Event Planning SEP

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in Information and Communication Technology and Hospitality and Tourism would be useful preparation for this program. APA referencing (taught in Level 1). Speaking an additional language (preferably French) would also be useful preparation for this program.

Math and Science Good math skills (need grade 11 or 12 math course). High school courses in Financial Accounting would be useful. Program curriculum covers budgeting is taught in the program. No science needed.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet). 

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• The ability to adapt to changing customer needs and the unexpected
• The ability to remain calm while under pressure
• Good general health, stamina and mental alertness to cope with the long, irregular hours of work
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• The ability to get along with all kinds of people; teamworking skill
• Leadership and decision making skills
• Possess tact and courtesy

Useful background experience for this program would be

Part-time work in banquets, clubs, hotels, etc. We have students from a variety of backgrounds including second career, international students and students straight from high school.  Some previous work experience in hospitality would help but is not required.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a(n)

Event Coordinator, Event Manager, Non-Profit Event Planning/Fundraiser, Sport Event Coordinator, Wedding Planner, Festival Planner, Sales Coordinator, Banquet Manager, Marketing Assistant, Event Planner, Director of Catering, Wedding Coordinator, Conference Planner, Volunteer Planner, Event Marketing Manager, Event Sales, Event Assistant, Public Relations Assistant. Non profit/fundraising events, Festival and music event jobs, hotel and banquet events.

Places you may find yourself employed include

Hotels, Convention Centres, Conference Centres, Casinos, Caterers, Golf and Country Clubs, Event Planners, Wedding Planners, Festivals, Cruise Lines, Theme Parks, Museums, Entertainment Complexes, Tourism Bureaus, Professional Associations, Non-Profit Organizations, Universities, Colleges, Corporations, Insurance Companies, Hi-tech Companies, Hospitals, Pharmaceutical Companies and Marketing Companies and any event venues.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Work in close quarters that can be very noisy especially during busy periods
• Must stand for hours at a time
• Some lifting up to 10 kilograms routinely is required
• Hours vary – shift work, holiday, weekend work and overtime is common
• Can be mix of office setting and on-site event location

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace:

• Coordinate special events from design to execution
• Coordinate services including accommodation, transportation, facilities and catering
• Liaise and coordinate with committees and volunteers
• Create and manage budgets
• Create and execute marketing strategies
• Communicate and network with all event stakeholders
• Respond to inquiries
• Vendor management
• Project planning
• Decorating venues

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Prudhomme Beer, WSET wine level 1, Smart Serve, Food Safety & Handling, Event student certifications are all acquired during the program.
• The program also fulfils the educational requirements for the industry certification designation: Certified Meeting Planner (CMP)
• Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Opportunities for further development or education

• Graduates may be qualified to apply for Fanshawe College graduate certificates.
• There are many additional certifications that can be obtained from industry associations: Digital Event Strategist
• Graduates have opportunities to transfer credits to a university degree program 

Last Modified: June 5, 2024