Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, all in-person components of this program have either been paused, rescheduled, or moved into a virtual format until further notice.
Please email mep.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-1188 to learn how these changes affect your program. SDSU 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 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. All courses will address resources to help you plan and execute events virtually during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 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
Min. Completion Time
Course FormatStudent 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.
Program Advisor
Annie Revel, CSEP.
| Core Courses (All seven required.) | Hours | Cost | Day | 21SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MP 0101 Meeting Planning Basics | 9 | $224 | Th/Tu/M | 2/4, 2/9, 2/15 |
| MP 0102 Food and Beverage Planning | 6 | $189 | Tu/Th | 4/6 and 4/8 |
| MP 0103 Event Marketing and Promotion | 6 | $189 | Tu/Th | 3/9 and 3/11 |
| MP 0104 Site Selection and Contract Negotiation | 13 | $245 | Tu/W/Th | 2/11, 2/16, 2/18, 2/24 |
| MP 0105 Financial Management of Meetings & Events | 6 | $189 | M/W | 4/12 and 4/14 |
| MP 0106 Audio/Visual Basics | 6 | $189 | Tu/Th | 3/30 and 4/1 |
| MP 0107 Professional Development | 6 | $189 | Tu/Th | 5/4 and 5/6 |
| Elective Courses (complete 18 hours) | Hours | Cost | Day | 21SP |
| MP 0203 Starting your Own Business | 6 | $189 | ||
| MP 0207 Event Design & Production | 6 | $189 | ||
| MP 0209 Weddings and Social Events | 9 | $224 | Tu,Th | 4/20, 4/22, 4/27 |
| MP 0211 Event Technology Tools | 6 | $189 | ||
| MP 0213 Effective Networking and Resumes | 6 | $189 | Tu,Th | 3/16 and 3/18 |
| MP 0216 The Art of Selling | 3 | $139 | ||
| MP 0217 Nonprofits and Fundraisers | 6 | $189 | ||
| MP 0219 Festivals and Public Events | 6 | $189 | ||
| MP 0220 Event Safety, Security and Risk Management | 6 | $189 | Tu,Th | 3/23 and 3/25 |
| MP 221 Conference Architecture: Creating Engaging Experiences for Today's Audience | 6 | $189 |
*Dates subject to change.
Labor Analysis
Event Planner — Nationwide
Job Postings
Last 12 months
43,099
Projected Growth
Over 10 years
+10.90%
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.
Students must officially withdraw from a course by contacting SDSU Global Campus Registration and Enrollment Services. For refund information, refer to the SDSU Global Campus refund policy at neverstoplearning.net/registration. Non-attendance or notifying the instructor, program manager, program director, or program advisor does not constitute officially dropping or withdrawing from a course. Students must officially withdraw from a one-day course to qualify for a refund.
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.
For additional information please email mep.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-1188.