Meeting, Convention and Event Planner is ranked as the #1 best career in US News & World Report's listing on Best Careers in 2012.
Meeting & Event Planner is ranked as the #4 fastest growing job in America by Salary.com based on data gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for projections through 2020.
Comprehensive knowledge in BOTH meetings and events to provide graduates with broad career opportunities.
The Conference Management & Event Planning (CMEP) certificate program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview and knowledge of the meeting and event industry. Gain a firm understanding of how the industry operates and knowledge in the designing, planning, coordinating and executing phases of meetings, conferences, conventions, special events and trade shows. Students will learn best industry practices and the role of a meeting and event planner. All instructors have master’s degrees, CMP, CSEP, CPCE or similar designations.
A requirement to receive the Certificate is to develop a project plan for a specific conference and special event from start to post-event analysis. The project ultimately serves as a professional portfolio demonstrating the student’s learning and ability.
A 30 hour externship is required. Online students are welcome to contact the school for assistance in arranging for an externship in Las Vegas or to request for an introduction letter for an externship in their home city.
Meeting planning is ranked #8 in US News & World Report's Best Careers in 2010 listing.
The development, management and instructional team for this program consist of prominent individuals in the industry dedicated to creating one of the most hands-on and personalized training program of its kind in the nation. The program constantly evolves to include the most current and industry relevant learning in the meetings and events fields.
Program Consultant
This course is managed by Patti Shock CPCE. Ms. Shock is recognized as one of the most influential people in meetings and catering. Among the dozen plus awards she has received, the list includes outstanding leadership and achievement awards from the International Association of Exhibitions and the Professional Convention Management Association. She co-authored the texts, "Hotel Catering: A Handbook for Sales and Operations," and "A Club Manager's Guide to Private Parties and Club Functions" and "On-Premise Catering" , "Restaurant Marketing for Owners and Managers" and A Meeting Planner's Guide to Catered Events - all published by Wiley.
Who Should Attend?
Those interested in gaining specialized knowledge about this exciting industry segment or industry personnel wanting credentials for career advancement. FASTTrack and online programs open to international students.
Course Outline
Strategic Planning
Site Selection
Budget
Risk Management
Contracts
Vendor Selection
Current Issues
Marketing & Sponsorship
Panels & Guest Speakers
Social Media
Product Marketing
Event Principles & Practices
Program Design
Speakers & VIP’s
Tradeshow/Exhibits
Event Mgmt & Coordination
Food & Beverage
Destination Management
Decorative Elements
Community & Special Events
Day in a Life
Marketing/Promotion Skills
Audio Visual
Technology
Convention Operations
Meeting Production
Prerequisite:
High school diploma or GED (no work experience necessary)
Offerings:
Classroom Learning -
Three-month (12-week) semester
Meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-9pm, plus 30 hour externship.
Up to six months time to complete, study at your own pace with dedicated instructors. The curriculum is divided into easily navigable modules, each containing lectures, quizzes, assignments and supplemental reading materials in addition to textbook learning.
There are no specific start dates for online programs. Students receive one-on-one guidance from instructors and each student can specify their own start date on the application form.
Placement Assistance:
Students receive expert counseling that includes a career action plan, resume-writing assistance and interview coaching. Networking opportunities are plentiful and continue after graduation through the alumni association.
Testimonials
"As the President of the National Association of Catering Executives (NACE) in Las Vegas, teaching at TISOH gives me the opportunity to impress upon the students the importance of professional development in the hospitality industry. In an industry where service is key, we must constantly challenge ourselves to make every event as special and successful as possible."