Dates & Locations Keynote Presenters Key Topics Benefits of the Program General Information
Virginia Tech presents a 60-hour certificate program in Meeting and Event Planning
General Information
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The Spring 2009
program has been
cancelled.Please check
back for updates regarding
the Fall 2009 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, for career changers, and for those who are 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 invested more and more dollars on meetings. As the business world becomes even more globally focused, international meetings and conventions become more commonplace. And as technology increases, the ability for people to meet through e-mail, teleconferencing, and the Web actually encourages more meetings, since people who would formerly never have interacted now have the possibility to collaborate.

This program is offered in Blacksburg/Roanoke, VA. Classes meet over four weekends in full-day Friday/Saturday blocks.

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 notebook of materials, books and lunch each day of the program. There is an early bird registration fee of $1,795 if registration is received by March 6, 2009. 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.

Payment Options

Participants registering before November 3, 2008 have the option of (1) paying the registration fee in full at the time of registration or (2) submitting a deposit of $500 at the time of registration, with the $1,395 balance due no later than February 16, 2009. If the balance due is not received by February 16, 2009, the participant's registration in the program will automatically be cancelled and the initial $500 deposit will not be refunded.

Participants registering after November 3, 2008 will owe the entire fee at the time of registration.

Register today and join those who have achieved the industry's highest standards of professionalism.

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 update the critical skill sets required for meeting and event planning professionals. Travel agents, hoteliers, professional association managers, festival organizers, fundraisers, administrative assistants, and sporting events coordinators, just to name a few, are the target audience for this comprehensive course. (E-mail a friend about this program)

What Participants Are Saying About the Program

"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

"On a side note, yesterday I framed the "diploma" you gave us for the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate program and hung it on the wall. 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. Wow! It is a rough test, but worth it."

Ginny Morgan Shema, CMP
Catering Sales Manager
Sheraton Roanoke Hotel & Conference Center

"As a professional in the meeting and event planning field for the past 4 years, I found the Certificate Program in Meeting and Event Planning to be a valuable tool in advancing my knowledge and experience. The instructors provided excellent insight to all areas of the industry as well as helpful advice for career planning in the future. The program increased my interest in obtaining my CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and I continue to strive toward it today."

Liz Wade Fillman
Program Coordinator
Continuing and Professional Education, Virginia Tech

"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

For More Information

Blacksburg/Roanoke location
Angela M. Marshall
Program Coordinator
Virginia Tech Continuing and Professional Education
702 University City Boulevard
Mail Code: 0364
Blacksburg, VA 24061
Phone: 540-231-5126
Email: amarshal@vt.edu

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Continuing & Professional Education @ Virginia Tech