Special Event Planning

Program Overview

This online, self-paced program provides comprehensive training in special event planning, covering topics such as event coordination, marketing, risk management, and evaluation. Through mock scenarios and simulations, students gain practical experience and prepare for careers as event planners, conference coordinators, and more. The program is taught by an experienced faculty member and offers flexible scheduling, allowing students to complete the 96-hour program in approximately 8 hours per week.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Program Content: Special event planning
• Program Structure: Online, self-paced, 96 hours of time commitment
• Course Schedule: Students can complete the program in approximately 8 hours per week
• Individual Modules with Descriptions:
• Module 1 – Best Practices in Special Event Management:
• Establishes the theoretical and practical foundation for special event planning
• Introduces different kinds and types of special events
• Covers how to conceptualize a special event and examine strategic planning
• Module 2 – Event Coordination:
• Teaches about human resources (volunteers) aspect of special event management
• Covers operational planning (logistics) and staging requirements of a special event
• Focuses on organizing and arranging details to create a quality event
• Module 3 – Event Marketing:
• Teaches how to market special events and create successful relationships with sponsors
• Covers the concept of marketing, steps in a strategic marketing process, and event marketing research
• Module 4 – Risk Management and Evaluation:
• Covers concepts and methods related to financial management, risk management, and evaluation in special event planning
• Teaches how to control finances, manage risks, and ensure legal compliance
• Stresses the importance of event evaluation for good event planning

Teaching:

• Teaching Methods: Online instruction, discussion boards, assignments, event simulations
• Faculty: Erin Wilkins, Royal Roads University MBA graduate with specialization in leadership
• Unique Approaches: Utilizes mock scenarios and event planning simulations to provide practical experience

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths:
• Event planner
• Conference coordinator
• Meeting planner
• Event manager
• Entrepreneur (starting own event planning business)
• Opportunities and Outcomes:
• Work with tourism associations, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centers, government, or event planning companies
• Become a part of an exciting, fast-paced career
• Have room for advancement with experience and/or further education