Become a Skilled Conference and Event Planner

Meetings, events, and conventions are one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy and embrace multiple aspects of all industries. Conference and Event Planners plan and coordinate every aspect of the event, from guests to food and beverages, staff, security, and entertainment.

Start your career in event planning today.

The Conference and Event Planning Diploma is designed to prepare you for careers in the fast-paced and exciting world of conference and event management through our innovative Integrated Learning System™ (ILS).

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 you to a broad range of knowledge and processes, administration skills, and practical tools that will assist you in dealing with situations within a conference and event planning related career.

This program will provide you 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.
Solid knowledge of event planning and marketing practices and principles.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program are employed by tourism, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centers, 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

Duties and 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

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 instruction. 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, evenings, or on weekends.

Program Outline

Word Processing

Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets

Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Graphics/Presentation

Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Publisher
Data Management

Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Access
Simulations and Drills

Practical Applications – 2 Units
Office Skills

Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Personal Computer Fundamentals for End Users, Internet Fundamentals, Bookkeeping Level 1 and Level 2, and Office Procedures Level 1 and Level 2

Business Skills

Customer Service, Grammar Essentials for Business Writing, Business Correspondence Levels 1 and 2, Business Essentials, Business Math, Marketing and Sales, Conference and Event Management, Event Marketing, Microsoft Project Level 1, Project Management Fundamentals Level 1, Business Negotiations and Contracts, Management Fundamentals, Business Supervisory Skills, Business Verbal Communication, and Business Presentations
Employability Skills

Job Search and Résumé Writing, Employment Success Strategies, and Thought Patterns for a Successful Career