Associate's Degree in Event Management
Event management can be studied in programs like event planning, culinary arts or hospitality programs with a concentration in event planning. Hospitality management programs will also give you introductory coursework in event planning. You'll learn to organize meetings, which includes choosing a location, coordinating registration and budgeting. Employers are often looking for someone with a bachelor's degree, so an associate's degree may get you an entry-level position in event planning. Additionally, credits from an associate's degree can often be applied towards a bachelor's degree. Also, an associate's degree can complement an additional degree in a related field.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Training in event planning can prepare you for other event management careers, such as wedding planning.
- Event planners often travel regularly as part of their job.
- The need for event planners is on the rise due to increased globalization of companies needing meeting and conventions.
Cons
- Employers are often looking for graduates with bachelor's degrees.
- Event planning can fluctuate with the economy. When companies make budget cuts, they often cut back on the amount of events held.
- Event planning is a customer service position where you may have to deal with demanding clients.
Courses and Requirements
After the completion of your coursework, you should be able to identify sponsors for events, plan a budget, negotiate contracts, identify locations that are appropriate for your event and work with vendors to produce the event. The program may incorporate laboratory sessions along with classroom lectures. You may take courses in:
- Meeting and event management
- Food, beverage and labor management
- Event budgeting
- Event marketing
- Catering and banquet organization
In addition, you'll likely have to complete an internship. If you're pursuing a hospitality or tourism degree, you'll also take courses that cover subjects including coordinating transportation and hospitality operations.
Online Degree Options
You can find some online programs in event planning, but online hospitality management programs are more common. These programs may include coursework in accounting, business, menu production and conference management. An internship may also be required even for online programs. You'll also find programs that offer evening and weekend classes for working professionals. Some online programs offer transferable credits towards a bachelor's degree. It's important to check that information when looking for a program.
Getting Ahead with This Degree
Since most employers prefer a bachelor's degree, the best thing you can do is supplement your degree with work experience. Your internship will give you some experience, but you can volunteer on a nonprofit's event planning committee or plan events for friends and family. It's useful to document your projects, including correspondence reflecting your negotiations and interactions to prove your accomplishments. If your school runs a restaurant or has a partnership with an organization, seek out active leadership roles.
There are an assortment of social media tools and apps designed to make meetings run more smoothly and conveniently. Organizations, such as the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals, will help you stay up-to-date on the technical aspects of event planning and offer lists of vendors to use.
Degree Alternatives
Food service management programs within a hospitality or management program will provide some courses that are similar to event planning. With a degree in food service management, you'll learn food safety and cost control. You'll also have an opportunity to take business courses, such as accounting and human relations. Your work experience in food service will give you a behind the scenes look at the work that goes into successfully planning an event. According to the BLS, some event planners enter the field as catering coordinators who start by planning small events. Keep in mind that some food service management programs may be more nutrition oriented and best for someone seeking a career as a nutritionist.
