Meeting & Event Planning Certificate

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Certificate of Completion in Meeting & Event Planning

Course Schedule & Descriptions

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About the Meeting and Event Planning Program

Notice: The Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program is being revised to better meet the needs of event planning professionals as well as those who plan events, but do not consider themselves to be professionals in the field. The Fall 2021 term will be the last time that the existing set of MEX certificate program courses will be offered. If students have taken courses in the past and would like to complete the certificate as it currently offered, they should take their remaining courses in Fall 2021.

Event Management is a multi-billion dollar industry, growing rapidly, with conferences, meetings, trade shows 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.   

The Meeting and Event Planning Program at CSUDH provides an overview of the industry and information regarding resources, professional organizations, and career possibilities. Each specific course 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. 

Event Management: What You Will Learn

Given the changes in society over the past year, the meeting and planning industry has changed dramatically.  Our program will address the fundamentals and key planning tools in the industry, as well as new practices and considerations related to unexpected events.   

In this interactive program, participants will be equipped with knowledge and tools to apply to real life experiences such as templates, case studies, checklists.  Group activities, projects and simulations enable students to amass hands-on experience, as well as portfolio pieces.   

The program has been updated to include virtual meeting topics such as:   

• Food and beverage delivery post-COVID-19 
• Virtual meeting platforms  
• Audio/Video considerations for virtual meetings  
• Etiquette and best practices for online platforms    
• Planning and Budgeting for increased safety and security consideration 
• Event Industry practices and resources during and post COVID-19  
• Using Force Majeure clause – especially in time of unexpected disasters (COVID-19) 
• Virtual tours during the site selection process  

By the end of the program, students will be able to:

• Evaluate the goals and objectives of an event
• Determine the most appropriate venue, resource potential sites and conduct site inspections
• Create a detailed event budget that meets the goals and objectives of the event, determine the cost per head, the bottom line and potential profit factors
• Evaluate and negotiate venue contracts
• Research, negotiate and retain vendors for entertainment, special equipment, transportation and photography and other ancillary services
• Perform menu planning and caterer selection and understand dietary requirements
• Determine audiovisual requirements including broadband connectivity and lighting
• Understand and confirm that all safety, licensing, and insurance requirements are met
• Develop a marketing plan to include Internet/website development and social media presence.
• Plan and execute successful events during in an ever-changing environment and planning for the unexpected  

Who Should Attend

Individuals who should attend include:

• Individuals who coordinate meetings, conferences, weddings, fundraisers, sport programs, social functions, or other types of events
• Individuals who are considering making a career change and 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
• Those who work in related fields such as entertainment, lighting, audio/visual, sound, and catering who are looking for additional knowledge to further their skills and enhance their competitive edge
• Those who are already planners/coordinators who want to strengthen their skills 
• Employees working in human resources and/or marketing departments with planning responsibilities

Eligibility Requirements

No prerequisites are required for the certificate. Some experience in meeting and event planning is helpful, but not necessary.

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 7% over the 2018-28 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 9,600 more jobs added to the profession. - U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 

Special Features

All courses are taught by industry professionals, and are experts at what they do. Our instructors are eager to share their knowledge, and improve the professionalism of the industry. The courses are scheduled for Saturdays for the convenience of working professionals. Most classes are offered on the CSUDH campus located at 1000 East Victoria Street in Carson. Some classes will be held off campus as indicated. Courses are offered for Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Nationally recognized standards govern attendance requirements to earn CEU credit. A permanent record of attendance is established and students may obtain a copy of their transcripts by calling the Records Office at (310) 243-3621.

Certificate Requirements

A Certificate of Completion will be awarded upon the completion of eight required courses, and one elective. Those who do not wish to pursue a certificate may take individual classes. All courses provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Students who begin the Meeting and Event Planning program in Spring 2017 or later will take MEX 910 as a required course to earn the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate. Students who began the program prior to Spring 2017 will have the option to take the course but it will not be a requirement to earn the certificate. 

Meeting & Event Planning Courses

Required Courses

• Introduction & Fundamentals of Meeting Planning | MEX 901
• Special Event Management | MEX 902
• Negotiations and Contracts | MEX 903
• Site Selection and Inspections | MEX 904
• Financial Management for Event Planning | MEX 905
• Food & Beverage Management Room Set Ups | MEX 906
• Audio Visual and Technology Today | MEX 907
• Marketing and Promotion for Event Planning | MEX 910

Elective Courses (*Offered Alternate Semesters)

• Planning Global and Incentive Meetings | MEX 908
• Wedding Planning | MEX 909

Materials

 Note: This program utilizes Blackboard, our campus LMS (learning management system); be sure to get your password and instructions on how to access MyCSUDH when you register. Please log on to Blackboard, print the handouts for Week 1 and bring them to class. All course materials for Meeting and Event Planning are in Blackboard.

 Please register for each course at least 1 week in advance to access your materials.

Meeting & Event Planning Class Location

All classes are current offered live via Zoom. Meeting and Event Planning classes 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.

Training Funding for Meeting & Event Planning

Out of work and need training? This program is approved for funding through the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act. Visit the America's Job Center website for more information.