Event Planning Techniques Certificate FAQ
How long does it take to complete the certificate program?This program is delivered on a part time basis. Courses generally are held one night a week over a 10 - 14 week period during one or more of three semesters ‑ fall, winter, and spring. A student completing one course per semester will take up to 3 years to complete the program of study. Some students are able to take two or more courses per semester reducing completion time by half or more. Course selections each semester are based on interest and demand and occasionally scheduled courses get canceled due to low enrollment. Each semester there will be between 3 – 6 courses offered from the program of study.
Who are the instructors of the courses?
All instructors are local event planners. We work together on many events, initiatives and network professionally with our area. We are all members provincial and national organizations such as Festivals and Events Ontario, International Festivals and Events Association, Meeting Planners International, Canadian Public Relations Society, Independent Meeting Planners Association of Canada. Instructors are hired based on their expertise for the subject matter and their knowledge of community and corporate resources. When content requires an expert, we will bring in professionals as guest speakers.
I have volunteered with many special events but have never been paid for my special event work. Can I still apply?
Yes. Most of our students have entered the program through their desire to learn more about the special events industry. Many have one, two or many volunteer experiences with special events that they have enjoyed. They feel they have the personality, aptitude and stamina for event planning and may be striving to make this a future profession.
I haven't been in school for many years. What are the expectations and workload?
All courses have evaluative components including written assignments, practical work in actual special events, group and individual presentations, quizzes and tests. We have a policy manual which explains all the expectations for our students including attendance, submission of assignments, report format and plagiarism. Students are very supportive of one another. Generally students who work full time can handle one course per semester.
What is the expectation around computer proficiency?
All assignments must be typed. Having a basic knowledge of word processing will be helpful to complete assignments. Computer usage in special events is discussed in various courses within the program of study. Practical use of computer programs is expected in the field work component of the program.
What is the expectation for Internet use and e-mail?
It would be extremely beneficial to have access to e‑mail as the instructors often communicate in between classes to students with course information and resources. Students as well communicate amongst themselves with group projects and information. Many resources are web based. Web sites are provided in many classes and the student is expected to visit the site independently to seek out relevant information.
If you do not have access to the internet, the open access and MCACES computer labs in the College are available to all part time students.
What kind of resources are available to assist me in my studies?
As mentioned above, many of the content areas addressed in the courses have excellent website references. The Mohawk College Learning Resource Centre also has an excellent collection of special event related materials covering a variety of topics such as sponsorship, marketing, budgeting, conference and meeting planning, event ideas, etc. Information on college library resources and other useful documents and publications are provided in our Introduction to Special Events course as well as individually by the instructors for specific topic areas.
We have one required text which is purchased in the Logistics or Program Applications Courses: "Special Events , The Roots and Wings of Celebration" by Dr. Joe Goldblatt, Wiley Publishing. This text is available in the Mohawk College Bookstore or through Chapters.
Do I need to take the courses in a specific order?
All students begin with the Introduction to Special Events Course. Depending on the semester of study, the Logistics course or Program Applications course is always offered as a starting point for new students. Our Event Administration, Event Marketing, and Event Sponsorship courses do have prerequisites and must be taken in a sequential order as curriculum builds on previous content.
You may register for the Field Work component once you have completed the Event Sponsorship course. The field work is competency-based requiring you to demonstrate competence of specific learning outcomes in the areas of Logistics, Programming, Marketing, Sponsorship, Administration and Professionalism.
I already have a lot of event work experience. Can I get exempt from the Field Work Component?
Mohawk College recognizes that college-level learning can take place in a variety of settings both inside and outside the traditional classroom. Mohawk College provides students with the opportunity for:
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) by Portfolio:
This is an individualized process whereby the student develops a professional portfolio involving self-reflection of current and previously attained skills and prepares documentation describing key learning submitted with supporting evidence from employer(s) and supporting organization(s). Mohawk College assessors and subject matter experts evaluate the information in the portfolio relative to the course outcomes.
Many of the event planning students have practical hands-on event experience from work experience or volunteer activities and could qualify for a Field Work Credit through the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Process.
Students may utilize all work and volunteer responsibilities that they have held within a five year period. The experience might be varied and include several different types of events, with several organizations and client groups.
Who are the students in the program?
We have a wide variety of experiences among the students in the program. Course evaluations are always positive about the fact that the students have learned from each other. We have had students representing corporations, agricultural fairs, colleges and universities, not for profit organizations, casinos, theatres, wineries, retail, recreation departments, and promotional companies. Many students are mature adults who are either working full time or not in the work force. Most are looking at this certificate program as the means with which to be re-trained for new career opportunities. Approximately 80% of students have previous college or university credentials in both related and unrelated fields.
What type of events could I expect to get involved in?
As part of the evaluative criteria for many of the courses, students are expected to assist and volunteer at events within the community. The program manager circulates a list of events which have been submitted by local event planners. Students may also suggest events to the individual instructors for approval. Local events that students have participated in include:
Around the Bay Road Race, Royal Botanical Gardens Bloom Festivals, 2007 Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) Annual Conference, 2003 Road World Cycling Championships, Art Galley of Hamilton Fundraisers, Festival and Events Ontario (FEO) Annual Conference, Do you Believe in Magic Amity Goodwill Fundraiser, Better Living Show, Ontario Business Improvement Area (BIA) Conference, Theatre Aquarius events, Employment Expo, Big Brothers Bowl for Kids Sake, Sound of Music Festival, Doors Open, etc.
What type of wage or salary might I expect if I was to be employed in the special events industry?
It certainly depends on the type of event planning environment you work in. Careers in events include corporations, trade associations, not for profit and charitable organizations, educational institutions, sport teams, provincial and national sports associations, community festivals, government, service club organizations, resorts and independent meeting and event planners.
Part time and contract work ranges from $14.00 – 34.00 an hour in Ontario (2006). Full time salaries for Event Managers range from $45,000 - $ 63,000 per year.(2007 National Average).
More information can be found at:
- www.livingin-canada.com/salaries-for-conference-and-event-planners-canada.html
- eventplanning.about.com/od/eventcareers/qt/salary.htm
- jobfutures.ca/noc/1226.shtml
Are there comparable programs at other educational institutions?
Many colleges offer full time programs in Event Management. Links to all programs can be found at http://www.ocas.ca/ keyword: Event Management. Many colleges also provide part time offerings: Niagara, Conestoga, Humber, George Brown etc. Humber College has some distance education courses as well.
Ryerson Polytechnic provides a Special Events Management Certificate program in conjunction with George Washington University.
Is there professional certification in the event industry?
Yes, there are many event designation programs for event planners. Through the International Festivals and Events Association, professional designation is a CFEE (Certified Festival and Event Executive). Through the International Special Events Society and George Washington University, the certification designation is a CSEP (Certified Special Events Professional) Through Meeting Planners International, the certification designation for meeting planners is CMP (Certified Meeting Professional). There is a provincial certification program through the Ontario Tourism Education Corporation for Special Event Co-ordinators and Special Event Managers. These designations are reviewed in the Introduction to Special Events Course.
