presentation skills. Using the meeting planning tools taught, students will prepare and present an event plan for a social or corporate function, including its implementation and management. Presentations will be made to the program instructors and a guest panel of industry experts.
In addition to the professional expertise of the program instructors, guest speakers (industry experts) will be included in various sessions to provide additional perspective and knowledge.
CSUDH partners with Los Angeles area hotels and venues to provide students with a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this program, the successful student will possess the critical skills needed to successfully plan and implement meetings, events, training and development sessions, and company functions. These skills include budgeting, negotiations, contracts, and management.
Incumbent meeting planners will strengthen their skills and keep up with the latest industry developments and best practices. Professionals in adjacent industries will further their skills and enhance their competitive edge.
Those responsible for planning workplace meetings and conferences will acquire the essential skills needed to plan a successful event or function.
Topics
- Planning Basics, Leadership and People Management
- Financial and Contract Management
- SRFP and RFQ Process
- Risk Management, Marketing and Public Relations
- Facilities and Services
- Career Planning Using Event and Program Management Skills
- Group Capstone Project Presentations
By the end of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify and formulate event goals and objectives
- Develop timelines
- Establish a meeting design
- Identify event stakeholders
- Create a program outline
- Develop an event budget
- Prepare and present budget reports
- Control costs and affect bottom line
- Negotiate and implement vendor and venue contracts
- Communicate with and manage internal and external stakeholders
- Identify and measure risks, develop and implement procedures for mitigation
- Conduct a site inspection
- Manage aspects such as audio visual, food and beverage, room set-up, and design
- Explore opportunities and professional/career aspects
Who Should Attend
Individuals who should attend include:
- Meeting, conference, wedding, fundraiser, sport program, and social function coordinators
- New and aspiring planners seeking a comprehensive introduction to the field of Meeting and Event Planning
- Employees of the hospitality industry, such as hotel sales and convention service managers, who work with meeting and event planners
- Professionals in related fields such as entertainment, lighting, audio/visual, sound, and catering
- Professionals working in other fields and positions requiring event planning skills
- Positions include: Executive Assistants; Administrative Assistants; Project Managers; Account Managers; Service Managers; Operations Managers
- Professional fields include: Human Resources; Public Relations; Training and Development; Advertising and Promotions; Administrative Services; Facilities Management; Community and Social Services; Fundraising; Health Education; Business Development
Eligibility Requirements
No prerequisites are required for the certificate.
Careers in Event Planning: Employment Outlook
- Meeting Planner
- Event Director
- Meeting Coordinator
- Wedding Planner
- Special Event Planner
- Destination Management Planner
- Corporate Planner
- Association Planner
- Independent Meeting Planner
Employment of meeting, event, and convention planners is expected to grow 18% over the 2020-30 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses and organizations become increasingly international, meetings and conventions become even more important. In the next 10 years it is anticipated that there will be 22,100 more jobs added to the profession.
—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Certificate Requirements
This program provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and is graded on a Credit (CR)/No Credit (NC) basis. Nationally recognized standards govern attendance requirements to earn CEU credit. Students must attend and complete all 7 sessions of the program and the team project to receive a Credit grade. Students will be evaluated based on their attendance, class participation, and the completion of a team project.
A Digital Badge and Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon the completion of the program. The program certificate may be requested via CCPE Certificate Request online application. The certificate includes both a digital badge/certificate link and a printed physical certificate. A permanent record of attendance is established and students may obtain a copy of their transcript by visiting https://www.csudh.edu/registrar/request-transcript/.
Materials
All course materials are included.
Meeting & Event Planning Class Locations
The Meeting and Event Planning program is conducted in a hybrid (live online/on-site) format using Zoom and the campus' Learning Management System. Live virtual class sessions will be conducted at the day/time indicated in the program schedule. Attendance at all class sessions is required.
The course sessions are scheduled on Saturdays for the convenience of working professionals; sessions are hybrid live-online with two in-person sessions – view schedule for details. The Meeting and Event Planning program is are convenient for people living and working in or near Los Angeles, Torrance, Long Beach, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Culver City, El Segundo, Lomita, Harbor City, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Gardena, Westchester, Ladera Heights, Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Downey, Inglewood, Wilmington, and other parts of the South Bay and Southern California.
Program Instructors
Connect with Ms. Wynn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/deshawnwynn/ ►
Connect with Ms. LeRubio:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinalerubio/ ►