Event Management Extension Certificate

Classroom or Online
E-mail: cebusiness@mtroyal.ca
Information: 403.440.8804 or toll-free 1.888.392.3655
Register: Start here
Location: Lincoln Park Campus, 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW

Required Courses | Professional Development | Job Postings
Student Testimonials | Expert Videos

• 80% of Event Management Extension Certificate graduates surveyed believe that the program improves the chances of getting a good job.
• 90% of graduates surveyed would still choose the same program and would consider taking additional Continuing Education courses at Mount Royal University in the future.
• 100% of graduates surveyed would recommend this program to others in the future.

Event planning requires professional personnel to plan, produce and manage special events of all sizes. Whether your event is community-based, corporate, a wedding or a conference, this certificate will provide you with practical skills and professional knowledge to successfully organize, promote and execute any type of event.

Program Notes
This program is available both online and in the classroom. Choose the format that best suits your learning style. Not sure if online learning is for you? Please visit the Virtual Learning Centre.

A grade 12 level of written and spoken English is strongly recommended to successfully complete the requirements of this certificate. In order to succeed in this program we strongly recommend that students have intermediate skills in MS Word, Excel and Windows.

Earn Credit Toward a Degree/Diploma
Certain Extension Certificates have been developed in cooperation with Mount Royal University credit faculties. These certificates have components which are transferable into various diplomas, applied degrees and degrees, provided applicants achieve the minimum required grade in the course(s) and meet the entrance requirements for the degree. Please see credit program websites for diploma, applied degree or degree entrance requirements. For more information on transfer credit please contact Business Education and Training at cebusiness@mtroyal.ca or 403.440.8804.

Requirements
We strongly recommend that Introduction to Event Planning be completed before beginning any other courses. We also recommend taking all of the courses in the order that they are listed in the schedule chart. You must complete all of the first six courses in order to begin studies in Event Management: Final Project. Please ensure you meet all requirements before registering.

Earning Your Extension Certificate
Complete the seven required courses (174 hours) within three years with a minimum grade of C in each course. You may also register in individual courses of interest provided you meet prerequisites.

Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to an entry-level position in a company or department that plans and produces special events.

Required Courses

Introduction to Event Planning
Be introduced to the art and science of event management in this overview of the certificate program. Gain an overview of the event industry and its associations and designations. Discuss various types of events, the 5-phase approach to event planning and the core competencies of event planners.
Course materials: included in fee.

Resource Management for Event Planning
Event planning involves awareness of who the intended audience is, what the event consists of, where and when the event is held and why the event is being held. Clearly comprehe nding the goals and objectives of the event and the needs and desires of the stakeholders provides a basis for ongoing decision-making and successful management of the event.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of Introduction to Event Planning before registering in this course.
Course materials: approx. $11+GST at the BookStore.

Event Logistics
Event logistics provide the opportunity to plan how attendees get to the event, what they do at the event and how they leave the event. Managing the logistics of multiple components of the event requires organizational skills and the ability to attend to detail while maintaining the big picture.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of Introduction to Event Planning before registering in this course.
Course materials: approx. $11+GST at the BookStore.

Event Risk Management    
Identify the best ways of preventing and reducing loss to ensure that your event is conducted in the safest possible manner. Find out about permits, licenses and insurance, legal issues and bylaws, contract negotiation, protocol, and national and international considerations. Effective planning can and does reduce risk.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of Introduction to Event Planning before registering in this course.
Course materials: approx. $11+GST at the BookStore.

Event Marketing   
The success of your event is measured by the participation of its target audience. Effective event marketing includes strategy, timing and evaluation components, all critical to the event’s success. Differentiate between revenue-generating, fundraising, cost-recovery and marketing events. Develop a comprehensive event marketing plan, and identify and develop sponsorship opportunities.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of Introduction to Event Planning before registering in this course.
Course materials: approx. $11+GST at the BookStore.

Event Production   
Event production requires the involvement of a variety of experts, including sound, lighting, special effects, audiovisual and more. Differentiate between an event timeline, a production schedule and production scripts. Acquire an understanding of common terminology and learn to assess technical requirements in order to have meaningful negotiations, discussions and event execution with all vendors.
Note: We strongly recommend completion of the previous five courses before beginning this course.
Course materials: approx. $11+GST at the BookStore.

Event Management: Final Project
Review and apply the concepts, elements and processes of event planning. Use real-life examples to integrate your knowledge of the multiple components of successful events. Each student is required to submit a final project outlining specific components of a detailed event plan.
Prerequisite: completion of the previous six courses.
Course materials: included in fee.

