The Event Management Program is a one year, full time graduate certificate program that is specifically designed to meet the needs of a growing industry in the planning and management of events.
The program will provide graduate students with specialized training in Event Management and will assist students in obtaining and developing the skills and understanding necessary to plan, promote and operate events for the public, non-profit, and corporate sectors.
Length: One-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program (also available part-time) Delivery Sequence: Waterloo - September/2013 (Open) - Fall | Winter Location: Waterloo Start: September First-Year Capacity: 40 Tuition: Please refer to Program Fee Chart for information *Fees are higher for international students on a Student Visa. *Recreation/Athletics, Graduation/Alumni, Insurance, as well as program-related costs such as books and supplies are additional.
Program Outcomes
Prepare and clearly communicate a comprehensive event plan.
Manage the execution of an effective event based on a variety of factors including maintaining 360 ° customer satisfaction.
Manage the financial aspects of an event including the preparation of appropriate budget estimates, maintenance of records and payments and the measurement of profitability and Return on Investment.
Assemble a team of professionals with the talent required to run an event - areas include ability to identify requirements, recruit/hire, train, supervise and terminate support staff (paid, volunteer, suppliers)
Plan, design and coordinate effective site and facility operations according to local laws, bylaws and operating procedures.
Cultivate and manage sponsorship, stakeholder relationships and fundraising initiatives.
Design an integrated marketing and promotional plan for an event.
Operate in a professional and ethical manner within the event industry.
Discuss best practices, trends, and issues in event management.
Apply the knowledge and skills of event management to a variety of settings.
Admission Requirements
Two or three year college diploma or university degree from an accredited College or University.
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Note re: Admission Requirements
Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL 580 with a TWE of 4.5 or iBT 88; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0, CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60, CAAT D at 65%; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but all other admission criteria have been met. An applicant will be eligible for admission to the post-graduate program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission Procedures
Submit Admission Requirements
Basic knowledge of marketing and financial principles is highly recommended
Final selection is made based on review of post-secondary background.
For program information call the Information Centre for details at 519-748-5220 ext. 3656.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Conestoga recognizes prior learning of skills, knowledge or competencies that have been acquired through employment, formal and informal education, non-formal learning or other life experiences. Prior learning must be measurable at the required academic level and meet Conestoga standards of achievement for current courses. Challenge exams and portfolio development are the primary methods of assessment. Other methods of assessment may be available depending upon the nature of the course objectives. Successful completion of the assessment results in an official course credit that will be recorded on the student's Conestoga transcript. PLAR cannot be used by registered Conestoga students for the clearance of academic deficiencies, to improve grades or to obtain admission into a program.
Description: This course will provide students with a top-down perspective of the event industry, including terminology, best practices and career opportunities. Classes will examine specific economic and infrastructure characteristics that influence each market sector, as well as more universally applicable areas such as risk management tactics, ethical standards and business protocol. Through the use of a variety of teaching methods, including case studies and guest speakers, students will be able to demonstrate the key differences, similarities and career opportunities within each sector, as well as understand the variety of influencing factors within the industry as a whole. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Staffing is integral to any events success. Throughout this course students will examine best practices for hiring, organizing, coordinating and managing people for varied events. Much can be achieved with the right team whether they are talented amateurs, enthusiastic volunteers or professional paid staff. Students will practice planning and implementing training programs for both professional and volunteer staff for a variety of events. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course discusses the strategies used for generating event revenue through fundraising and special event management. The student will be introduced to the concept of sponsorship and the process of meeting organization and sponsor needs. Legislation affecting sponsor and donor relationships will be examined, as well as legislation affecting fund-raising ventures. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Event Management has become big business. Organizations rely on event managers to provide professional leadership, strategic vision and business management skills to them. This course will enable students to develop necessary marketing, financial, administrative and entrepreneurial skills that will positively impact their entry into this dynamic and growing industry. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: When it comes to the planning of food and beverage functions for events there are several key ingredients to include. While all aspects of a catered function are important, it is ultimately the quality of food, beverage and service that makes one of the deepest and most lasting impressions on attendees. Students will gain an appreciation of the expertise required to combine staffing, logistics, and venue atmosphere in order to create a recipe for success when it comes to special events. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course is an introduction to the variety of logistical elements that are required to run a successful program or event. Topics will cover such areas as techniques to research, survey and recommend a location. In depth focus on the steps required to succeed on the designated delivery date through the creation, communication and execution of the onsite logistical plan will also be included. The design of this course will introduce you to the tangible steps required to run and execute one day programs or one time special events. Concepts learned in this course will form a foundation of knowledge that will be applied to more complex program and event logistics via the Site Logistics II course. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Under the direction of a faculty supervisor, the class will be given the opportunity to plan, promote, operate and evaluate an event. The students will be given the opportunity to develop skills in planning, administration, marketing, and operations. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: OPER8100 CoRequisites:
