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46-Week Conference and Event Planning Training Program in BC
Meetings, events, and conventions are one of the fastest-growing segments of the economy and embrace multiple aspects of all industries. Conference and Event Planners plan and coordinate every aspect of the event, from guests to food and beverages, staff, security, and entertainment.
Start your career in event planning today.
Become a Skilled Conference and Event Planner
The Conference and Event Planning Diploma is designed to prepare you for careers in the fast-paced and exciting world of conference and event management through our innovative Integrated Learning System™ (ILS).
This program appeals to individuals who are charismatic, outgoing, energetic, and entrepreneurial, as the Conference and Event Planner plays a dynamic role within any organization. Its objective is to expose you to a broad range of knowledge and processes, administration skills, and practical tools that will assist you in dealing with situations within a conference and event planning related career.
This program will provide you with:
- The knowledge and skills necessary to lead and/or assist in the development and/or implementation of conferences and events for a variety of business sectors
- An introduction to the most relevant aspects of planning and coordinating event logistics.
- Professional skills in high demand by employers. These skills include: negotiating, decision making, team-work, communication, customer service, leadership, research and problem-solving.
- Solid knowledge of event planning and marketing practices and principles.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
AOLCC’s Integrated Learning System™
All courses in our programs are delivered through our unique Integrated Learning System™ (ILS). Through ILS, you will develop a true proficiency in each topic, no matter your age or skill level upon enrolment. Our learning coaches are with you every step of the way to provide individualized assistance and encouragement in a supportive and non-competitive learning environment. Here’s how it works:
- You only advance to the next course when you are confident that you have mastered one topic and are ready to move on to the next
- You participate in hands-on exercises, tasks and practice exams that test your knowledge and give you confidence
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are employed by tourism, trade and professional associations, convention and conference centers, government agencies and conference and event planning companies. Careers that correspond with the skills learned in this program include:
- Conference and Meeting Planner
- Conference Planner
- Conference Services Officer
- Convention Coordinator
- Event Planner
- Special Events Organizer
- Trade Show Planner
Duties and Responsibilities
Conference and Event Planners plan, organize and coordinate conferences, conventions, meetings, seminars, exhibitions, trade shows, festivals and other corporate/company events. Specific job duties vary with education and experience and may include:
- Meet with trade and professional associations, sponsor, and other groups to plan the scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets, administrative procedures, to promote and discuss conference, convention and trade show services
- Coordinate services for events, such as transportation venue, catering, marketing collateral and security
- Manage the logistics of events and trade shows
- Deal with on-site situations with prompt decision making
- Organize registration of participants, prepare programs and promotional material, and publicize events
- Plan entertainment and social gatherings for participants
- Hire, train and supervise support staff required for events
- Ensure compliance with required by-laws
- Negotiate contracts for services, approve suppliers’ invoices, maintain financial records, review final billing submitted to clients for events and prepare reports
Admission Requirements
Grade 12 or equivalent or Mature Student Status.
Courses are open to any applicant who possesses a good command of the English language and is able to follow instruction.
An admissions interview will be administered to determine if the applicant has the required interest, motivation, and entry-level skills to take this program.
Full-time students must attend the required hours per week as per the course schedule and may do so at times convenient to them.
Part-time students may set their own schedules to a minimum of two training sessions per week. These times may be scheduled during the day, evenings, or on weekends.
Program Outline
Word Processing
Intermediate level of proficiency in Microsoft Word
Spreadsheets
Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel
Graphics/Presentation
Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint and Microsoft Publisher
Data Management
Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Access
Simulations and Drills
Practical Applications – 2 Units
Office Skills
Basic level of proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Personal Computer Fundamentals for End Users, Internet Fundamentals, Bookkeeping Level 1 and Level 2, and Office Procedures Level 1 and Level 2
Business Skills
Customer Service, Grammar Essentials for Business Writing, Business Correspondence Levels 1 and 2, Business Essentials, Business Math, Marketing and Sales, Conference and Event Management, Event Marketing, Microsoft Project Level 1, Project Management Fundamentals Level 1, Business Negotiations and Contracts, Management Fundamentals, Business Supervisory Skills, Business Verbal Communication, and Business Presentations
Employability Skills
Job Search and Résumé Writing, Employment Success Strategies, and Thought Patterns for a Successful Career
