About Event & Meeting Planning

How to Begin Taking Classes

• There is no application process to begin taking classes.
• Obtain an SF State ID & Password.
• Register for classes based on individual goals and prerequisites.
• Payment is due upon registration. Space is limited. Please register three weeks in advance.
• Request a Certificate of Completion after all classes have been successfully completed.
• For online classes, log in to iLearn using your SF State ID and Password.

Event & Meeting Planning Certificate Program

The Event & Meeting Planning certificate program provides students with the knowledge necessary to plan, design and execute a variety of events and meetings. Topics include budgets, contracts, marketing, vendor selection and technology. Students may take individual courses, take the five courses required to earn a specialized fast-track, six courses for the online certificate, or take all 14 courses to earn the full Event & Meeting Planning certificate.

What does an event & meeting planner do?

Below are some of the key tasks that a full-service event planner performs for the clients:

• Determine clients' needs and expectations
• Plan and create the overall design of events
• Develop timelines and production schedules
• Manage operations teams or support staff
• Coordinate and provide service to the clients and vendors as needed
• Oversee all aspects of the event execution
• Select and secure appropriate vendors to supply all components of the event
• Monitor and evaluate the event

Certificate of Completion

Participants may complete program requirements and receive a certificate of completion, or attend only those classes that are of particular interest. To begin the program, simply register for courses. A certificate of completion is awarded upon successful completion of required courses.

Note: Participants who are interested in completing all three tracks certificates can do so by taking all classes required to complete those tracks.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Courses carry CEUs (Continuing Education Units), nationally recognized units of measurement for professional development and training. CEUs may be used when employers, agencies and other authorities require a specified number of hours of study and where non-academic credit is acceptable. One CEU is equal to ten hours of instruction.