The Event Planning and Management Certificate program provides essential training in planning, hosting, and managing successful, memorable, and safe events. This course is ideal for anyone looking to start a career in event planning or expand their expertise in the hospitality industry. The curriculum covers a variety of event types, including corporate and special events, while addressing the impact of COVID-19 and the shift towards virtual and hybrid events.

Participants will gain in-depth knowledge of strategic planning, site selection, and sustainability practices, along with essential skills for risk management and emergency preparedness. The program emphasizes the organization and management of volunteers, staff, and vendors to ensure an optimal experience for event attendees.

Key areas of study include:

• Strategic planning and site selection
• Sustainability and risk management
• Volunteer, staff, and vendor coordination
• Event technology and food and beverage considerations
• Contract negotiation, marketing, and budgeting

Students will also learn how to prepare for, manage, and evaluate events, providing them with the skills needed to oversee every phase of an event’s lifecycle. The program is designed to help students prepare for the Events Industry Council’s Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) certification exam. According to a recent report by PCMA, CMP-certified meeting planners earn, on average, $10,756 more annually than their non-certified peers. Achieving CMP certification is a recognized mark of excellence in the field of comprehensive events management.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the 12 basic principles of meeting planning
• Consider potential short- and long-term environmental impacts of a meeting or event
• Create a request for proposal (RFP)
• Identify the key partners involved in the site selection process
• Evaluate a venue and geographic location for potential hazards, threats, and vulnerabilities
• Develop a complete budget utilizing the four planning formulas
• Create a contract containing all required legal elements
• Hire, train, and work with event staff and volunteers
• Determine the staging and technical requirements for an event
• Create and manage a marketing plan to promote an event
• Explain the event professional’s role during the event
• Recognize the steps necessary to evaluate an event
• Recall 9 EIC domains of professional meeting planning

By completing this certificate, you will be well-prepared to plan and manage a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to special celebrations, ensuring each event is a success.

Textbooks are required and are available at the KSU Bookstore. Call (470) 578-6261 or visit bookstore.kennesaw.edu/home for pricing and availability. When contacting the bookstore, please identify yourself as a CPE student. Students must have access to a laptop or desktop computer and the internet.