California State University, Sacramento
EN-11: Continuing Education

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The sustainable meeting and event planning certificate program consists of 9 courses totaling 115 hours of instruction. Each component of the program encompasses green or sustainable initiatives aimed at maintaining and sustaining our environment, decreasing waste, minimizing carbon footprints, and facilitating a better and healthier living pattern. The program provides current trends and practices for greening events and creating sustainable event products. Courses and descriptions: Introduction to Meeting and Event Management: This course addresses some of the major trends and successful business practices in meeting and event management. Participants will learn valuable tools to improve day-to-day effectiveness and efficiency as an event manager or marketer. The course explores sustainability and its benefits. Financial Management for Meetings and Events: This course covers basic accounting techniques, as well as the principles of managing a comprehensive meeting or event budget. Participants will learn one of the most important components in a successful meeting or event: making sure the budget is both comprehensive and realistic. Meeting and Event Design and Décor: This course explores aspects of design in meeting and event management with a focus on green/sustainable design. Participants will learn the fundamentals of design, explore different design options for creating a meeting or event, and learn the basic vocabulary and theories of design. Meeting and Event Coordination: This course covers the day-to-day dynamics of coordinating a successful professional meeting or event. Participants will discuss best practices in on-site management, and learn the standard techniques used to coordinate and manage meeting and event planning as well as crisis management. Participants will learn how to conduct a sustainability assessment as well as different sustainable onsite practices and initiatives. Utilizing Technology in Meeting and Event Planning: This course provides an understanding of how technology can improve the efficiency and functionality of meeting and event professionals. Participants will be introduced to the latest technologies and software, relevant to meeting and event planning and ways that technology can reduce your event’s carbon footprint. Food, Beverage and Venue Planning: This course explores the behind-the-scenes world of event planning from venues to catering. Participants will be exposed to negotiation techniques and critical information on suppliers: the hotel, restaurant, and catering industries. Focus will be on supply chain, transportation and outsourcing. Participants will learn how to make food and beverage sustainable and responsible; common practices and trends in sustainable food and beverage; identify and coordinate special menu requests; and how to manage the food and beverage budget by making sustainable food options affordable. Risk Management for Meeting and Event Planners: This course focuses on analyzing and responding to meeting and event management risks and ethical burdens. Participants will examine common legal, physical and ethical challenges that meeting and event planners encounter, and the appropriate responses to said challenges. Special attention will be given to planning around contracts, laws and regulations, insurance, and ethical standards and stances. Meeting and Event Marketing and Communication: This course will cover the key tools for advertising and marketing meetings and events. Participants will focus on the principles for strategic communication, marketing, promotion and fundraising plans. This course will develop the creative thinking necessary to create and implement meetings and events that will be appealing while raising significant funds. Green Event Planning - The Future of Event Professionals: This course covers hot topics and green trends for the forward thinking event professional. Participants will learn valuable tools to educate clients and navigate sustainable choices in all events, small and large.