George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
Special Event Management
(H131)
Program Details
- Program Code: H131
- Credential: Ontario College Diploma
- Duration: 2 years (4 semesters)
- Method of Study: Full-time
- Starting Months: January, May, September
- Domestic Tuition: $4,403.00* †
Program Availability
| Semester | Domestic | International |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2019 | Closed | Closed |
| Winter 2020 | Closed | Closed |
| Spring 2020 | Suspended | Closed |
- Work-Integrated Learning:
Mandatory Externship
- PGWP Eligible: No
- CIP Code: N/A
Get answers to your questions
Book info sessionProgram Description
Program Overview
Our mission is to produce passionate and service-obsessed industry professionals for the urban hospitality and culinary experience. Special Event Management offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experiential planning, co-ordination and execution experience across the multiple facets of the events industry. The program focuses on event planning, design, co-ordination, marketing, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and event evaluation.
Full Description
Are you a dynamic person who loves events? Are you looking for an exciting career in a fast-paced industry where every day brings something new?
Our Special Event Management program will teach you event project management fundamentals through a variety of event types including hospitality events, weddings and other social events, fundraising events, meetings, conferences and trade shows. You will take part in event management opportunities each semester, culminating in a final capstone event and a 14-week externship placement. This experiential approach to learning and the course mix, including event-specific courses, business foundations and hospitality, will provide you with the skills to jump-start your career in event management.
Your Field Education Options
This program provides a final capstone event and a mandatory 14-week externship placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed event management industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.
In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
You will have your pick of exciting and challenging roles such as:
- Event Planner
- Conference Planner
- Meeting Planner
- Catering Manager
- Incentive Travel Manager
- Festival Planner
- Social Event Planner
- Event Fundraiser
- Volunteer Coordinator
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| HOSF1146 | Emergency First Aid and Heartsaver CPR |
| HOSF1317 | Sanitation |
| HOST1070 | Introduction to Catering |
| HOST1085 | Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Management |
| HOST1171 | Global Accommodation Industry |
| HOST1172 | Introduction to Wine and Beverage |
| HOST1179 | Smart Serve |
| MATH1250 | Introduction to Management Numeracy with Excel Applications |
PROGRAM SPECIALIZATION (One Required)
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOST1146 | Leading, Following and Speaking with Confidence |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ACCT1048 | Hospitality Accounting |
| GSCI1035 | Science of Sustainability |
| HOST1043 | Special Event Planning & Delivery |
| HOST1160 | Career Preparation |
| HOST1173 | Hosp. Market. and Social Media |
| HOST1174 | Remarkable Restaurant Service - an Introduction to the Industry |
| HOST1175 | Global Tourism Geography |
| HRM 1015 | Human Resources Management |
| LAW 1017 | Introduct. to Hospitality Law |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOST1097 | Meetings and Conferences |
| HOST1129 | Selling Special Events |
| HOST1139 | Technical Meeting and Event Production |
| HOST2066 | Event Operations I |
| HOST2072 | Festivals and Volunteer Management |
| HOST2077 | Building Your Special Event Business |
| HOST2091 | Budgeting for Special Events |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOST2063 | Event Operations II - Capstone Event Project |
| HOST2141 | Industry Externship |
| GNED | General Elective |
Course Outline URL
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and implement revenue initiatives based on event objectives through methods such as sponsorship programs, grant applications, and fundraising initiatives.
- Plan, design, and coordinate effective site and facility operations.
- Select and use current and relevant principles of marketing to increase the likelihood of success of events.
- Implement strategies for effective human resource management in the planning and operating of a variety of events.
- Create, plan, and implement effective programming for events.
- Select and use accounting and financial knowledge and skills to increase the successful operation of events.
- Identify, select and use appropriate business administration skills in the operation of events.
- Manage a variety of events using principles of professionalism and ethics in such a manner as to bring about success of the events.
- Coordinate food and beverage services appropriate to the event.
- Use principles of sustainability in the management of events.
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,403.00* †
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.
