Event Management

Overview

This 1-year graduate certificate program prepares you to begin a career in the tourism industry with a focus on events such as:

• Festivals
• Weddings
• Conferences, tradeshows and meetings

Pursue your passion for organizing events and meeting new people by gaining job-ready skills in a hands-on learning environment connected to industry. Participate in opportunities such as creating, developing and managing events, strategies for providing culturally relevant customer service, and entrepreneurial business practices – from human resources and leadership to finances and strategic marketing.

Work experience

• Field experience is a mandatory credit course, providing the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom.
  • Opportunities are typically unpaid and last approximately 5 weeks.
• Transportation, accommodations and other costs related to work experience courses are your responsibility.
• For more information, visit work experience opportunities.

Study options

• This program is offered through blended delivery (a combination of in-class and online courses).
  • In-class courses are held at Akerley Campus Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (there may be special events scheduled outside these days that would require you to be on campus).
  • Online courses have no scheduled class times, providing flexibility for the remainder of the week.

Choose NSCC

• This program was developed with industry – for industry, ensuring your skills are current and relevant.
• Our instructors come from industry with world-class experience and skills.
• You'll have many opportunities to network with tourism industry partners both on- and off-campus.
  • Learn the theory and practical aspects of the program through hands-on learning by participating in local and/or provincial tourism activities and events, such as active exploration projects, event management, excursions, networking with industry partners, and many other progressive learning experiences. In this program you'll have the exciting opportunity to attend and be involved in the annual Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) conference.

Other info

• A strong work ethic and a professional approach are key elements to your success in this program and career.
• Punctuality and attention to cleanliness are absolute necessities.
• As this program mirrors working in industry, you should be prepared to work industry-type hours, including early mornings, late nights and some weekends.
• If you have food allergies, dietary requirements or sensitivities to environmental conditions, be aware that you'll frequently be exposed to substances that may affect these sensitivities.

Availability

Seats are available at Akerley campus for domestic applicants only. International applicants will be waitlisted.

September 2024

Campus	Full time/part time	Delivery	Availability
Akerley Campus/Online Dartmouth	Full time	Blended Delivered through a combination of online and in-person classes. At least 50% of learning is in-person.	Seats available

Admission requirements

• Diploma, undergraduate degree, or equivalent.
  • International students – Submit your official post-secondary documents for assessment. View document and language requirements by country

Program requirements

• You're required to complete industry seminars and certifications, including Responsible Beverage Service for Managers, Basic Food Safety and Emergency First Aid/CPR Level A.
• Portfolio development – As part of your studies at NSCC, you develop a portfolio of your work; the portfolio captures your achievements and profiles your skills to employers.

Tuition

Tuition amounts are for the 2023-24 academic year. Program costs and fees (textbooks, supplies, etc.) are additional.

Tuition, fees and program costs

In addition to annual tuition, there are program costs (books, tools, etc.) and student fees for College services, health and dental plans, your student association and parking.

View detailed program fees page(s). Please note that amounts on these pages are meant for planning purposes only. They don't represent final amounts owing.

• Event Management

Career options

• Graduates are prepared to work with public, not-for-profit, charitable, private and corporate sectors in a variety of capacities, including:
  • Conference organizer
  • Convention and special events planner
  • Event marketing specialist
  • Event planner
  • Meeting planner
  • Conference planner
  • Wedding planner
  • Event coordinator
  • Festival organizer
  • Trade show organizer

Future study options

• Continue your studies at university – This program includes courses that count towards a university degree. Learn more about having your diploma count towards a university degree

Courses may include

These are some of the courses offered in this program. It is not a complete list and courses are subject to change in advance of the academic year.

Recognizing prior learning / transfer credits
If you have previous learning (course, employment, etc...) that's relevant to your program, you may be able to apply to earn credit. Not all programs are eligible. Learn about our recognizing prior learning (RPL) process.