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 Professional Development Seminars

Explore the unlimited opportunities the industry provides and enhance your ability to produce increasingly outstanding events. Our seminars are open to everyone! No prerequisites are required in order to register.

Green Meetings and Events       NEW!
Green events represent a high growth area in the events industry, as clients have increased interest in and stronger commitment to events that are environmentally responsible. Examine green strategies, guidelines and best practices for planning and producing green events that are creative and environmentally friendly.

Business Etiquette and Protocol            
Success in life and business is not determined by what you know, but rather how you carry yourself and interact with the world and people around you. Understand how the history of etiquette and protocol informs expectations for modern behaviour, and identify key elements of contemporary business etiquette in Canada and the United States. Help ensure your success by executing business etiquette skills and protocol in your professional role.

The Business of Wedding Planning
Extraordinary weddings don’t just happen, they are planned - and a skilled wedding planner can become a bride’s best friend. Discover how a great wedding planner can reduce a wedding budget – and stress – by negotiating contracts and streamlining processes to creatively achieve a unique and specialized experience for the wedding party.

Writing Event Proposals that Win Contracts
Do you have a stunning event in your head but are not sure how to put it on paper? Through written and visual communication, address the needs, wants and desires of the client. Express and demonstrate the components of an event, the emotion it invokes and the message it carries to create your next successful proposal bid.

Understanding Food and Beverage
Food and beverage are vital elements of any event. Working with a caterer can be intimidating, as their needs are sometimes overlooked in event plans. Comprehend function sheets, banquet perspectives or site plans. Identify which responsibilities belong with the catering company, either in-house or off-site, and which belong with you.

Special Effects for Events
Event planners want to “wow” their clients, and incorporating special effects can do just that. Some are intimidating and require specialized expertise to execute, while others are incredibly simple. Whether your special effects are facilitated through multimedia, audiovisual production or pyrotechnics, industry experts help you identify the best options and the questions you should be asking.

Event Design and Decor
Event themes result from inspiration, research and hard work. Explore design principles and creative ideas, and see what is possible in a range of price options. Whether you are looking for design tools and tips or the best way to work with your designer, discover how powerful good event design and decor can be.

Events for Charities  
Charitable fund-raising events are important to the social experience in Calgary. Competition is strong and unique events are quickly replacing the tried and true approaches of the past.  Developing a clear understanding of guests' choice to attend one event over another and the message each event sends to its supporters is vital to success.

Destination Management
Destination management is critical to the growth of the event industry.  Be prepared to introduce delegates and tourists to the many attractions of Calgary and Alberta.  Identify and showcase available resources, identify and manage risk, and meet the needs associated with language and cultural differences while producing exceptional experiences.

Meeting and Convention Planning
Meeting and convention planning requires specialized skills. Understand the importance of an efficient registration system and the resources available. Discover how to assist in the selection of qualified speakers, and provide resources to support speakers’ needs and active delegate participation.

Professional Photography for Successful Events    
Keep the memory of successful events alive for the guests, the clients and the event planner through professional photography. Learn to identify photographic opportunities in the early stages of event planning so that your event is visually recorded as memorable and successful. Note:  This is not a hands-on photography class.  Do not bring any camera equipment to class. 

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Student Testimonials  

“I feel like this certificate program will give me an advantage over other job applicants.”

- Kim Valleau

“This course was exactly what I needed to understand the event management industry. It helped me evaluate my skills and understand that a linear approach is not necessary, an integrated approach is how it is done.”

- Desiree Haight

“This course was great for getting a taste of what the event industry is all about. It is informative for those new to event planning, but also seemed to be useful for those already active in event planning type careers.”

- Aaron Blair

“The intro course is very informative. Highly recommended to take before any other courses in the certificate.”

- Stephanie Danielsen

“This course was a great starter to the overall program. It was informative and by no means overwhelming. My instructor was knowledgeable, friendly and outgoing towards my newfound career path and continued education.”

- Brittany Rondeau

“This course showed a lot of good examples which helped me grasp the concept more.”

- Bekkie Brown

“I really enjoyed this course and feel that I can use this for my career and personal life.”

- Elisha Chin

“The material taught was exceptional, the classes were relevant to planning - I use the material taught in class in everything I do!”

- Event Management Certificate graduate

“The teachers are in the field, and are a huge benefit for networking and experience. The flexibility to do the classes online and good seminar options are available to expand knowledge.”

- Event Management Certificate graduate

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