Event Planning Program

George Brown’s Event Planning program will teach you event project management fundamentals through a variety of event types including hospitality events, weddings and other social events, fundraising events, meetings, conferences and trade shows. You will take part in event management opportunities each semester, culminating in a final capstone event and a 14-week externship placement. This experiential approach to learning and the course mix, including event-specific courses, business foundations and hospitality, will provide you with the skills to jumpstart your career in event management.

Students are exposed to industry tactics used in designing, planning, marketing, budgeting, execution and evaluation of events. Management skills, small business development and state-of-the-art technology for the current marketplace are explored. The program is taught online and in-class lectures. Group work and individual assignments are highlighted by a capstone project and externship.

This program provides a final capstone event and a mandatory 14-week externship placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed event management industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the program’s learning outcomes. This valuable work experience can be added to your resumé.

What You’ll Learn

• Plan and design events to meet organizational and client objectives.
• Select food and beverage catering services, site location and decor, 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.