What Our Students Are Saying Certificate Requirements Employment Overview Certificate of Completion           Required Courses

Orange Coast College’s Meeting & Event Management Program offers four core courses for a solid foundation in Meeting & Event Management and elective courses allowing specialization in specific areas of interest.  The program is designed to meet student needs, whether enrolled for one course or earn a Professional Certificate in Meeting & Event Management. Core courses are completed via distance learning to accommodate busy schedules. 

Elective courses are provided in cooperation with industry partners ensuring our students are prepared for the changes occurring within this complex and competitive industry.

SCHEDULING OPTIONS DESIGNED FOR BUSY PROFESSIONALS

• Those whose professional responsibilities include coordinating meetings, conferences, expositions, social programs, reunions and sport, or other types of events. Whether they are administrative assistants or entrepreneurs, professionals who plan and coordinate events will find that this course of instruction will be useful today and will help expand career opportunities in the future.
• Individuals who require Meeting and Event Management education to obtain an entry level position or to seek professional promotion opportunities. 
• Students considering a career change and desiring a comprehensive introduction to the field of Meeting and Event Management, as well as the credentials needed to assist with future employment opportunities.
• Workers employed in related fields, such as lighting, sound, audio-visual, decor, catering and entertainment.
• By obtaining knowledge and skill in Meeting & Event Management, these students gain greater experience to strengthen their professional portfolios.

What Our Students Are Saying …

“The class is invaluable to anyone wanting to enter the hospitality industry as a career… I would take it again to insure that I didn’t miss a word.” 
                                             Eren D.,  La Bella Weddings & Events

“The speakers and field trips added a great deal of reality into the class and helped me understand the whole process better.  Thanks for a great class, making it fun and entertaining throughout, and sharing so much with us.”     
                                                            Alex G.

“Your class was outstanding. I really appreciate a fast-paced class that also comes with loads of information and lots of helpful hints.”                               Debbie B.

“The workbook was very comprehensive. The class was great!” 
                                            Wendy D., Dahl Wedding Company

“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your class… I learned so much and have already began putting those lessons into use.  You are great!”                      
                                                          Dina P., Dina Prentiss Events

1. Successfully complete four core courses, two skill development courses, a minimum of three electives, and a practicum with a “C” or better.
2. Complete a minimum of 100 hours of practicum experience with a meeting or event management organization while enrolled in Hotel 280AD.  Most practicums are completed on weekends or evenings while working at actual events. (Assistance in locating practicum sites is available; however, students are responsible for arranging their own practicum.)
3. Submit a professional portfolio documenting the actual meeting or event you  managed or helped coordinate.  Guidance and materials are provided to assist   in portfolio development.  Examples of previous outstanding portfolios are available.
4. All coursework, practicum, and professional portfolio must be completed within two years from beginning the program.

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• Male (54 percent versus 46 percent female)
• Works in a department with about 11 other people
• Has been at the same job for 8 years
• Earns $52,400 a year (salaries range from $20,000 to $90,000 or more; 50 percent of all meeting professionals make $30,000 to $59,999)

Duties typically include budgeting; site selection; negotiating with hotels, airlines, and vendors; program planning; trade show and exhibit planning; food and beverage selection; hotel and ground transportation arrangements; and post-meeting evaluations, including surveys of participants and an evaluation of the facility and service provided at each function.

The meeting and event professional is a communications expert who analyzes a situation and then selects, plans, and uses, in a cost-conscious manner, those communication skills and techniques needed to influence people who attend in order to accomplish a purpose. 

The role of the meeting professional will depend upon the orientation, knowledge and skill of the managers.  The role of the meeting professional will depend upon you, the future generation, and how well prepared you are to be a manager, not just a facilitator.

Many meeting and event planners are employed by corporations, event planning businesses and service industries, while others own and operate their own independent small businesses.

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Certificate of Completion Required Courses

Select three specialization courses (3 units) from the following:

Take this course after completion of twelve (12) units

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