Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, some in-person components of this program have either been paused, rescheduled, or moved into a virtual format until further notice. Details on individual course formats will be available on the course registration page.

If you have any questions, please email mep.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-2331 to learn how these changes affect your program. SDSU Global Campus will continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of our local and federal health agencies.

 

Whether you are new to meeting planning or a seasoned pro, SDSU's Professional Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning Certificate will help you expand your knowledge and skills within a rapidly-changing industry. The program can also help you prepare for event industry certifications, build your professional network, and create immersive events that will keep your clients (and their guests) happy.

Whether you are new to meeting planning or a seasoned pro, SDSU's Meeting and Event Planning Certificate offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills within the growing industry that includes meeting and wedding planning, as well as hosting and organizing various events. If you want to explore a new career opportunity or become more astute in your meeting and event planning abilities; if you're seeking help with planning a single meeting or event; or if you want to find out how to grow your career in the meeting industry; the meeting and event planning certificate program is for you! SDSU’s Meeting and Event Planning certificate program can help prepare you for industry certifications, like the CMP® from the Events Industry Council.

Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
$2,345
Completion Time Min. Completion Time
6 Months
Course Format Course Format
Online

Student Discounts

If you’ve already completed your Professional Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning, you’re eligible to enroll in additional courses at a 10% discount. Please email registration at ces.registrar@sdsu.edu or call to apply a program alumni discount for 10% off the registration fee.

If you're an SDSU Alumni lifetime member, you're eligible for a 20% discount on registration for this program. Click here to learn more.

Discounts are not retroactive and cannot be combined. Only one discount can be applied.

 

Award of Certificate
To earn a certificate in meeting and event planning, students must complete all seven required core 100 level courses and 18 hours of 200 level elective courses within two years. Students must attend all class sessions of each course in order to pass the course.

SDSU Bachelor's Degree
Students who earn the Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning may request to have HTM 431 waived in the upper division Hospitality and Tourism Management major at SDSU. See an HTM advisor at SDSU for more information.

Photo of Program Advisor, Annie Revel
Program Advisor
Annie Revel, CSEP.

 

Core Courses (All seven required.) Hours Cost Day 22FA
MP 0101 Meeting Planning Basics 9 $224 Tu, Th. M ✔
MP 0102 Food and Beverage Planning 6 $189 Tu, Th ✔
MP 0103 Event Marketing and Promotion 6 $189 Tu, Th ✔
MP 0104 Site Selection and Contract Negotiation 13 $245 Tu, Th ✔
MP 0105 Financial Management of Meetings & Events 6 $189 M, W ✔
MP 0106 Audio/Visual Basics 6 $189 Tu, Th ✔
MP 0107 Professional Development 6 $189 Tu, Th ✔
Elective Courses (complete 18 hours) Hours Cost Day 22FA
MP 0203 Starting your Own Business 6 $189   ✔
MP 0207 Event Design & Production 6 $189 Tu, Th  
MP 0209 Weddings and Social Events 9 $224 Tu, Th ✔
MP 0211 Event Technology Tools 6 $189    
MP 0213 Effective Networking and Resumes 6 $189   ✔
MP 0216 The Art of Selling 6 $189 Tu, Th  
MP 0217 Nonprofits and Fundraisers 6 $189 Tu, Th  
MP 0219 Festivals and Public Events 6 $189   ✔
MP 0220 Event Safety, Security and Risk Management 6 $189   ✔
MP 0221 Conference Architecture: Creating Engaging Experiences for Today's Audience 6 $189   ✔

*Dates subject to change.

 

Labor Analysis
Event Planner — Nationwide

Job Postings
Job Postings
Last 12 months
43,099

Projected Growth
Projected Growth
Over 10 years
+10.90%

Salary Range
Salary Range
Average
$32,000-$47,000

 

SDSU’s Meeting and Event Planning certificate program can help you prepare for your CMP® certification exam, as well as other event planning certification exams. In order to receive a comprehensive foundation in meeting and event planning skills, we encourage students to complete the entire professional certificate.

Enrolling in the Program
Enroll in the program at any time, even before registering for a course. It’s free, and offers many benefits:

  • Secure your curriculum (should the requirements change in the future).
  • See upcoming courses when you log into your student account.
  • Track your progress.

Enrolling in a program doesn’t mean you’re registered for courses. You still must register and pay for each course you wish to take.

 

Attendance & Withdraw Policy
In order to successfully pass one of our meeting and event planning courses, you'll need to attend each class session. Please ensure that you're able to attend all class sessions and complete all necessary coursework before you sign up for a course.

