Planners and aspiring planners will find a wealth of options—both online and in-person— for gaining more knowledge about the industry; everything from four-year degree programs to webinars and seminars.
Academic Degree Programs
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New York University: Tisch Center for Hospitality, Tourism and Sports Management offers full degree graduate and undergraduate programs.
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University of Alabama: An undergraduate restaurant, hotel and meetings/events management program develops skills required for a career in hospitality management with concentration in one discipline. Included are courses, practicum and internships.
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University of Central Florida: Rosen College of Hospitality Management offers a Bachelor of Science degree in event management.
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University of Nevada, Las Vegas: Harrah School of Hotel Administration offers graduate and undergraduate degrees with emphasis on meetings and events management.
Certificates and Continuing Education
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George Washington University: The Event Management Certificate Program offers study of best practices in the theoretical and practical aspects of event and meeting management.
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New York University: A graduate certificate program correlates with Master of Science degree hospitality programs. A professional certificate and continuing education courses in meeting, conference and event management are on the roster.
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The International School of Hospitality: The school partners with University of Nevada at Las Vegas to offer a diploma in hospitality operations with a concentration on event management. Students may elect self-paced online or in-person tracks for three months or five weeks. Courses include core subjects within the specialized meetings management curriculum but not degree courses like history and English.
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University of Virginia: The Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning program provides 40 hours of study in meeting planning basics. An additional certificate in Advanced Meeting and Event Planning is available.
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Certified Meeting Professional (CMP): The CMP program is overseen by the Convention Industry Council () to increase the professionalism of meeting and event professionals. Applicants must have three years’ industry experience.
Webinars and Seminars
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Meetings Focus: Free monthly webinars cover a wide range of topics, including meetings contracts, budget-saving planning tips and demonstrating the value of meetings.
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Meetingsjobs, LLC: Nominal-cost webinars on industry trends and topics are offered.
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Major industry groups including MPI, PCMA and HSMAI offer professional development webinars and other educational opportunities throughout the year. Among the many examples are HSMAI’s Affordable Meetings events, which occur in three cities annually and is free to qualified planners.