Meeting planner courses are generally offered
through in-person instruction, due to the real-world experience needed
to receive certification; however, some online options are available.
Although many of these programs award graduates a professional
certificate, interested students need to be aware that this is not the
same as being certified. Regardless of the award pursued, the primary
path to certification is through demonstrated work experience and
passing a standardized exam.
Overview of Online Certified Meeting Planner Courses
Online meeting planner courses are not widely offered due to the
nature of this particular learning process. A significant amount of
hands-on time spent applying planning ideas under an instructor's
supervision is vital. Nevertheless, some schools allow students to take
some of the required coursework through distance learning, especially in
self-paced programs.
Although not required as a prerequisite to certification, students
who earn a professional certificate or associate's, bachelor's or
master's degree in meeting and
event planning
have an advantage in career advancement and opportunities. Certified
meeting planners often find employment with professional and community
organizations, corporations and federal, state and local government
programs. Self-employment is also an option.
Requirements for Online Courses
To study online, students must possess a computer with Internet
access and obtain an online school account, which grants access to the
course materials and assignments. Online participants need to be
familiar with e-mail and discussion boards, which are used to
communicate with professors and fellow students. They are also likely to
be required to submit homework and testing via the school's computer
system, and they may need to know how to create and attach electronic
word and video documents to e-mail communications.
List of Online Meeting Planner Courses
Introductory Meeting Management Course
This course provides students with a general overview of the core
skills needed to plan a successful meeting. It covers timelines,
checklists, contract negotiations, site selection, menu planning,
budgeting and on-site management. Students also learn the importance of
networking and dealing with clients and vendors effectively.
Meeting Coordination Course
This course investigates the numerous managerial duties a meeting
planner must perform to create a well-designed and smooth-running
conference, convention or educational event. Students learn to assess
the intended audience, choose an appropriate venue and select the
presenters and presentation media. This course also covers staging and
production issues, utilization of audio-visual equipment and
coordination of transportation, catering and security services.
To produce a successful event, students explore the steps required to
develop a realistic and well-constructed meeting budget. They learn
proven techniques, such as per person methodology and break-even
analysis, to project and control the budget. This course highlights the
budgeting processes that are particular to the meeting industry only.
Registration and Housing Course
Students in this course learn the importance of the registration
process, which often sets the tone for the meeting. The importance of
fulfilling the housing needs and exact personal requirements of the
attendees is also covered. Students explore ways to create a more
harmonious meeting experience for everyone involved by preparing rooming
lists and controlling sleeping arrangements to reduce friction among
attendees.
Although a college degree is highly desirable in this field, it is
not necessary for certification. To become a certified meeting
professional, an applicant must show that he or she has had three years
of practical work experience or a degree in meeting planning with two
years of experience. Additionally, students must have completed 25 hours
of continuing education courses or have completed an approved meeting
planner internship. Individuals who qualify must then pass an exam given
by the Convention Industry Council covering topics in facilities and
services, logistics and meeting programs.
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