Student Benefits

  • Receive discounted memberships to the San Diego Chapter of Meeting Professionals International (MPI®) and International Live Events Association (ILEA®).
  • Expand your network with the Meeting and Event Planning LinkedIn program page.
  • Get first notice of exclusive opportunities for experience and jobs via email and the Meeting and Event Planning Facebook page.

Beginning in fall 2021, SDSU Global Campus students will need to purchase parking in order to park on campus.

Parking

Parking Rates for SDSU Global Campus Students
Daily: $5
Weekly: $12
Monthly: $30

For additional information please email mep.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-2331.

Core Courses

2022 Spring2022 Summer2022 Fall2023 Winter
MP 0101 Meeting Planning Basics
You've been given the responsibility of planning an event. Where do you begin? By learning just a few of the basic concepts involved in planning or coordinating a meeting, you can ensure a smooth running event. This course provides you with valuable resources for finding information, checklists, and other aids. The course also gives you information about career opportunities in the meeting planning industry.

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Nicole Matthews
MP 0102 Food and Beverage Planning
Learn how to enhance your programs with successful food and beverage planning. This course will explain policies and guarantees. It will also provide formulas for order pricing, tips on menu planning, and how to plan for special menus and theme parties. It offers lessons on catering off-site events, how to effectively communicate with catering staff, how to read contracts and confirmations, and on-site coordination guidelines.

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
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Instructors
Gineen Massimino
MP 0103 Event Marketing and Promotion
Effective marketing and promotion to your audience is critical to your event's success. In this course, you will learn several marketing tools and techniques, and how to use them to your organization's advantage. You will get practical strategies and hands-on experience in creating an event marketing communication action plan for before, during, and after your program.

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Mark Fisher
MP 0104 Site Selection, Negotiation and Legal Issues
Selecting a location is a complicated process involving more than just booking rooms or choosing menus. This course will cover how to make that initial contact with a site, what to negotiate, effective site inspection, how to contract with a site, cancellation clauses, and ADA requirements. Included in this course is a field trip to a local hotel to conduct a site inspection and mock negotiation.

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Mandi Graziano
MP 0105 Financial Management of Meetings and Events
Creating a budget and developing a plan to implement it are essential for the success of any meeting or event. This class teaches you the management tools necessary to minimize the chances of cost overruns and eliminates surprises that affect your bottom line. Participants will learn how to forecast revenues and expenses, how to prepare spreadsheets, cost control, and profit and loss analysis. Bring your calculator for this dynamic hands-on course!

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Elisa Trotter
MP 0106 Audio/Visual Basics
This course is a basic but comprehensive overview of the design and application of presentational technology for meetings and events. Content covered in this course will include audio visuals and their support mechanisms, common terminology, strategies for selecting the proper technology, as well as recommendations for selecting technology-based vendors and/or suppliers. It will provide instruction in the basic set up of AV and other technical advancements for the meetings and events industry.

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Timothy Altbaum
MP 0107 Professional Development
You are an experienced meeting and event planner, now what? With the multi-faceted meetings industry, planners are challenged with making the right career moves, or knowing when to move at all. This course will help you decide where to take your career, and create an attainable plan for getting there. Students will be able to:

  • Identify different career options for experienced meeting planners
  • Understand if the CMP, CSEP, or CMM credentials are right for them
  • Define their own personal brand
  • Gain skills for personal presentation and public speaking
  • Find solutions for the challenge of work/life balance
  • Create a career plan that fits their personal goals and strengths


Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
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Instructors
John Rose

Elective Courses

2022 Spring2022 Summer2022 Fall2023 Winter
MP 0203 Starting your Own Business
How do they do it? When is the best time to start your own business? Think you have what it takes to succeed? This introductory class will explore the basics in building an event business, from building your reputation and potential client base, to effective marketing, available resources and the necessary steps to help you succeed.
Register
Inquire
Instructors
Clara Carter
MP 0207 Event Design and Production
This course is an introductory but comprehensive overview of the conceptual and creative applications of design as they apply to modern experiential meetings and special events. Content covered in this course will include theme selection, color and its application to the overall design process, decor, specialty lighting and special effects. It will provide basic instruction in the application of design technology and the parameters that govern both available space and budget. This is a project-oriented course that focuses on the vital components of event design and production that are the most challenging but most rewarding.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Anthony Bollotta
MP 0209 Weddings and Social Events
This is considered an entry level course for people considering changing careers or wanting to acquire the knowledge of what it takes to be a successful planner in the wedding and social event arena. You will learn how to identify your own personal market; what skills are needed to succeed; pricing, job responsibilities and types of themes and styles of parties and weddings. You will understand who and why people seek the skills of a professional party planner, and learn how to assess your client's needs, especially religious and cultural values that could affect the protocol of your event. You will learn how to identify the resources necessary for your event, and become familiar with the industry professionals that can provide you with those resources.

