Welcome to Module 1 of the Special Event Management Certificate -"Best Practices in Special Event Management"!

The Special Event Industry is expanding and growing all over the world. Knowledgeable and qualified individuals will be required to plan and lead all kinds of successful, well-planned events ranging from conferences, to sport tournaments, to festivals designed to attract tourists, to the Olympic Games!

As the knowledge base for this industry grows, so does the level of professionalism required to be in this industry. Congratulations for signing up for this certificate, and taking the first step toward becoming a special event professional!

Four Modules must be completed to earn the Special Event Planning Certificate.  In Module 1, you will establish the foundation for the other 3 modules: Event Coordination, Event Marketing, and Risk Management and Evaluation, and by completing the Special Event Planning Certificate, you help to create part of the foundation of a career in this industry.

This first Module includes 3 weeks of work. You will be introduced to different kinds and types of special events in Week 1, learn how to conceptualize a special event in Week 2, and examine strategic planning for special events in Week 3.  You may be asked to talk to a current event planner, or volunteer for a specific aspect of a special event.

Each week, you will be given a set of readings, discussion questions to answer on the discussion board, and part of a Special Event Simulation to think about and develop to hone your practical skills. In addition, valuable on-line resources will be included for your benefit, where appropriate. You are encouraged to complete the readings, discussion questions and simulation pieces at the end of every week so that the work doesn't pile up at the end. It is estimated that you will spend approximately 18-24 hours of time on this module.

Special Event Simulation

The purpose of the Special Event Simulation is to provide an opportunity for the student to practically apply the ideas and concepts that they are learning about in the course. For the Simulation or “Sim” for short, students may choose to use a real-life special event that they are currently involved in planning; or, they may design a "mock" special event that they may be interested in planning in the future. Potential choices may include various types of festivals, sport tournaments, social events such as weddings, anniversaries, or birthday parties, and/or conferences.

After exploring various aspects of planning through readings and discussion questions in each module, students will be given an assignment to practice what they have learned. The simulated special event gives the context for the application of the theoretical material. Students will follow the special event they choose through the process of planning, from vision and mission statement creation, to the development of a risk management program.

Specific details regarding each simulation will be outlined in the relevant module. 

Please note:  the event that you choose for the Simulation in Module 1 will be followed through in Modules 2, 3, and 4.  Therefore, please choose an event (real or imaginary) that you will be interested in developing from start to finish.