Event Planning (Co-op)
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Program Overview
The event management industry is growing and increasing the use of technology to meet the demand. Skilled event planning professionals are needed in many industries including corporate business, hospitality, non-profit, sports, travel, and weddings. The two-year Event Planning program provides you with hands-on learning opportunities, preparing you to manage events from choosing the venue, reviewing contracts, to the finer details of guest lists, decor, marketing, and sponsorship.
Program Details
Program Code
SEP2
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London - Downtown
Open
2024 September
London - Downtown
Closed
Part Time Offerings
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2025 September
London - Downtown
Open
2024 September
London - Downtown
Closed
Your Learning Experience
Event Planning is a two-year diploma program designed for individuals interested in a career in event management. Students will be exposed to the vast types of special events, from social events, corporate meetings, festivals, conventions, and large sporting events. Students will develop essential event management skills such as planning, assessment, communication, and critical thinking.
In this diploma program, you will learn skills in project management, event and communications technology, marketing, food and beverage hosting and management, customer relations, event execution, and more. Our small class sizes offer a collaborative environment where you can develop a strong connection with faculty, peers and industry partners. This program will explore current trends and technologies in the event industry, including software applications, food and beverage, PR and sponsorship, logistics, risk management, business tools, and more. Students will gain hands-on experience in planning, marketing, and executing events.
With a focus on practical event experiences, you’ll apply your knowledge in planning and executing fundraising events, including a final capstone project. You will also participate in various multi-disciplinary event projects with students in other programs, and gain valuable work experience in a semester-long co-op. The program enjoys strong ties to the event management community providing an opportunity for students to collaborate and network with a variety of community partners through field trips to events, destinations, and guest lectures. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills for an event planning career.
Students will be provided opportunities to explore their area of interest including corporate events, social events, and sporting events. Students will also explore event destinations. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to obtain WSET and Prud’homme Beer certifications. The program also fulfils the educational requirements for the industry certification designation: Certified Meeting Planner (CMP).
Students may continue their education after graduation through a degree pathway to Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC or the Limerick Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee in Ireland.
This program is available part-time.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Event Planning program have the skills to creatively tackle every aspect of event planning, from selecting venues and determining costs to designing web pages and event décor. Career opportunities can be found with a variety of employers, including:
- hotels
- convention centres
- conference centres
- casinos
- caterers
- golf and country clubs
- wedding planners
- festivals
- cruise lines
- theme parks
- museums
- entertainment complexes
- professional associations
- Non-profit organizations
- colleges and universities
- corporations
- insurance companies
- hospitals
- pharmaceutical companies
- marketing companies
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Event Planning program:
Event Services
Perform all tasks and duties required for the setup, operation and tear down of all events.
Event Staff
Enthusiastic and energetic individuals helping to maintain an event space and provide excellent guest service.
Marketing and Events Associate
Support a wide range of marketing, communications and business development initiatives.
Program Progression
Fall intake
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Co-op work term |
| Year 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | n/a |
Winter intake
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | n/a | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Year 2 | Co-op work term | Level 3 | Level 4 |
Returning to Fanshawe College as a mature student and a career change was the best decision I have ever made! Everyone I interacted with was extremely supportive and encouraging; right from the Career Counsellor, to the Registrar's Office, to the professors and my fellow students. I highly recommend Fanshawe College for a quality education and an incredible experience!
Jennifer Calvert
Graduate
This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Fanshawe's commitment to excellence.
Learning Outcomes
- Plan and design events to meet organizational and client objectives;
- Select food and beverage catering services, site location, and décor, according to the theme and needs of an event;
- Develop marketing plans and related promotional plans for events that will meet the needs of the organization and/or client;
- Coordinate and/or supervise staff, contractors and volunteers in order to achieve the desired performance;
- Employ best practices for financial management in the planning of events;
- Manage the business transactions of event projects to meet organization and/or client needs;
- Develop strategies to mitigate risk and liability to ensure the safety and security of participants during an event;
- Maintain ethical practices and professionalism in the events field to create positive relationships and experiences;
- Apply strategies that support intercultural awareness and inclusion in event offerings that meet the needs of diverse populations;
- Use industry standard technology platforms, systems, tools and applications to support the operations of events;
- Secure monies through sponsorships, funds, or grants to support event objectives;
- Engage in ongoing learning for professional and career growth;
- Identify and respond to new career opportunities that may include contract work and entrepreneurship, to secure employment;
- Communicate information persuasively and accurately in written, verbal and interactive formats.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Kristi Hall
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following courses:
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (C, M or U)
Students who do not meet these requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
| Test | Score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 79 |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands |
| CAEL | Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening |
| PTE Academic | 53 |
| Cambridge English | Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162 |
| ESL4/GAP5 | Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10 |
| Duolingo | Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95 |
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Grade 11 and Grade 12 Hospitality and Tourism (C)
- Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
- Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE): Business or Technical Mathematics course and Computer Skills course
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HOSP-1016 | Event Management-Intro | 3 | ||
| This course is an introductory level course on the basic elements of event management. Students will gain an overview of the event industry, associations and designations. Students will discuss various types of events, the different approach methods to planning a successful event and the core competencies required for today's event planners. | ||||
| ANTH-1012 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 | ||
| Students will learn about fundamental concepts in Cultural Anthropology and how these concepts relate to their own lives and to Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Students will practice applying the theoretical anthropological perspectives to various topics and perform academic research and reporting. This course promotes understanding social and cultural behaviours and ideas within larger cultural contexts while encouraging global citizenship and problem-solving thinking regarding diversity, relationship building, and incorporating authentic cultural components in their chosen programs of study. | ||||
| WRIT-1042 | Reason & Writing 1-Tourism/Hospitality | 3 | ||
| This course will introduce tourism and hospitality students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| COMP-1517 | Technology for Hospitality | 3 | ||
| Every day technology impacts how individuals work and live. This course will expose students to the range of software currently used in the hospitality sector. Students will develop their skills in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools. The course will also explore file management, research skills, outlook and online collaboration tools for the modern workplace. | ||||
| MGMT-1259 | Event Sales & Service | 3 | ||
| The business of events is highly competitive and event planners must have strong selling skills, a customer-focused strategy and an appreciation of superior service. In this course, students study the art and psychology of selling and learn the principles and techniques of strategic selling. Students will develop the skills required for prospecting, making sales calls, relationship building, conducting sales meetings and presentations and negotiating and closing the sale. The course utilises case studies, presentations, discussions and team participation, and places emphasis on developing the student's confidence and professionalism in communicating with event stakeholders and corporate decision makers. | ||||
| PLAN-1033 | Sports & Festivals | 3 | ||
| The sports and festival tourism industries are growing and the aim of this course is to introduce students to this dynamic sector and the exciting employment opportunities it offers. Students will learn about the key players in the industry (including event staff, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and the suppliers of goods and services) and how they work together to successfully host events. Students will also use tools, templates and techniques to enhance and assist in successful and innovative events. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
| This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London - Downtown
Online
*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.