Event Planning Courses at Mohawk College
RECLRLA01 Logistics I
Instructor: Cherish Gibson, Online Marketing Recruitment Officer, Mohawk College
Cherish has over 10 years of event planning experience. Prior to her current position, Cherish was the Conference and Event Planner at Mohawk College for 8 years, planning and implementing a variety of college, community and corporate events. The annual Mohawk College Garage Sale with over 100 vendors and 5000 attendees provided Cherish with good experience in event logistics. As a graduate of Mohawk in Advertising and Communications Media and a graduate herself of the Event Planning Techniques Program, Cherish’s enthusiasm and experience is an asset to our program. Currently, Cherish co-ordinates a local bridal show in Norfolk County.
Course Description:
You will acquire practical training necessary for effective operation of a special event. Enhance your knowledge of logistical details behind site preparation, food services, security, licensing, accessibility, traffic, and communication. Prerequisite: HSCIRLA09.
RECLRLA02 Program Applications
Instructor: Karen Dowhan
Karen has worked for 15 years at Hamilton Convention and Facilities Inc. (HECFI). In her role as Hospitality Sales Executive, Karen is responsible for event bookings for conventions, corporate events, trade and consumer shows, amateur sports and special events. She holds a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation through the Convention Industry Council and is a member of the Meeting Planners Internations (MPI) and the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE).
Course Description:
You will acquire the skills necessary in making contacts and negotiating contracts for event programming. Learn how to maximize on program ideas and trends. Topics will include: booking entertainment, event programming and coordination, theming and program partnerships. Prerequisite: RECLRLA09
RECLRLA04 Event Administration
Instructor: Jay Higgins
Jay is owner of Beaumonde Productions which produces and owns four of the Hamilton, Halton & Niagara Ontario regions' largest bridal wedding shows, the Food & Drink Fest and co-produces a select number of charity and corporate events. The Food & Drink Fest provides a variety of local and international wines, specialty beers, and culinary sensations created by some of the Hamilton, Halton and Niagara regions' most popular restaurants, breweries, and wineries, as well as featuring live entertainment and fun, informative cooking demonstrations. Jay is a member of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and is currently the Chair of the Business Development Committee.
Instructor: Shannon Tew
Shannon is a graduate of McMaster University and has been the Sales & Marketing Manager for Beaumonde Productions (BMP) for the past three years. In the position of Sales & Marketing Manager, Shannon co-managed all events, but was instrumental in the production and growth of the Niagara Autumn Wedding Show and the Food & Drink Fest...the Festival with Taste. Prior to this position, Shannon worked as the Sales & Office Coordinator for Beau Monde Productions for four years. In addition, Shannon has also worked as an assistant backstage director for a number of Fashion Shows, Charity Events, Television Promotions and Variety Shows throughout the GTA. She was an assistant associate in the Public Relations Office at St. Joseph’s Hospital and was contracted out to produce small corporate, wedding and anniversary events on her own. Shannon currently contributes to marketing projects for wikiDOMO.com and belongs to the Hamilton, St. Catharines/Thorold and Burlington Chambers of Commerce.
Course Description:
Gain an overview of the administrative and financial functions of event management including human resource management, legal issues, customer service and business administration skills. Prerequisite: RECLRLA01 or RECLRLA02
WORKRLA06 Special Events - Field Work
Instructor: Sue Vattay, Program Manager
Course Description:
Under the direct supervision and guidance of an event professional, complete this competency based course, and demonstrate event planning and implementation skills. PREREQUISITE: RECLRLA08 or permission of the Program Manager.
RECLRLA07 Event Marketing
Instructor: TBA
Course Description:
You will acquire fundamental skills in marketing and promotions strategies. Students will learn how to identify target markets, develop event goals and objectives, establish pricing practices and develop promotional tools and understand the importance of networking. The course will focus on how to develop a marketing plan for an event or festival. Prerequisite: RECLRLA04 or permission of Program Manager.
RECLRLA08 Event Sponsorship
Instructor: TBA
Course Description:
Explore sponsorships and partnerships in the event industry. Learn how to meet the needs of sponsors and encourage a win/win environment. Acquire an understanding of cash and in-kind sponsorships, learn how to identify revenue generating opportunities, and recognize effective sponsor relations. Prerequisite: RECLRLA07 or permission of Program Manager.
HSCIRLA09 Introduction to Special Events
Instructor: Maria Fortunato, Manager, Regional Tourism OrganizationMaria Fortunato was recently seconded as manager of a new Regional Tourism Organization that brings together industry and DMO representatives whose goals is to increase visitors, generate economic activity and create tourism jobs. Maria’s experience with working with community groups and on provincial boards allows her to provide the leadership for this new initiative. Previous to this secondment, Maria held the position of Visitor Services Co-ordinator for Tourism Hamilton, responsible to provide essential visitor servicing to help optimize sales and deliver a favourable Hamilton visitor experience. Additionally, her portfolio included the provision of marketing and tourism development support to Hamilton’s festivals and events. Maria has conducted volunteer management training for several associations and conferences and has developed volunteer programs for many events. She was a Festivals and Events Ontario Board Member for 10 years.
Course Description:
This 12 hour introductory course provides individuals interested in the event industry with an opportunity to learn about the many facets of this growing field. Topics include: issues and growth within the industry, careers, event budgets and critical paths, industry associations and professional designation. This course is a co/prerequisite to Logistics 1 (RECLRLA01) or Program Applications (RECLRLA02).
MGMT10086 Volunteer Management for Events
Instructor: Maria Fortunato, Manager, Regional Tourism Organization
Maria Fortunato was recently seconded as manager of a new Regional Tourism Organization that brings together industry and DMO representatives whose goals is to increase visitors, generate economic activity and create tourism jobs. Maria’s experience with working with community groups and on provincial boards allows her to provide the leadership for this new initiative. Previous to this secondment, Maria held the position of Visitor Services Co-ordinator for Tourism Hamilton, responsible to provide essential visitor servicing to help optimize sales and deliver a favourable Hamilton visitor experience. Additionally, her portfolio included the provision of marketing and tourism development support to Hamilton’s festivals and events. Maria has conducted volunteer management training for several associations and conferences and has developed volunteer programs for many events. She was a Festivals and Events Ontario Board Member for 10 years.
Course Description:
Gain an introduction to the basic, fundamental aspects of volunteer management. Topics of study include recruitment, orientation, training, recognition, evaluation, volunteer position descriptions, and Board and staff volunteer relations. Apply your knowledge through partnerships with local large scale events such as the Around the Bay Road Race and Doors Open.
PLAN10009 Wedding Planning
Instructor: Natalie Faria, Owner, Punch Wedding and Event Co.
Natalie manages her own wedding and event planning company - Ontario Wedding and Event Planners. Prior to her self employment, Natalie was employed with Royal Botanical Gardens as a Senior Special Events Planner responsible for developing ideas for new festivals, fundraising events and dinner theatre evenings. She has also worked for the City of Hamilton in the Events Department, and for Hamilton Cruise Ships Centres as a Cruise and Travel Sales Consultant. Natalie is a graduate of the Business Administration program at George Brown College and is a Certified Wedding Coordinator through the Wedding Planners Institute of Canada.
Course Description:
Learn how to set up, run, and market your own wedding planning business. Focus on preparing for a meeting with a client, creating and managing a budget and the special logistics of wedding planning including invitations, wedding cultures, ceremonies, photography and more.
