Meeting & Event Planning Courses & Schedules

Course Session Descriptions

Planning Basics, Leadership and People Management

This session provides an overview of the event and meeting planning industry and its stakeholders. This session will provide quick tips for identifying goals and objectives, developing timelines, and establishing a meeting design. Students will learn the step-by-step plans to ensure that their meeting fits the needs of the audience through and design.

Financial and Contract Management

This session provides a detailed account of how to prepare an event budget. Using the course Excel template, students will learn how cost saving measures can affect the bottom line. This class will explain the basic elements of a contract. Venue contract will be the primary focus of this session, but it will also explore vendor contracts.

RFP and RFQ Process

This session provides participants with the tools to plan and manage a program, event or meeting effectively and efficiently. Participants will be provided with essential information for developing planning strategies and working with various stakeholders, including speakers, planning committees, and managing volunteers.

Risk Management, Marketing and Public Relations

The safety of events and event attendees are some of the most important aspects of an event plan. But how much time do people spend on planning and preparing for emergencies? This session will teach meeting and event planners how to identify and measure risks, develop, and implement procedures for risk mitigation. Students will also receive a template for an event emergency action plan.

Facilities and Services (In-Person/Offsite Location)

This session will take place at a hotel or event venue and will provide “behind the scenes” experience. In this session participants will learn how to conduct a site inspection and what should be known prior to signing a venue agreement. Discussions on what influences venue pricing, and what aspects are negotiable. During this session participants will learn about food and beverage as well as audio visual management. The session provides tips on how to work with venues to create a win/win scenario.

Career Planning Using Event and Program Management Skills

This session provides an overview of how various professional roles and titles can benefit from program management and meeting and event planning skills. Guest speakers will share information regarding resources, professional organizations, and career possibilities.

Group Capstone Project Presentations (In-Person/On-Campus)

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 panel of guest speakers.

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