• Career Outlook

  The Fundamentals of Meeting Planning and Event Development Program is designed for executive assistants, human resources employees, and other business professionals who may occasionally be tasked with planning and running a meeting or event. The curriculum provides an all-encompassing overview of the planning process, along with skills and knowledge that can be utilized in a wide variety of circumstances. People interested in pursuing a full-time career as a meeting and event planner can benefit from the program as well. 
  
  Every meeting, convention, and event is a complex affair with multiple details that require attention. Whether the event in question is a business conference, a wedding, an art exhibit, a concert, a banquet, or a book signing, the planning stages may take weeks or even months depending on the number of people attending and the elaborateness of the venue and activities. To make sure the event runs smoothly, a planner is tasked with coordinating each step of the process from beginning to end. Before the event takes place, they will meet with the client to confirm basic details such as dates, times, locations, budgets, and the size of the audience. The planner then books and coordinates the venue, service providers, transportation, accommodations, and other critical elements. The planner often monitors the event to make sure the client is satisfied, and then audits bills and invoices from the various providers afterward. 
  
  The U.S. Department of Labor projects a huge demand for meeting, convention, and event planners in the near future, with the employment rate skyrocketing 33% between 2012 and 2022. Companies with offices spread throughout the country—and sometimes throughout the world—still recognize the value of face-to-face communication at meetings and conferences. Non-profit organizations need planners to coordinate their various charity events, and government agencies seek out planners familiar with state and federal regulations to help organize their meetings. Combined with the enormous amount of events related to art, literature, music, and theatre, the opportunities for meeting, convention, and event planners should remain plentiful for years to come.

• What Will I Learn?

  This program cultivates the ability to manage the logistics as well as the business side of meetings and events. Students will hone their communication and organization skills while learning the nuts and bolts of the meeting and event planning process, from the initial stages through the event’s completion. They will explore the various tasks involved, such as hiring vendors, securing a venue, and arranging for accommodations and transportation. The program also provides an overview of the duties the planner might handle during the meeting or event, such as operating visual equipment or organizing breakout sessions. By harnessing all these skills and knowledge, students will be able to design and coordinate an effective, multifaceted meeting or event that will accomplish its objectives. 
  
  Program outcomes include: assessing client needs and developing effective event objectives and goals; understanding current meeting planning trends and technologies; designing, planning, and coordinating meetings and events; analyzing the business side of meetings and events; managing the logistics of a meeting or event; and evaluating the effectiveness of the meeting.

• How Will I Benefit From UM's Program

  The University of Miami Fundamentals of Meeting Planning and Event Development Certificate Program is unique in that the learning outcomes are integrated using a facilitated, hands-on approach with module deliverables and application-based written assignments. The program components are supported by cooperative learning, inquiry-based learning, and hands-on learning methods. Unlike programs based solely on theory, our program connects academics to the workplace by allowing students to experience learning applications based on real-world utilization of the program content, with the benefit of feedback from an industry professional who is an expert in the subject matter. The instructor also maintains a virtual open door to address questions, clarify program content, and interpret career learning connections. 
  
  During the course of the program, each student will create an ePortfolio of their completed assignments to showcase program learning and program outcome mastery. This is a valuable tool to demonstrate professional skills and knowledge to current or potential employers.

• Is This Program Right For Me?

  This program is perfect for executive assistants, human resources employees, and other business staff members who may occasionally be tasked with planning and conducting a meeting or event. It is also well-suited to anyone wishing to pursue a full-time career in meeting and event planning. 
  
  The online format gives students the freedom to work at their own pace, navigating through modules of content that build on topics presented in the program’s required textbooks. By reviewing custom-curated articles, websites, and other electronic materials, students will expand their knowledge and gain an understanding of current applications in the business sector. Interactive study tools allow students to review key terms and topics prior to written and objective assessments, and practice quizzes increase skill development and prepare students for module tests.

• How Long Is The Program?

  The program is eight weeks in length.

• Program Format & Location

  This program is available fully online.

• Tuition & Fees

  The price for the course is $3,495, plus the cost of textbooks (approximately $202).

• Financial Assistance Options

  To learn more, please speak with an enrollment advisor at (305) 284-4000.
  
  FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPTIONS

• What Can I Do After Earning The Certificate?

  Graduates leave the program with a new skill set that will enhance their resume, increase their value to current and future employers, and showcase their active pursuit to master modern business strategies and solutions.

• What Are The Requirements To Earn The Certificate?

  High school diploma

• Required Courses

  Key Roles and Responsibilities in Meeting and Event Planning, Meeting Planning Essentials, The Business Side of Event Planning, Event Management, and Meeting Planning Trends and Technologies.

• Professional Badges

  DISPLAY YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS WITH OUR CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BADGES

   

  The Division of Continuing and International Education’s mission is to empower people to reach their full potential through lifelong and lifewide learning. Revolutionary learning experiences are created for our students to ensure that we meet the demands of the ever-changing economy. We continuously measure our programs’ core competencies, instruction, quality, standards, and service.

  The continuing education landscape has elevated an era of innovation and disruption and as such, the Office of Professional Advancement has instituted a badging system.  Graduates of our programs will be able to virtually display a badge, which showcases their new skillset to prospective employers and professional colleagues.

  How does it Work?

  Badges are earned by successfully completing a certificate program through the Office of Professional Advancement. * Upon completion, you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect your badge. Once collected, you can display your badge on social media sites like LinkedIn. Any potential employer will be able to click on the badge for a list of specific skills associated with the respective certificate received.

  *Please call us for a list of approved programs.

  For more information about our career and professional development badging, please call us at 305-284-4000.

• Have Questions?

  Call 305-284-4000 or email opa@miami.edu. Our enrollment advisors can answer any questions or schedule a meeting to discuss your goals and opportunities.
  
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