General Information
Key Topics
Keynote Presenters
Dates & Locations
Registration
Resources

The Spring 2012 offering of this program has been cancelled. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please check back in the very near future for the next offering of this program.

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Do you plan meetings and events for your organization? If so, this in-depth certificate program is for you. The Certificate Program in Meeting and Event Planning is designed for new and aspiring meeting and event professionals, pursuing industry credentials or certification.

Meeting and event planning is a multi-billion dollar industry. Organizations are becoming increasingly concerned about getting a higher return on investment. They recognize the need for an educated and highly skilled workforce.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment in Virginia will continue to grow at a faster than average rate through 2014. The demand for planners grew throughout the 1990s when the economy expanded and companies began to invest more money towards meetings. As the business world becomes even more globally focused, international meetings and conventions become more commonplace. Similarly, as technology continues to grow, the ability for people to meet via email and teleconferencing has become more accessible, encouraging more meetings and opportunities for collaboration.

This program is offered in Blacksburg/Roanoke, Virginia. The classes will be meeting as full day events, for four weekends on Fridays and Saturdays.

Participants who successfully complete the program will be awarded 6.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and a Certificate of Achievement in Meeting and Event Planning. Participants must attend at least 85% of class meetings to receive a certificate.

The program fee is $1,895. This fee includes a notebook of materials, book and lunch each day of the program. Financial Aid is available through the Virginia Tech Financial Aid Office. You may visit their website for complete details at http://www.cpe.vt. edu/home/resources/financialaid.html.

Who Should Attend

New and aspiring meeting and event managers, as well as, those seeking a career change, will benefit from this cutting-edge educational experience. Industry trends and techniques will be provided to build and refresh the critical skill sets required for meeting and event planning professionals. The target audience for this course is very broad, some examples include: travel agents, professional association managers, festival organizers, administrative assistants, and many more.

Past Participant Comments

"I had a great experience with the Certificate in Meeting and Event Planning course and have enjoyed keeping in touch with Howard Feiertag. The energy exuded by Howard and Bonnie is very contagious! For me, the course was a valuable investment, and I enjoyed the process. I've since started a new job in a different kind of planning as a Transportation Planner for the Town of Blacksburg's Transit Department. I actually use much of what I learned from the certificate program when dealing with all the details of my current job. My position includes planning and implementing meetings, as well as, writing proposals to seek additional funding. Being aware of the logistics in any context is important for success. The course supplied not only great materials, but an excellent format for learning how to plan events of various types, sizes, and purposes." Erik C. B. Olsen, Ph.D. Transportation Planner Town of Blacksburg, Virginia

"If you are considering a new career or simply want to update your current job knowledge, this is the program for you. I registered for this program with the mindset that I would be learning in a sterile, classroom environment. I was happily mistaken. Not only is the program fast-paced and exciting, but I had an opportunity to participate in multiple site visits, meet and learn from seasoned professionals, form new friendships, and make valuable contacts. I was on the edge of my seat absorbing every bit of knowledge passed on from many of the presenters, but especially from Bonnie Wallsh, CMP, CMM, who provides the majority of the overall classroom instruction. She is so passionate about her job that you want to be right there with her every step of the way, and she'll be there with you as well. Don't miss out on this opportunity." Margie B. Murray Special Events Coordinator Office of the President, Virginia Tech

"I am so thankful for the class and really believe it helped me make the career change I needed to make. Be sure to let me know if there is anything my property can do to help with next year's program. I also managed to pass the CMP exam in August, 2008. Ginny Morgan Shema, CMP Catering Sales Manager Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center

For More Information

Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education 702 University City Blvd. Blacksburg, Virginia 24061

Angela M. Marshall Project Manager Phone: 540-231-5126 Email: amarshal@vt.edu

Liz W. Fillman Project Manager Phone: 540-231-9087 Email: elwade1@vt.edu