The Meeting and Event Planning program is conducted in a hybrid (live online/on-site) format using Zoom and the campus' Learning Management System. Live virtual class sessions will be conducted at the day/time indicated in the program schedule. Attendance at all class sessions is required.
Planning Meetings and Events
Event Management is a multibillion-dollar industry, growing rapidly, with conferences, meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, and social events hosted regularly all over the world. Recent events have rendered big changes, but the industry continues to adapt and is going strong—be it learning and using new virtual platforms or reviewing plans for return to in person meetings.
In addition, many professional roles and responsibilities require meeting planning skills. Careers in Human Resources and public relations are just two examples of industries that utilize events to meet company goals.
About the Meeting and Event Planning Program
The Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program at California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) is designed to teach the fundamental yet critical skills necessary to produce a successful meeting, conference, or event. The curriculum strengthens the skills of those already working in the industry and provides a strong foundation for those seeking a profession in Meeting and Event Planning. Additionally, the program supplies essential skills to those needing to plan any function within their organization.
The Meeting and Event Planning Program at CSUDH provides an overview of the industry and information regarding resources, professional organizations, and career possibilities. Each session will provide in-depth information in the critical aspects of event planning, thereby providing students with a sound basis upon which to decide on their direction in the profession and successfully plan events.
For those seeking careers in the hospitality industry, this program provides a broad awareness of multiple career possibilities. The information provided in this program will also benefit those who want to plan social events such as weddings, gala dinners and networking events. As an added benefit, the program provides essential Continuing Education Units (CEU) for those seeking industry designations such as Certified Meeting Planner (CMP), Digital Event Strategist (DES), Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP), etc.
Features
Instructor Expertise – Interactive – Presentations – Industry Speakers – Hotel Visit
In this interactive hybrid (live online/in-person) instructor-led program, participants will be equipped with knowledge and tools such as templates, case studies, and check lists to apply to real-life experiences such as social as well as corporate events. Group activities, projects and simulations enable students to amass hands-on experience and portfolio pieces. Each session includes time to work on the project component associated with that session’s topics.
The program will also give participants the opportunity to practice and demonstrate their comprehension of program materials and presentation skills. Using the meeting planning tools taught, students will prepare and present an event plan for a social or corporate function, including its implementation and management. Presentations will be made to the program instructors and a guest panel of industry experts.
In addition to the professional expertise of the program instructors, guest speakers (industry experts) will be included in various sessions to provide additional perspective and knowledge.
CSUDH partners with Los Angeles area hotels and venues to provide students with a hands-on, behind-the-scenes experience.
What You Will Learn
By the end of this program, the successful student will possess the critical skills needed to successfully plan and implement meetings, events, training and development sessions, and company functions. These skills include budgeting, negotiations, contracts, and management.
Incumbent meeting planners will strengthen their skills and keep up with the latest industry developments and best practices. Professionals in adjacent industries will further their skills and enhance their competitive edge.
Those responsible for planning workplace meetings and conferences will acquire the essential skills needed to plan a successful event or function.
Topics
Planning Basics, Leadership and People Management
Financial and Contract Management
SRFP and RFQ Process
Risk Management, Marketing and Public Relations
Facilities and Services
Career Planning Using Event and Program Management Skills
Group Capstone Project Presentations
By the end of this program, students will be able to:
Identify and formulate event goals and objectives
Develop timelines
Establish a meeting design
Identify event stakeholders
Create a program outline
Develop an event budget
Prepare and present budget reports
Control costs and affect bottom line
Negotiate and implement vendor and venue contracts
Communicate with and manage internal and external stakeholders
Identify and measure risks, develop and implement procedures for mitigation
Conduct a site inspection
Manage aspects such as audio visual, food and beverage, room set-up, and design
Explore opportunities and professional/career aspects
Who Should Attend
Individuals who should attend include:
Meeting, conference, wedding, fundraiser, sport program, and social function coordinators
New and aspiring planners seeking a comprehensive introduction to the field of Meeting and Event Planning
Employees of the hospitality industry, such as hotel sales and convention service managers, who work with meeting and event planners
Professionals in related fields such as entertainment, lighting, audio/visual, sound, and catering
Professionals working in other fields and positions requiring event planning skills
Professional fields include: Human Resources; Public Relations; Training and Development; Advertising and Promotions; Administrative Services; Facilities Management; Community and Social Services; Fundraising; Health Education; Business Development
Eligibility Requirements
No prerequisites are required for the certificate.
Careers in Event Planning: Employment Outlook
Meeting Planner
Event Director
Meeting Coordinator
Wedding Planner
Special Event Planner
Destination Management Planner
Corporate Planner
Association Planner
Independent Meeting Planner
Employment of meeting, event, and convention planners is expected to grow 18% over the 2020-30 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. As businesses and organizations become increasingly international, meetings and conventions become even more important. In the next 10 years it is anticipated that there will be 22,100 more jobs added to the profession. —U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Certificate Requirements
This program provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and is graded on a Credit (CR)/No Credit (NC) basis. Nationally recognized standards govern attendance requirements to earn CEU credit. Students must attend and complete all 7 sessions of the program and the team project to receive a Credit grade. Students will be evaluated based on their attendance, class participation, and the completion of a team project.
A Digital Badge and Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon the completion of the program. The program certificate may be requested via CCPE Certificate Request online application. The certificate includes both a digital badge/certificate link and a printed physical certificate. A permanent record of attendance is established and students may obtain a copy of their transcript by visiting https://www.csudh.edu/registrar/request-transcript/.
Materials
All course materials are included.
