Modules Description
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- MODULE 1: Introduction & Industry Overview
- MODULE 2: Business Theory & Application
- MODULE 3: Sourcing & Site Selection
- MODULE 4: Freelance Staff
- MODULE 5: Volunteerism
- MODULE 6: Sustainability & Green Events
MODULE 1
Introduction & Industry Overview
(Estimated time: 30 minutes)
Welcome to the multibillion-dollar meetings & events industry. This module presents the big picture of the global meetings & events industry & how the industry impacts destinations, tourism, & business through people gathering & meeting.
The business is about people & how the power of meetings & events influence, inspire & effect change in the world.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ The power & influence of the meetings & events industry
- ๏ The business value of meetings & events
- ๏ The types of meetings & events & associations involved
- ๏ The different roles & responsibilities open to you
- ๏ How the media supports the industry
MODULE 2
Business Theory & Application
(Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes)
No More Useless Meetings!
Meetings & events are integral to any business &, because of this, understanding & applying business theory & concepts is a best practice for the planner in working with various stakeholders.
From concept to completion, utilizing steps & procedures to support the purpose of the event helps keep everyone focused on successful outcomes & equips you, the planner, with business tools to focus on & accomplish goals.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How to identify objectives & goals
- ๏ What questions to ask to understand a client's vision
- ๏ Business tools including SWOT Analysis & the 4 Pillars of Event Management
- ๏ The Event Management Cycle & how results are achieved
- ๏ How to communicate with all stakeholders
MODULE 3
Sourcing & Site Selection
(Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes)
Finding the Right Fit Affects Everything
Your venue is more than a location, it is the stage for your event story.
Learn the options on how to find spaces that amplify your vision, navigate RFPs & contracts with confidence, & use virtual site visits to shape design & flow, so every detail works together to create a memorable experience.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How to source venues & reduce risk by using third-party site selection partners
- ๏ How to prepare for & conduct effective in-person site visits
- ๏ How to design inclusive events that accommodate different abilities
- ๏ How room setups & venue types, including conference centers, impact outcomes
- ๏ How to navigate RFPs, contracts, & negotiations with confidence
MODULE 4
Freelance Staff
(Estimated time: 1 hour)
Creating Your Onsite Support Team
Well-executed events cannot be done solely from a logistical and risk management viewpoint. Professional planners have years of experience in wide areas of expertise that you will benefit from. Bring peace of mind to the meeting with the right freelance talent.
Learn how to source and collaborate with professional staffing partners, avoid common pitfalls, & manage teams effectively, so every role supports a seamless, engaging, & successful event experience.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How to work with professional freelance staffing company
- ๏ What to look for in a freelancer
- ๏ How freelancers support meetings & events from pre- to post-event planning
- ๏ How to develop an efficient & effective freelance program
- ๏ How to minimize risk & the legalities when working with freelancers
MODULE 5
Volunteerism
(Estimated time: 1 hour)
Consider Yourself One of Us!
Volunteers are the heart & driving force behind many associations, non-profits, & major events.
Learn how to build programs that attract, manage, & recognize them effectively. Discover how volunteers reduce costs, amplify your brand, & build community, so every event, from sports to social impact, delivers a more meaningful & successful experience.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ What is involved in a volunteer program
- ๏ How to recognize volunteer talent
- ๏ How to design a volunteer program
- ๏ How to manage volunteers
- ๏ How to minimize risks of working with volunteers
- ๏How to minimize risks of working with volunteers
MODULE 6
Sustainability & Green Events
(Estimated time: 1 hour)
Repurpose, Reuse, Reduce!
The importance of sustainability in meetings & events is important & is a growing requirement for companies & business operations.
From venue to exhibit floor, learn how to align with partners who share your values & make smarter choices, so your events reduce impact, reflect purpose, & contribute to a more sustainable future.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ What are green & sustainable events & who supports them
- ๏ How green events affect the environment & save money
- ๏ What sustainability questions to ask when sourcing sites & materials
- ๏ How to choose a meeting or event site based on its green certification
- ๏ How luxury brands add lasting value
MODULE 7
Registration & Data Responsibility
(Estimated time: 1 hour and 30 minutes)
Let Me Know if You're Coming
Registration is often the first real interaction attendees have with your event & it sets the tone from the start. From pre & post event, registration is linked with marketing & event outcomes.
Learn how to create a smooth, user-friendly process that supports both logistics & marketing, while protecting data & tracking KPIs, so every touchpoint builds confidence, boosts engagement, & clearly demonstrates your eventโs impact.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ The purpose & opportunities involved in the registration process & stages
- ๏ How to define needs & strategize content when designing a registration platform
- ๏ The importance of registration during each phase of an event & key questions to ask
- ๏ How to set up an efficient onsite registration area
- ๏ Learn how the planner is responsible for the use & protection of attendee information/data.
