Event Planning Micro-Credential

Why Consider an Event Planning Micro-Credential?

Event planning is a job that many employees are tasked with, although they do not have experience or education in this field. Individuals identified by their employer as possessing potential for advancement into an event planning leadership role, could leverage this credential as a way for professional development. In addition to traditional Event Planning roles such as Wedding Planning, Special Event Coordination, Event Marketing Management, this role has most recently extended to agriculture. With the development of “agri-tourism”, many farms now use Event Planners to imagine new activities designed to draw customers to their businesses and promote their retail products. Micro-breweries and small manufacturers use events as a way to attract new customers to their business and bring back past guests to experience their business in a new way.

Event planning is also an area in which an individual can step out of the “employee” role and create their own business. The exciting news is that this industry is projected to grow by 8% over the next 3 years. Salary range for an Event Planner in the Western New York region is $40-50,000/year.

Who Should Consider an Event Planning Micro-Credential?

This micro-credential provides foundational training for a broad range of individuals such as persons tasked with planning events for their employers who do not currently have this skill set or experience in the area. Those who have an interest in planning events as a hobby or side business would also have interest in this credential. In addition, individuals identified by their employer as possessing potential for advancement into an event planning leadership role, could leverage this credential as a way to gain professional development and build their skills.

This micro-credential will provide value to anyone wanting to start a career in event planning, advance their career, or change careers and enter the event planning field.

Learning & Skill Development

The Event Planning Micro-Credential is comprised of three courses and explores the following opportunities either in a classroom setting, through online or HyFlex learning:

• Understand factors that contribute to event feasibility, revenue maximization and continue sustainability.
• Learn how to leverage events as a marketing tool for business.
• Learn the legal compliance requirement and risks related to event management.
• Develop a comprehensive event budget and crowd management plan.
• Effectively planning and executing a broad variety of events while incorporating exceptional customer service.
• Identifying and anticipating trends in meeting and event planning.
• Developing effective strategies in negotiating meeting contracts.
• Use technology to develop and build customer relationships.
• Understand global business etiquette practices.

GCC’s Competitive Edge

• Principles of Event Management (THM118) – covers all aspects of event management, from feasibility studies and operational planning to the importance of excellent customer service. Student learn to evaluate marketing strategies designed to minimize company risk while maximizing audience satisfaction.
• Meeting & Convention Planning (THM201) – does a deep dive into the development of marketing plans for specific properties. This work includes the creation of detailed plans for room setups, food and beverage functions, audiovisual equipment, and additional related aspects.
• Customer Service Management (BUS108) – examines best practices utilized by leaders in the field of service. Students learn proven techniques designed to help them differentiate their business from the competition; knowing how to use creativity to develop new products and services. It helps to build customer service skills, incorporating technology in the anticipation and management of customer needs to improve revenue and retain customers.

Attention Employers:

Students apply these skills to REAL JOBS in REAL TIME!

Each student in GCC’s Event Planning program, identifies and researches one real related challenge facing their current employer and develops a viable solution with an implementation plan!

Turn Your Micro-Credential Into An Associate Degree

Students can also apply ALL of these micro-credential credits to a Tourism, Hospitality and Event Planning Associate in Applied Science degree (or others) right here at GCC!