Event Planning (Co-op Option Available)

The Event Planning program is an excellent choice for individuals who are naturally organized, detail-oriented people who enjoy taking charge of projects in fast-paced, dynamic settings. This event planning program is designed for those who thrive in high-energy, creative environments, and is perfect for the person who has always aspired to be an event planner or event coordinator.

• In the Event Planning program, students are prepared for a career that offers incredible versatility and that spans almost every industry.
• Students in the event planner program learn how to design, plan and execute a diverse range of corporate, community and social events. While developing a keen eye for detail and strong business acumen, students learn to keep sight of the broader creative concept, schedule and budget. Upon graduation with an event planning certificate, a student can expect to enter the field as an event planner  event coordinator, with all the skills necessary to plan and execute spectacular, meaningful, and inspiring events.
• The event planner program emphasizes  experiential learning, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios at our state-of-the-art W. Galen Weston Centre for Food (Weston Centre) event space. This combination of classroom instruction and practical application ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the ever-evolving event planning industry.

Admission Requirements
To enter the Event Planning program, you will need:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
• And
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

• Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

• Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
• Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
• Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Semester 1 Courses

• In your first semester of the Event Planning program, students are introduced to the core concepts and industry practices that will guide them through the rest of the event planning courses.

Students learn how to communicate effectively and clearly in business settings, master the use of computer programs for event planning and applications for the hospitality industry, and emerge with a strong customer-focused orientation. In these preliminary event coordinator courses, students are introduced to the events industry and the event planning cycle, and develop leadership and teamwork skills.

• Communications for Business 1 (COMM 2204)
• Computers for Hospitality (COMP 1210)
• Customer Service (CSRV 2200)
• Introduction to Events Industry (EVNT 1200)
• Event Planning Cycle (FEST 1200)
• General Education Elective (GNED 0000)
• Managing Teams and Leadership (HOSM 3200)

Co-operative Education (co-op)

• The best way to succeed in event planning is to immerse yourself in it! Co-op is an excellent way to build your professional network, explore career paths and apply in-class teachings to real work situations as an event planner, under the supervision of an experienced professional.
• Co-op is a model of education that integrates academic learning with workplace learning in fields relevant to our students’ academic and personal goals. Similar to an academic event organizer course, work terms are a mandatory component of the Event Planning program.

Career Options What you could be:

• Conference services coordinator
• Event/festival coordinator
• Event manager
• Public relations/marketing coordinator
• Third-party event planner
• Wedding planner