MODULE 8
Food Beverage Catering
(Estimated time: 2 hours)
Let Thy Food be Thy Medicine
If Hippocrates were alive today, he would marvel at how food shapes the meetings & events experience.
Food plays an integral role in any meeting or event. It is the foundation for human connection. More than nourishment, food influences behavior, perception, & well-being.
Planning menus requires knowledge of food, meeting timing, behavior. Learn how to design menus that reflect your brand, create memorable sensory moments, & bring people together, while meeting diverse dietary needs, so every detail enhances the overall event experience.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ Tdeshe risks & liabilities associated with serving specific foods
- ๏ How to determine & accommodate the dietary needs of attendees
- ๏ The structure & hierarchy of a catering team
- ๏ How to work with caterers anywhere
- ๏ How food styles can shape your event theme & experience
MODULE 9
Transportation
(Estimated time: 2 hours)
Let the Wheels Keep on Turning!
From the Silk Road to space tourism, transportation has always brought people together. It is the first impression for guests on arrival & the last impression on departures.
Learn how to move attendees, equipment, & materials safely & seamlessly across local destinations & global events. From vehicle selection to working with transport partners, discover how thoughtful planning reduces risk & keeps your event running smoothly, so every journey becomes part of the overall experience.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ Why transportation management is critical for meetings & events
- ๏ How transportation can support a theme & provide entertainment
- ๏ Transportation management including forms & communication
- ๏ The role of air, trains, boats, & cruise lines
- ๏ How to accommodate attendees with different abilities
MODULE 10
AV Production
(Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes)
See Me, Hear Me, Teach Me
Welcome to the theater of Meetings & Events! No meeting works with a โscriptโ & when the meeting or event begins, every sight & sound matters.
Learn how to collaborate with audiovisual teams to deliver seamless, high-quality experiences across in-person, virtual, & hybrid events. From content to technical execution, discover how strong AV planning shapes mood, communicates your message, & reduces risk when it matters most.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How multimedia (lighting, sound, staging, scripting) brings events to life
- ๏ Difference between AV services & AV production content
- ๏ How AV shapes site selection, layout, & guest interaction
- ๏ Role of lighting, color, & staging in branding & atmosphere
- ๏ How AV teams work & how to manage production risks
MODULE 11
Event Design & Dรฉcor
(Estimated time: 2 hours and 30 minutes)
Event Design & Dรฉcor
Everything - absolutely everything - that guests see & experience during an event, whether in person or virtual must be a deliberate choice that supports the overall vision, branding, message.
Learn how visual design, space, & experience come together to create a cohesive flow & sensory journey. By aligning design with strategy, planners turn ideas into impactful experiences that communicate clearly, engage audiences, & deliver measurable results.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How design begins with understanding objectives & goals
- ๏ How all the elements of design (space, special effects etc.) are deliberate choices to be made based on circumstances & criteria
- ๏ How design is a communication tool & how to use decor to support the vision
- ๏ How themes play an intrinsic role in design
- ๏ How the senses react to design choices & increase engagement
MODULE 12
Music Entertainment & Speakers
(Estimated time: 1 hour and 45 minutes)
I Hear You, I See You, Iโm Listening to You
Music is a universal language of nonverbal communication, & nothing plays a more important & inspirational role in meetings & events than the planned & managed use of music, entertainment & speakers (MES) to bring us together, its influence, effects & applications.
Learn how to use these tools to shape themes, deliver messages, & create engaging experiences that impact, stimulate, enliven & inspire behavior to bring people together.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ The strategic purpose of music, entertainment, & speakers (MES)
- ๏ The MES value to increase awareness, engagement & productivity
- ๏ How to align & define objectives for MES with your event goals
- ๏ The global range of MES options & how to source & select talent
- ๏ How to manage legalities, logistics, talent costs & music licensing
MODULE 13
Event Marketing & Sponsorship
(Estimated time: 2 hours)
Eat Your Ps Please!
Regardless of all the time, energy & resources invested in planning and producing an event, without people, there is no event.
Event marketing is time sensitive strategy targeted to connecting with the right audience through clear, purposeful messaging that invites them to react. Learn how to generate awareness, build excitement, & inspire participation, whether you are promoting a brand, designing an activation or launching a new service.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ The purpose & fundamentals of event marketing
- ๏ How to deliver your message across key touchpoints
- ๏ How video & community-driven content increase engagement & return
- ๏ The role of sponsors & how to develop sponsorship opportunities
- ๏ How branding elements, promotions, & partnerships support your event strategy
MODULE 14
Production Schedules & Budgeting
(Estimated time: 1 hour 45 minutes)
The โBig Pictureโ
Regardless of what you do in life, it costs either time or money, & it is no different for meetings & events. Learn how to manage time, budgets, & expectations while keeping stakeholders aligned.
