Essential Information
Educational programs for event coordinators are primarily offered at the certificate level, but some schools have associate's and bachelor's degree programs in event planning or the related fields of hospitality and tourism. Students in these programs learn to work within the hospitality industry to create budgets, work with clients and choose meeting and event sites. There are also standalone event planning courses for introductory, intermediate and advanced workers. Hands-on work is often a requirement of formal programs and may include a practicum or sample planning project.
Here are some common concepts taught in event coordinator courses:
- Event industry terminology
- Wedding planning
- Event design
- Legal issues
- Hospitality marketing
- Venue selection
- Pricing and negotiations
List of Common Courses
Meeting Planning and Management
An introductory course in meeting planning and management gives event coordinators an overview of the hospitality industry, event planning careers and the basics of planning a meeting. Topics covered in this course include budgets, timelines, meeting design and venue specifications. Students might also learn about registration logistics and some programs allow students to work on an actual event to gain practical experience.
Special Event Planning
A special event planning course teaches event coordinator students how to identify an event's objectives and to solve planning problems. Some of the special events that might be discussed in this course include grand openings, receptions, theme parties and other unique situations. Students learn how to coordinate with caterers, volunteers, clients and venue personnel.
Food and Beverage
Students learn about planning menus and drink offerings at events in a food and beverage course. Working with caterers and staff, guarantees and other policies, and contracts might also be discussed in an event coordinator's food and beverage course.
Site Selection
In a site selection course, event planning students learn how to source, inspect and select venues according to an event's requirements. Negotiation, pricing and contracts are also discussed in this event coordinator's course. Students in some programs have the opportunity to visit a hotel or other venue during an educational field trip.
Event Promotion
Promotional strategies and materials are discussed in a promotion and marketing course for event coordinators. Students learn how to create and implement marketing plans to target specific audiences for their events.