Description: The Field Placement will provide the learner with the opportunity to practice the theory taught in the classroom and to further explore areas of interest in the event management industry. The learner will work with a company or oganization to develop appropriate knowledge, skills and best practices. The company or organization contact for the student will act as a role model, share knowledge, facilitate learning experiences and assist in the development of the learner's professionalism and awareness of best practices in the field. Emphasis is placed on application of knowledge and skills to actual job roles and responsibilities whenever possible. Hours: 120 Credits: 4 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: The focus of this course is the development and operation of Trade Shows Exhibitions, and sporting events. Students will become familiar with all aspects from the development of exhibitor packages, site selection, site plan development and the marketing and promotional strategies. Students will learn the different roles event staff, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and the suppliers of services and goods play together in successfully hosting events. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Students will learn about the relationship of events to the tourism industry, their economic impact and the effects of globalization. Using marketing skills developed in previous marketing courses, students will plan marketing strategies and create promotional material for a variety of events including festivals, sporting, adventure tourism, social, corporate, trade shows, consumer shows, and government. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: Effective production and staging for any event requires the Event Manager to identify the necessary key elements as they relate to the overall program objectives and design. An overview of production terminology, the benefits and risks of working with a variety of entertainment, as well as the legal obligations as it relates to government regulation will enable the student to hire the technical staff best suited for the program outcomes. Special focus will be on large scale, entertainment rich events. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: CoRequisites:
Description: This course will build on the knowledge, theory and terminology acquired via successful completion of Site Logistics I. Students will study programs that are more logistically complex from a number of perspectives in order to increase their understanding of the overall advanced skill-set that is required in the event industry. Focus will be on sourcing, securing, planning and management of larger programs such as (but not limited to) special events, multi-day educational conferences, ancillary programs and incentives. Students will gain valuable insight into the processes that are required to hire and work with a variety of third parties both at home and abroad. As well, through hands-on experiential learning opportunities, the student will broaden their understanding of food and beverage selection and working with a professional culinary team. There will be special focus on the management of programs that require the integration of a variety of groups into one cohesive unit in order to ensure the project is a success. Hours: 45 Credits: 3 Pre-Requisites: OPER8100 CoRequisites:
Graduate Opportunities
Graduates of this program will be able to develop and implement financial incentives, coordinate effective site and facility management, program events effectively and apply the principles of marketing, strategies for effective human resources management, business administration skills and the principles of professionalism and ethics.
80% of 2010-2011 graduates found employment within 6 months of graduation. Their average starting salary was $34,059.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities see the Government of Canada web site: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca
Degree Completion Opportunities
Conestoga College is dedicated to creating exciting and flexible degree completion opportunities for many programs for current, former and prospective students. Learn how a Conestoga education can respond to the community's demand for a skilled workforce and help you to reach your goal of a challenging and rewarding career.
Visit our Degree Completion Opportunities website.
Financial Assistance
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a needs based program designed to help Ontario students cover the cost of post-secondary education. Funded by the federal and provincial governments, OSAP is intended to promote equality of opportunity for post-secondary studies through direct financial assistance for educational costs and living expenses. These interest-free loans are intended to supplement your financial resources and those of your family. The majority of students apply for loan assistance via the OSAP website: http://osap.gov.on.ca. Students can also print the application booklet through the OSAP website.
For more information, please visit Financial Aid/Awards.
Program Advisory Committees
The College appoints Program Advisory Committee members for diploma, degree, certificate and apprenticeship programs. Committees are composed of employers, practitioners and recent program graduates. College representatives (students, faculty, and administrators) are resource persons. Each committee advises the Board on the development of new programs, the monitoring of existing programs and community acceptance of programs.
For a list of the current members, please visit our Program Advisory Committees.