Planners are responsible for keeping all moving forward โ on time, on budget. Through careful planning & clear communication, planners can make informed decisions, stay on track, & deliver events efficiently without compromising quality or outcomes.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ The purpose of a timeline as a guide & working tool
- ๏ The role of production schedules for all stakeholders
- ๏ How to identify costs, manage cash flow, & track spending history when creating a budget
- ๏ The different types of expenses & accountability for independent or in-house planning
- ๏ The importance of gratuities in meetings & events
MODULE 15
Risk Management, Safety & Security
(Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes)
Plan B: B Prepared!
STOP here. The planner's most important responsibility is to ensure the safety & security of all event stakeholders.
Learn how to anticipate risks, work with professional security partners, & plan for every scenario from the onset. From environment to vendors, effective safety planning protects people, reduces risk, & ensures every event is delivered with care & confidence.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How to identify & assess risks, from environmental to operational
- ๏ The roles of risk management, safety, & security in events
- ๏ How to plan for emergencies & coordinate with vendors and stakeholders
- ๏ How to work with security consultants & meet client security needs
- ๏ How to ensure compliance, including permits, cyber-security, & GDPR
MODULE 16
Legal Aspects
(Estimated time: 2 hours)
The Causes & the Clauses!
Be aware & beware. Meetings & events require understanding legalities โ there are people involved & major business risks. Adhering to compliance is a major responsibility from the start of event planning, from sourcing sites to selecting vendors.
Learn how to navigate RFPs, contracts, & agreements with confidence, so all parties are protected & risks are minimized through informed, careful decision-making.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ How to establish best practices & stay legally organized
- ๏ Why proposals, agreements, & contracts matter and how to interpret them
- ๏ How to negotiate strategically & secure valuable concessions
- ๏ What key contract elements to include, including clauses, indemnification, addendums, & riders
- ๏ How to manage legal risks, including intellectual property & liability
MODULE 17
Insurance
(Estimated time: 1 hour)
If Anything Can Happen โฆ It Will!
At one time, the insurance industry struggled to understand the risks involved in meetings & events. It is live, involves people, moving heavy equipment, special effects, & so on. Today, planners must navigate complex exposures, from transportation to activities & equipment.
Learn the essential types of insurance & how to manage liability, so you are prepared for the unexpected & can plan with confidence while protecting your clients & events.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ Why every event requires appropriate insurance coverage
- ๏ Types of insurance & the protections they provide
- ๏ Who is covered & when multiple policies are needed
- ๏ How vendorsโ insurance protects you & your event
- ๏ How to assess risk & review key documents like certificates of insurance
MODULE 18
Tackling Technology
(Estimated time: 1 hour and 45 minutes)
Man or MachineโWho is in Control?
Choosing technology is no longer optional, but essential to delivering efficient, data-driven events. Choosing from the various platforms can be daunting. Learn how to select, manage & maximize use of the right tools to manage registration, engagement, & post-event insights.
From pre- to post-event, understanding how platforms support your goals helps you streamline processes, protect data, & enhance the overall experience for both in-person & virtual audiences.
What You Will Learn
- ๏How to identify & select the right technology platform
- ๏ How technology supports sourcing, site selection, & virtual experiences
- ๏ How tools like mobile apps, kiosks, & touchscreens enhance engagement and flow
- ๏ How a single platform can streamline functions like marketing, registration, & seating
- ๏ How to manage data, reduce risk, & advise stakeholders on technology choices
MODULE 19
Fast Forward & Finale
(Estimated time: 2 hours and 15 minutes)
The Best Way to Predict the Future is to Create It
Technology is transforming how we plan & deliver events at an accelerating pace. Planners must stay informed on whatโs new, whatโs next, & what works to achieve results. From AI to virtual & augmented reality, understanding both the benefits & risks is essential.
Success comes from aligning tools with clear objectives, guiding stakeholders, & making informed, collaborative decisions. Thoughtful use of technology & communication can elevate engagement, streamline delivery, & unlock stronger outcomes across any audience, anywhere.
This module also includes a high-level review of all 19 topics in the Certificate program, reinforcing key concepts and sparking fresh insights.
What You Will Learn
- ๏ Although meetings remain constant, how we meet continues to evolve
- ๏ Where we are today with technology & where we are heading in the future
- ๏ What AI, AR, and VR are & how they can be used in events
- ๏ How to develop a clear vision & embrace innovative technology
- ๏ What a Digital Twin is & use throughout the event planning stages
- ๏ A review of all 19 modules & their key concepts