Conference and
Event Planner

Program Objective

Meetings, events and conventions are one of the fastest growing segments of the economy and embrace multiple aspects of all industries. The Conference and Event Planner Diploma is designed to prepare students for careers in the fast-paced and exciting world of conference and event management. This program appeals to individuals who are charismatic, outgoing, energetic, and entrepreneurial, as the Conference and Event Planner plays a dynamic role within any organization. Its objective is to expose students to a broad range of knowledge and processes, administration skills, and practical tools that will assist them in dealing with situations within a conference and event planning related career. The program provides the skills to progress into higher-level careers, given the proper combination of skills, experience, personal attributes, and additional training. This program provides students with:

The knowledge and skills necessary to lead and/or assist in the development and/or implementation of conferences and events for a variety of business sectors
An introduction to the most relevant aspects of planning and coordinating event logistics.
Professional skills in high demand by employers. These skills include: negotiating, decision making, team-work, communication, customer service, leadership, research and problem solving.
A solid knowledge of event planning and marketing practices and principles.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications.

Program Notes

Financial assistance may be available to qualified students.

Graduation requirements:
Students must achieve a 75% program average to earn a Conference and Event Planner Diploma.

Method of Delivery

Integrated Learning™ System training facilitated by Academy of Learning College facilitators.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are employed by tourism, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centres, government agencies and conference and event planning companies. Careers that correspond with the skills learned in this program include:

Conference and Meeting Planner
Conference Planner
Conference Services Officer
Convention Coordinator
Event Planner
Special Events Organizer
Trade Show Planner

Admission Requirements

Grade 12 or equivalent or Mature Student Status.

Courses are open to any applicant who possesses a good command of the English language and is able to follow instructions.

An admissions interview will be administered to determine if the applicant has the required interest, motivation, and entry-level skills to take this program.

Full-time students must attend the required hours per week as per the course schedule and may do so at times convenient to them.

Part-time students may set their own schedules to a minimum of two training sessions per week. These times may be scheduled during the day, evening, or on weekends.

Program Prerequisites

Proficient in keyboarding with speed and accuracy to at least 25 w.p.m, Knowledge of how personal computers work and how they can be used

Duties & Responsibilities

Conference and Event Planners plan, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other corporate/company events. Specific job duties vary with education and experience and may include:

Meet with trade and professional associations, sponsor, and other groups to plan the scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets, administrative procedures, to promote and discuss conference, convention and trade show services
Coordinate services for events, such as transportation venue, catering, marketing collateral and security
Manage the logistics of events and trade shows
Deal with on-site situations with prompt decision making
Organize registration of participants, prepare programs and promotional material, and publicize events
Plan entertainment and social gatherings for participants
Hire, train and supervise support staff required for events
Ensure compliance with required by-laws
Negotiate contracts for services, approve suppliers' invoices, maintain financial records, review final billing submitted to clients for events and prepare reports

Personal Attributes Required

To be successful as a Conference and Event Planner, individuals must possess the ability to:

Learn new skills and knowledge
Formulate decisions and exercise good judgment
Build working relationships to achieve goals
Efficiently manage time and stress
Work collaboratively and effectively as part of a team
Recognize dynamics and politics of an organization
Be self-motivated, energetic, confident, and creative
Effectively communicate and use interpersonal skills
Use good listening skills and be tactful
Communicate verbally and in writing with people from all walks of life

Competencies upon Completion

CORE BUSINESS & COMPUTER COURSES*

OPERATING SYSTEMS
Basic level of proficiency in Windows
SOFTWARE FUNDAMENTALS
Basic level of proficiency using the Internet, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, and Microsoft Access Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel
BUSINESS SKILLS
Completion of Grammar Essentials for Business Writing, Business Correspondence Levels 1 & 2, Business Verbal Communication, Business Math, Customer Service, Project Management Fundamentals, and Microsoft Project Level 1
GRAPHICS SKILLS
Proficiency in Microsoft Publisher
EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS
Job Search and Résumé Writing, and Employment Success Strategies

CORE BUSINESS/EVENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALTY COURSES*

BUSINESS SKILLS
Business Essentials, Marketing & Sales, Conference and Event Management, Event Marketing, Business Negotiations and Contracts, Business Financial Management, Management Fundamentals, Business Supervisory Skills, Human Resource Management, and Business Presentations

ELECTIVE COURSES*

Students must complete a maximum of 3 credits from the following:

KEYBOARDING
OFFICE SKILLS
WORD PROCESSING
ACCOUNTING
BUSINESS SKILLS

*Note: Actual course selections may vary by campus and are made at the time of enrollment.