Event Planning Program (H141)

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Domestic Students

Program Description

Program Overview

Not every classroom has four walls. Our Event Planning program offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experiential planning, coordination and execution experience across the multiple facets of the events management industry. The program focuses on event planning, design, coordination, marketing, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and event evaluation.

Full Description

GBC’s Event Planning program, you will learn about the exciting and diverse event project management fundamentals through a variety of event types including hospitality events, weddings and other social events, fundraising events, meetings, conferences, and trade shows. Your first year in this program will provide you foundational industry knowledge, by learning and working alongside your peers across all sectors in our School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, referred to as a “common first year approach”. In your first year you will gain knowledge in the areas of hotels, event planning, tourism, and food and beverages through a range of practical and theoretical courses.

During your second year of study, you will apply your understanding of theory through unique learning techniques and invaluable practical experience. You will be exposed to industry tactics used in designing, planning, marketing, budgeting, execution, and evaluation of events. To better hone your international event planning skills, you have the option of participating in an exclusive European Study Tour.

Your Field Education Options

As part of your fourth semester, you will complete a 14-week industry externship with your choice of a nationwide or international placement. This opportunity will enhance your knowledge with real-world experience and help you start building your network of contacts. Our Event Planning program will make you the kind of multi-talented graduate the local and international event industry is seeking in today’s competitive environment. In addition, this experiential approach to learning and the course mix, including event-specific courses, business foundations and hospitality, will provide you with the skills to jumpstart your career in event management.

Graduates gain the skills required to be progressive leaders within the industry, enriching the experience of event planning our guests. You will receive industry certifications in food safety, responsible alcohol beverage service, and first aid (CPR).

This program allows you to switch into any of our hospitality and tourism management programs by your second year, should your hospitality area of interest change. As well, we know life can be full of unexpected events; should you not be able to complete your final year of study, our common first year model makes you eligible to graduate with a 1-year certificate in Hospitality Services (H101).

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Your Career

You will have your pick of exciting and challenging roles such as:

  • Event Planner
  • Conference Planner
  • Meeting Planner
  • Catering Manager
  • Incentive Travel Manager
  • Festival Planner
  • Social Event Planner
  • Event Fundraiser
  • Volunteer Coordinator

Future Study Options

Earn a diploma and a bachelor’s degree. Qualified graduates of our Event Planning program may be eligible to enter the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Hospitality) degree program at George Brown College as an advanced standing student in September or January. You may also choose to start in the spring bridging semester from May to August continuing into the degree program in September. This educational path requires a minimum grade point average of 3.0 to qualify. Talk to a program co-ordinator about articulation options.

For further information, see the Transfer Guide.

Explore related programs:
Tourism and Hospitality Management (H130)
Hospitality – Hotel Operations Management (H133)
Sport and Event Marketing (Postgraduate) (B400)

“Going to George Brown College and being part of this program really taught me the ins and outs of planning an event. I couldn’t have succeeded without my wonderful professors, who were so great at teaching me the event planning business. This program – along with various event internships – has really shaped my planning career, and I couldn’t have chosen a better experience!”

Nicole Escano
Ontario College Diploma

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