Conference & Event Planner

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.

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.

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

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:

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.

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

• 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)

• 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