Event Planning

The Event Planning program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a rewarding career creating beautiful events and providing long-lasting memories for guests and clients. You’ll be equipped to design, plan and execute diverse events, from corporate meetings and conferences to social functions such as weddings and community fundraisers. Event planning is increasingly playing a role in many organizations in a vast number of industries and sectors.

The Event Planning program will immerse you in all aspects of the event industry. Business courses in marketing, human resources and entrepreneurship will complement event courses in design, food and beverage and event operations, preparing you to be confident planning events in restaurants, hotels, resorts and convention centres.

This two-year hospitality diploma program will conclude with an experiential learning opportunity working alongside professional event planners and managers in a variety of industries and on-campus at Centennial College’s 20,000 sq. ft. Event Centre.

The program will include an innovative industry training and awareness certification, It’s Your Shift. The certification will equip you with crucial knowledge and provide current resources focused on sexual harassment prevention and safe practices for intervention as a frontline worker or manager. It will support you, as you enter the hospitality industry, to become a leader for the prevention of sexual harassment and contribute to the evolution of safe and welcoming work environments.

What You’ll Learn

• Plan and design events to meet organizational and client objectives.
• Select food and beverage catering services, site location, and décor, according to the theme and needs of an event.
• Develop marketing plans and related promotional plans for events that will meet the needs of the organization and/or client.
• Coordinate and/or supervise staff, contractors and volunteers in order to achieve the desired performance.
• Employ best practices for financial management in the planning of events.
• Manage the business transactions of event projects to meet organization and/or client needs.
• Develop strategies to mitigate risk and liability to ensure the safety and security of participants during an event.
• Maintain ethical practices and professionalism in the events field to create positive relationships and experiences.
• Apply strategies that support intercultural awareness and inclusion in event offerings that meet the needs of diverse populations.
• Use industry standard technology platforms, systems, tools and applications to support the operations of events.
• Secure monies through sponsorships, funds, or grants to support event objectives.
• Engage in ongoing learning for professional and career growth.
• Identify and respond to new career opportunities that may include contract work and entrepreneurship, to secure employment.
• Communicate information persuasively and accurately in written, verbal and interactive formats.