Meeting & Event Planning Class Locations
The course sessions are scheduled on Saturdays for the convenience of working professionals; sessions are hybrid live-online with two in-person sessions – view schedule for details. The Meeting and Event Planning program is are convenient for people living and working in or near Los Angeles, Torrance, Long Beach, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Culver City, El Segundo, Lomita, Harbor City, Palos Verdes, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, San Pedro, Lawndale, Hawthorne, Gardena, Westchester, Ladera Heights, Lakewood, Paramount, Bellflower, Downey, Inglewood, Wilmington, and other parts of the South Bay and Southern California.
Live Online Course Delivery
Note: All classes for this program are LIVE ONLINE. This instructor-led program utilizes our campus' Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) available directly at https://canvas.csudh.edu, as well as through our student portal, MyCSUDH. Live virtual class sessions are conducted at the day/time indicated in the program schedule.
Attendance and participation via Zoom at all class sessions is required.
DeShawn Wynn, CMP has more than 20 years of experience in the meeting and event industry. She has executed events for education, non-profit, corporate, religious and government agencies. In 2010, DeShawn established Wynning Touch Event Design — a company that specializes in strategic planning and content design. DeShawn has volunteered for many industry organizations, and served on the board of the Southern California Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPISCC) for three years.
Christina LeRubio, MA, CMP, brings over 15 years of successful experience in event and meeting planning, with an emphasis in event fundraising, community outreach and program management. A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Christina holds Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and received her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside. Since 2015, she has been the Director of Operations for Executive Education at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Christina was formerly the Manager of Event Development for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Academic Affairs Event Manager at the Graziadio School, and also held several marketing roles.
"The Meeting and Event Planning Certificate is that ‘extra’ that sets you apart from others who are pursuing the same things as you… such as a job, or even a volunteer position. The program is very informative – more so than you would expect – and it gives you real-world connections." Aja R., Meeting & Event Planning Student
"I was able to immediately apply the skills learned and materials provided to benefit me in my current employment." Isela B., Meeting & Event Planning Student
"If you're interested in changing careers and want to pursue event planning, CSUDH Extended Education classes are the way to go." Meeting & Event Planning Student
Digital Certificate Request
A Certificate of Completion is awarded upon successful completion of the required courses.
Note: Once you have completed all the required courses, you may request your certificate via our online application. The processing time is approximately 6-8 weeks from the time of submission, and includes both a digital certificate link and a printed physical certificate.
Can I take this program if I am not local to Los Angeles?
Attendance at the in-person sessions is required. For those residing outside the Los Angeles area, contact Extension Programs extassist@csudh.edu for possible options.
Is the content of the program specific to a particular industry or geographic area?
The skills you gain in the program can be applied to any region and can translate into various professions and industries.
Are there materials or books that need to be purchased for the course?
No, we do not require any textbooks. All the materials will be provided by the instructors throughout the duration of the course.
Is it required to attend all sessions?
Yes. Each session is built upon the knowledge and skills gained other previous sessions. In order to be able to officially complete the certificate program, it is required to attend all sessions.
How can this program help me advance my career?
This program will develop meeting and event planning skills that can strengthen an individual’s qualifications across a broad range of professions. By way of the program instructors, guest speakers, and fellow classmates, students will have an introduction to various industry organizations and leaders. Additionally, the career planning session provides opportunities for upskilling and leveraging knowledge gained in the program.
What types of professional organizations are available for meeting and event planners?
Meeting Planners International (MPI) (https://mpi.org/) is one of the largest organizations associations available to Meeting Planners. Discounted student rates may be available for current student in the program.
I want to become a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP). Will this certificate program help?
If you plan to peruse your Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, the Meeting & Event Planning Certificate that you receive and the (40) hours that you are in our program will apply to your application to become a CMP because there's a required number of education hours that you need to have in order to apply to become a CMP.
The course also offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for those who are renewing their CMP designation as well.
Upon completion of the program what type of certificate will be received?
Students will receive a digital badge and certificate of completion, that will be issued in both a digital and printed version.
The digital certificate allows students to be able to share their new qualifications with professional resources and social media platforms such as LinkedIn.
The certificate basically verifies that the student has successfully demonstrated their skills associated with each topic covered during all the course's sessions. Those specific skills are also included in that digital certificate, so it allows future employers, future partners, and so on to see exactly what kind of experience you've gained by coming through the program.
Information & Registration
There are no prerequisites for enrollment and no admission process. When you're ready to register for courses, call 310-243-3741 (Option 1). If you have previously taken a class at CSUDH, you can register at myCSUDH (https://my.csudh.edu) using your CSUDH account.
The deadline to enroll for courses for most certificate programs is FOUR (4) BUSINESS DAYS or earlier before the class begins; please check the Course Schedule for the program to ensure that you can enroll on time.
Have other questions? Check this program's FAQs (if provided), or simply call 310-243-2075, email learn@csudh.edu, or use our LiveChat ↘ to ask questions or leave a detailed message regarding this program.
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DeShawn Wynn, CMP has more than 20 years of experience in the meeting and event industry. She has executed events for education, non-profit, corporate, religious and government agencies. In 2010, DeShawn established Wynning Touch Event Design — a company that specializes in strategic planning and content design. DeShawn has volunteered for many industry organizations, and served on the board of the Southern California Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPISCC) for three years.
Christina LeRubio, MA, CMP, brings over 15 years of successful experience in event and meeting planning, with an emphasis in event fundraising, community outreach and program management. A Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), Christina holds Master of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship and Change from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and received her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside. Since 2015, she has been the Director of Operations for Executive Education at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Christina was formerly the Manager of Event Development for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Academic Affairs Event Manager at the Graziadio School, and also held several marketing roles.