ENTR 2000 - Foundations of Entrepreneurship
No matter the career path, entrepreneurial concepts and characteristics are essential to success. This course will introduce learners to foundational principles of entrepreneurship and the different context in which these principles can be applied. Topics include starting or seeking employment in a small business, recognizing different types of business structures, and identifying legal and financial considerations affecting small businesses. You will explore the value and benefits of being a business owner or an employee of an entrepreneur. This course will help you identify the expertise and resources that are needed to build your entrepreneurial spirit.

EVNT 3960 - Work Experience
The work experience component provides the learner with an opportunity to apply new skills and concepts appropriate for entry-level positions within the occupation. Learners will assess their own performance and be evaluated by an industry partner. Learners will identify personal outcomes they wish to attain during the work experience and will keep a journal. This is a course of 175 hours spread over five weeks.

EVNT 5100 - Logistics, Operations and Risk Management
In this course, learners will critically examine the logistics and risk management of event operations. Event tasks and operational functions are explored, pertaining to the three phases of event organization: pre-event, event and post-event.

EVNT 5110 - Event Management Foundations
This course is an introduction to event management. Learners will explore the event industry and various types of events. Topics will include core competencies, career exploration, event terminology, impact of events and the role of industry associations in event planning.

EVNT 5120 - Food and Beverage Planning
In this course, learners will become familiar with food service options, menu planning, contracts and cost factors. Topics will include catering cost, financial statements and budget development.

EVNT 5130 - Event Planning
In this course, learners will develop team building skills and a comprehensive event plan. Learners will explore areas such as equipment and facility selection, programming, and operational requirements related to event management.

EVNT 5140 - Programming for Meetings, Conferences and Trade Shows
In this course, learners will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design, plan and evaluate meetings, conferences and trade shows. Topics will include target audience, program elements, needs assessment, and venue specifications.

EVNT 5150 - Computer Applications for Events
In this course, learners will use Microsoft Office to create event documents for registration, marketing, sponsorship, and human resources. Learners will also create event collateral materials and event presentations.

EVNT 5160 - Event Marketing
In this course, learners will explore the various aspects of pre-event, event and post-event marketing initiatives. Topics will include event marketing campaign, methods of promotion, and post-event analysis.

EVNT 5200 - Human Resources and Volunteer Management
Learners will gain knowledge of common human resources techniques. Emphasis is on recruitment, supervision, training, evaluation, and recognition. Elements of performance appraisals, labour relations, ethics, and health and safety are also explored.

EVNT 5210 - Event Programming and Entertainment
In this course, the principles behind planning, organizing and implementing entertainment programming are introduced. Key components include concept research, development of creative programming for specialty audiences, contract negotiations and integration of theming, décor and pageantry into all elements of the event.

EVNT 5220 - Revenue and Partnership Development
In this course, a variety of revenue generating techniques are presented. Event partnerships and sponsorships are examined. Grant applications and opportunities are explored.

EVNT 5230 - Applied Events
This course enables learners to apply the knowledge and skills developed within the program. Learners will implement program details in order to execute an event. Learners are expected to manage budgets and event materials.

EVNT 5240 - Programming for Weddings, Festivals, Entertainment and Charity Events
In this course, learners will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design, plan and evaluate weddings, festivals, entertainment and charity events. Topics will include ethnic programming, wedding planning, event production schedules and fundraising elements.

FANM 9000 - Food Safety Training
Working with food requires knowledge of relevant legislation, codes, and safe food practices to keep staff and customers safe. This course provides information on cleaning and sanitation, food storage and receiving and food borne illnesses.

SAFE 1000 - Introduction to WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information Systems)
This course offers learners basic overview of WHMIS principles and establishes a solid foundation to support workplace-specific training on the safe storage and handling of controlled/hazardous products. Upon successful completion of the course, students receive basic WHMIS certification.

SAFE 1001 - Introduction to NS OH&S Act
This course offers students an introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Act of Nova Scotia, which is required by any person employed in a Nova Scotia workplace. This is a generic, introductory course that provides basic knowledge of the Act for students and is considered to be the basis from which more specific training can be given.