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.