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Staci Tiras-Jones
MP 0213 Effective Networking and Resumes
This intensive class will help you to map out a strategy for a successful career in the meetings and events industry. Learn how to develop a winning resume, explore business ethics, best practices, and sharpen your interview and networking skills. You will discover the importance of building relationships as well as the use of mentors, colleagues, and associations. Research and prioritize volunteer and employment opportunities that will best help you build your reputation and career. Success happens when preparation meets opportunity, and this workshop will offer tips and real-life experience to help you launch your dream career!

Note: Students must attend all classes in order to pass the course.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Annie Revel
MP 0216 The Art of Selling
Selling and persuasion are critical skills to business success. Whether you're on the sales or operations side of the meeting and event industry, you need to know how to sell something - an idea, a point of view, a product or service.

In this six-hour course, you’ll learn the art of selling in the hospitality industry. We’ll cover:

  • The different types of sales positions and structures in our industry, both internal and external, and property level versus general and national sales office levels.
  • How to prospect, how to convey a unique value proposition, and how to close a deal. You’ll also learn how to craft and present a sales proposal.
  • How to understand your competition and differentiate your product or service.
  • How to sell to other meeting markets, including the SMERF groups: Social, Military/Other Reunions, Educational, Religious & Fraternal.
Course Date(s)

Register
Inquire
Instructors
Marla-Jo Harr
MP 0217 Nonprofits and Fundraisers
Working with nonprofits or adding a fundraising element to a special event can be rewarding, challenging, and life-changing to a charitable cause or social purpose. This course explores all the elements involved in using special events as a fundraising tool for nonprofits.

Topics Include
  • Creating unique and memorable events on a limited budget
  • Setting realistic goals based on an organization's mission
  • Developing sponsorship packages and deliverables
  • Working with boards, committees, staff, and volunteers to support the event
  • Creating and maintaining budgets, timelines, and production details
  • Negotiating tips and techniques to improve profitability
  • Multiple revenue streams: auctions, raffles, donations, ticket sales, in-kind or trade agreements, etc.
  • Public relations, marketing, and more.
This course will inspire and give you the tools necessary to embark on a fulfilling career in philanthropy.
Course Date(s)

Register
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Instructors
Annie Revel
MP 0219 Festivals and Public Events
Large-scale public events require a specific set of tools. We’ll cover the things you’ll need to know relating to planning and logistics, including San Diego city permits, county health permits for food and beverage, alcoholic beverage licenses, and more. Learn about the challenges of and solutions for closing city streets; and working with police and fire departments, city business improvement districts, and more. Class will include a panel of festival organizers and an interactive project. Your takeaway will be a solid understanding of the basics of planning and operating large festivals.
Course Date(s)

Register
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Instructors
Kira Finkenberg
MP 0211 Event Technology Tools

Now more than ever, meeting and event professionals are relying on technology to create engaging, interactive events for their clients. In order to stay competitive in today’s industry, you need to know how to use these digital tools to turn your events into experiences.

This interactive course will show you how event planning technology can help you create efficiencies in logistical planning and attendee management, enhance attendee experience through engagement, and evaluate your ROI. We’ll cover a variety of digital meeting and event planning tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Sheets, and select products within the Cvent product suite. We’ll also explore new trends in event production and host lively panel discussions on the rapid rise of virtual/hybrid events.

Formerly: Technology Tools

Course Date(s)

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Instructors
Elisa Trotter
MP 0220 Event Safety, Security and Risk Management
Recent world events have shown the vulnerability of events to safety and security incidents. Often serious in nature, these incidents can result in injury and loss of life, damage, loss of revenue, cancellation, and ultimately failure of an event. However, through effective pre-planning and correct application of resource, many risks can be mitigated or avoided altogether. Students will learn to recognize the importance of risk management planning, and the steps that can be taken by event management teams to identify and prepare for incidents that could occur. An emphasis is placed on team training concepts – particularly in situational awareness (SA) – and practical exercises that can be utilized to improve emergency response in event teams.
Course Date(s)

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Instructors
Martin Hanneman
MP 0221 Conference Architecture: Creating Engaging Experiences for Today's Audience

Today’s event attendees expect more from their time and money investment – they want experiences they can share, unique learning formats, and tangible tools to accelerate their career. As conference organizers, we need to use cutting edge CX (customer experience) tools, neuroscientific learning techniques, and nontraditional settings and activities to elevate their experience.

Students will learn how to:

  1. Use foundational experience design tools, persona mapping, and experience journey mapping
  2. Create effective agendas based on how neuroscience affects learning
  3. Identify unique settings and audience tools to enhance the conference experience
Course Date(s)

Register
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Instructors
Annette Gregg

Courses

2022 Spring2022 Summer2022 Fall2023 Winter