Diploma in Event Planning (Online)

Program Details

• Program Code: 1863
• School: School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts
• Credential: Ontario College Diploma
• Program Type: Post-secondary program
• Program Length: 2 years/ 4 semesters
• Start Date: Fall, Winter, Summer
• Location: Online

Program Overview

The Event Planning program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary for a rewarding career creating beautiful events and providing long-lasting memories for guests and clients. You'll be equipped to design, plan, and execute diverse events, from corporate meetings and conferences to social functions such as weddings and community fundraisers. Event planning is increasingly playing a role in many organizations in a vast number of industries and sectors.

The Event Planning program will immerse you in all aspects of the event industry. Business courses in marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship will complement event courses in design, food and beverage and event operations, preparing you to be confident planning events in restaurants, hotels, resorts, and convention centers.

It’s Your Shift Training and Awareness Program

The program will include an innovative industry training and awareness certification, It’s Your Shift. The certification will equip you with crucial knowledge and provide current resources focused on sexual harassment prevention and safe practices for intervention as a frontline worker or manager. It will support you, as you enter the hospitality industry, to become a leader for the prevention of sexual harassment and contribute to the evolution of safe and welcoming work environments.

The Ocean Wise Program

The School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts and The Local Cafe and Restaurant use delicious and ocean-friendly Ocean Wise products. Ocean Wise is a conservation and education program that works with chefs, restaurants, and seafood suppliers to help them with sustainable seafood sourcing.

Feast On® Certification

Centennial College's School of Hospitality, Tourism, and Culinary Arts has become the first academic institution to receive Feast On® certification for its sourcing of local food and beverage products used in the academic programs and the School's experiential-learning foodservice operations. The Culinary Tourism Alliance established Feast On as a certification program that recognizes businesses committed to sourcing Ontario-grown and -produced food and drink.

Program Highlights

This Event Planning program includes a range of exclusive learning opportunities. You learn from industry-selected faculty members who have years of experience. Students will have had experience in their field placement during their last semester. The program is focused on learning experiences that ensure that you are ready for the field upon graduation.

Program Outline

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes

Program Vocational Learning Outcomes describe what graduates of the program have demonstrated they can do with the knowledge and skills they have achieved during their studies. The outcomes are closely tied to the needs of the workplace. Through assessment (e.g., assignments and tests), students verify their ability to reliably perform these outcomes before graduating.

• Develop and implement revenue initiatives through methods such as sponsorship programs, grant applications, and fundraising initiatives.  
• Plan and design events that take into consideration the personal, economic, and environmental return on investment for clients.  
• Develop and implement marketing plans that promote and sell events, products, and guest experiences.  
• Select and implement strategies for effective human resource management in the planning and operation of events.  
• Create, plan, and implement cost-effective programming and activities for events.  
• Manage events using accounting, finance, leadership, and ethical principles to ensure their success.  
• Plan and coordinate food and beverage services to meet the needs of clients.  
• Incorporate key performance indicators in the evaluation of special events.  
• Ensure a healthy, safe, and well-maintained event environment to reduce risk, liability, and insecurity of guests. 

Career Options, Academic Pathways, and Partners

Articulation Agreements

Qualified graduates may be eligible to participate in pathway programs with partnering institutions. These pathway programs allow you to receive degree credit for learning obtained at Centennial College. Our partners include:

• SHMS Swiss Hotel Management School
• Royal Roads University*

*Royal Roads University: This program articulates directly to the Bachelor of Arts in Global Tourism Management and Bachelor of Arts in International Hotel Management at Royal Roads University, with a minimum B (3.0/4.33) GPA.

Career Outlook

• Catering and Event Coordinator
• Event Planner / Event Manager
• Meeting and Convention Planner
• Trade Show Organizer
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Live Events Specialist
• Media Event Planner
• Graduates may also explore starting their own business as an event
• Meeting or Wedding Planner

Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 years or older)
• English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent (minimum grade required) or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission

Additional Requirements

• English language proficiency