Special Event Planning

This program is available fully online, allowing you to complete it from the comfort of your own home, around your busy life or work schedule. Consisting of four modules and approximately 96 hours of time commitment, you can get started on your new profession in a very short period of time.

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Course Modules:

• Full Program: 96 hours (24 hours per module)
• Available 24 hours 7 days a week
• Time commitment is approximately 8 hours per week of reading, assignments etc.
• The instructor advises you of the timelines that assignments are due. All course work, assignments and testing are online – you do not have to physically attend.

The four modules that make up the Special Event Planning program are:

• Best Practices in Special Event Management
• Event Coordination
• Event Marketing
• Risk Management and Evaluation

Each module will include readings and assignments with specific deadlines.  You will have the opportunity to complete various aspects of the special event planning process through mock scenarios.

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In order to successfully complete each module, you must respond to discussion questions posted by the instructor on-line (minimum 1 post per discussion, within guidelines outlined by the instructor), and apply theory learning through reading to different aspects of event planning. This is done in the form of an event simulation – learning through the planning of a mock or real event. You will have the opportunity to plan various aspects of special events including strategic plans, budgets, marketing plans, volunteer management plans, and logistics.

Module 1 – Best Practices in Special Event Management

In Module 1 of the Special Event Planning program, you will establish the theoretical and practical foundation for special event planning, and for the other 3 modules: Module 2 – Event Coordination; Module 3 – Event Marketing; and Module 4 – Risk Management and Evaluation. You will be introduced to different kinds and types of special events, learn how to conceptualize a special event, and examine strategic planning for special events. 

Summary: Concepts to be reviewed in Module 1 include:

• Introduction to Special Events
• Conceptualizing the Event
• Strategic Planning

There are 3 simulation assignments in this module.

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Module 2 – Event Coordination

In Module 2, you will learn about the human resources (volunteers) aspect of special event management, operational planning (logistics), and staging requirements of a special event.

A key aspect of event planning and management is the ability to pay attention to a myriad of details, some major and some minor. How do they come together to create a meaningful, magical, and memorable special event? How do you coordinate them so that something important is not missed? By completing this module, you will find your own way to organize and arrange all the important details in order to create a quality event that you are proud of.

Summary: Concepts to be reviewed in Module 2 include:

• Human Resources and Volunteer Management
• Operational Planning (Logistics)
• Staging Events

There are 3 simulation assignments in this module.

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Module 3 – Event Marketing

In Module 3, you will learn how to market your special event, and how to create successful relationships with sponsors.

Marketing is not just advertising – “marketing is concerned with satisfying customer needs and wants by exchanging goods, services, or ideas for something of value” (Allen et al, 2005). In order to meet the needs of our consumers, we need to know how they make decisions and what their needs are. With this information, we can create the event experience they are attracted to, and they desire. You will learn about the concept of marketing, the steps in a strategic marketing process including how to conduct event marketing research, and sponsorships.

Concepts to be reviewed in Module 3 include:

• Marketing of Events
• Sponsorship

There are 3 simulation assignments in this module.

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Module 4 – Risk Management and Evaluation

Module 4 allows you to learn concepts and methods related to financial management, risk management, and evaluation in the area of special event planning.

The issue of risk management is one of control: how do you keep your event on track financially? How do you plan to ensure that all risks associated with an event are managed? How do you ensure that everything that is supposed to happen, happens the way it is supposed to? What legal issues must be considered so that you are in compliance with laws in your particular jurisdiction? What do you need to know about contract management?

In addition, you will learn about event evaluation, and why it is vital to good event planning.

Concepts to be reviewed in Module 4 include:

• Controls in Event Management (Financial Management)
• Risk Management
• Evaluation

There are 3 simulation assignments in this module.

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In order to successfully complete each module, students must respond to discussion questions posted by the instructor on-line (minimum 1 post per discussion, within guidelines outlined by the instructor), and apply theory learning through reading to different aspects of event planning. This is done in the form of an event simulation – learning through the planning of a mock or real event. Students will have the opportunity to plan various aspects of special events including strategic plans, budgets, marketing plans, volunteer management plans, and logistics.

Prerequisites:

You should know how to use a computer and the required software for the program. You should be comfortable communicating to the instructor and other students online (using email and discussion boards). Proficient English Language skills are required.

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How to Register:

Program spaces are filled on a first-to-pay basis.  See the “Your Costs” section for a link to register. 

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition:	$1,895.00
Total	$1,895.00

_{*These prices may not be 100% accurate. However, these estimates will give you an adequate idea of tuition and fees for our programs. These prices do not include textbook costs. All prices are subject to change. Tuition fees include an alumni fee, student activity fees, and a student technology fee. In certain cases a materials and supply fee may also be included. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.}

To pay for this Continuing Education program, visit our online registration system: AccessCOTR or email a Special Event Planning Program Application Form to golden@cotr.bc.ca for processing, and we’ll send you a statement with payment instructions.

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Required Texts or Materials

Recommended resources and reading material should be available for free, either online or through library resources.

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Computers and Technology

It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they have the appropriate technology (computer and internet) to complete the program.  Participants will have access to Microsoft Office 365 software for free during the program.

See: Minimum computer and internet requirements

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Refund Policy

Contact the Golden Campus at golden@cotr.bc.ca

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Program and Course Changes

College of the Rockies reserves the right to make whatever changes are deemed necessary as a result of changing circumstances, including cancellation, re-scheduling or other adjustments of programs and courses.

Please note all prices are subject to change.

A Special Event Planning certificate of achievement can open up a career as a Conference and Event Planner with:

• Tourism associations
• Trade and professional associations
• Convention and conference centres
• Wedding and Event planning companies
• Government agencies
• Event planning companies
• Cities and municipalities
• Sporting and event centres

You may also choose to start your own business!

Erin Wilkins is a Royal Roads University MBA graduate with a specialization is leadership. Her MBA is supplemented with a Bachelors degree in Sport and Leisure Administration from the University of Victoria. She currently teaches at Langara College in the School of Management-Bachelor of Business Administration Degree program as well as the Recreation Studies Department- Bachelor of Recreation Management Program (BRM). Erin is also the Department Coordinator for the BRM.

Erin has extensive managerial expertise in hospitality, sports, recreation and leisure management. Her experience lies in managing recreational and competitive sports programming and events as well as managing a wide-range of social and business events. She is also experienced in strategic planning, change management, career and life coaching, employee retention, organizational behaviour and leadership.

Traveling extensively throughout her life, Erin has profited from a variety of international employment opportunities and a multitude of enriching cultural experiences. Erin currently resides in Vancouver; where she is able to enjoy recreational activities by the ocean and in the mountains. Her passion is to enjoy life and its adventures!