† Additional Cost
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Textbooks (per semester) | $500 |
| Field trips and industry site visits (per semester) | $50 |
International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (C, M or U) or Grade 12 (C or U)
Applicants may also qualify for admission through completion of the Hospitality Services (Pre-Hospitality) program (H101) with an overall grade point average of 3.0. There are a limited number of seats available and admission is not guaranteed.
** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Health Policy
Students should be aware that various allergens, including nuts, dairy and shellfish, are routinely used in practical labs. Students should also note that George Brown College is sensitive to religious observances; however, while products purchased for production and consumption meet all provincial and federal regulations, they may not meet specific dietary laws related to Halal and Kosher foods.
How to Apply
Apply To
'Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Contact Us
Paul Araujo, Program Co-ordinator, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Email: paraujo@georgebrown.ca (for program-specific enquiries only)
or
Doris Miculan-Bradley, Program Co-ordinator, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Email: dorisbradley@georgebrown.ca (for program-specific enquiries only)
For additional information about George Brown College (including admissions, financial assistance or fee payment enquiries), please call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Join us for an upcoming Discovery Day, where you will learn more about your area of interest, get a first-hand look at our facilities and meet with representatives from George Brown College.
Program Description
Program Overview
Our mission is to produce passionate and service-obsessed industry professionals for the urban hospitality and culinary experience. Special Event Management offers you the opportunity to gain valuable experiential planning, co-ordination and execution experience across the multiple facets of the events industry. The program focuses on event planning, design, co-ordination, marketing, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and event evaluation.
Full Description
Are you a dynamic person who loves events? Are you looking for an exciting career in a fast-paced industry where every day brings something new?
Our Special Event Management program will teach you event project management fundamentals through a variety of event types including hospitality events, weddings and other social events, fundraising events, meetings, conferences and trade shows. You will take part in event management opportunities each semester, culminating in a final capstone event and a 14-week externship placement. This experiential approach to learning and the course mix, including event-specific courses, business foundations and hospitality, will provide you with the skills to jump-start your career in event management.
Your Field Education Options
This program provides a final capstone event and a mandatory 14-week externship placement. George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed event management industry work experience opportunities they believe would provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can in turn be added to your resume.
In addition to more formal on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide learning opportunities with real-world challenges and clients.
Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities
Your Career
You will have your pick of exciting and challenging roles such as:
- Event Planner
- Conference Planner
- Meeting Planner
- Catering Manager
- Incentive Travel Manager
- Festival Planner
- Social Event Planner
- Event Fundraiser
- Volunteer Coordinator
Courses
Semester 1
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| COMM2000 | Communicating Across Contexts |
| HOSF1146 | Emergency First Aid and Heartsaver CPR |
| HOSF1317 | Sanitation |
| HOST1070 | Introduction to Catering |
| HOST1085 | Principles of Hospitality and Tourism Management |
| HOST1171 | Global Accommodation Industry |
| HOST1172 | Introduction to Wine and Beverage |
| HOST1179 | Smart Serve |
| MATH1250 | Introduction to Management Numeracy with Excel Applications |
PROGRAM SPECIALIZATION (One Required)
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOST1146 | Leading, Following and Speaking with Confidence |
Semester 2
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ACCT1048 | Hospitality Accounting |
| GSCI1035 | Science of Sustainability |
| HOST1043 | Special Event Planning & Delivery |
| HOST1160 | Career Preparation |
| HOST1173 | Hosp. Market. and Social Media |
| HOST1174 | Remarkable Restaurant Service - an Introduction to the Industry |
| HOST1175 | Global Tourism Geography |
| HRM 1015 | Human Resources Management |
| LAW 1017 | Introduct. to Hospitality Law |
Semester 3
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOST1097 | Meetings and Conferences |
| HOST1129 | Selling Special Events |
| HOST1139 | Technical Meeting and Event Production |
| HOST2066 | Event Operations I |
| HOST2072 | Festivals and Volunteer Management |
| HOST2077 | Building Your Special Event Business |
| HOST2091 | Budgeting for Special Events |
| GNED | General Elective |
Semester 4
| Code | Course Name |
|---|---|
| HOST2063 | Event Operations II - Capstone Event Project |
| HOST2141 | Industry Externship |
| GNED | General Elective |
Course Outline URL
Tuition & Fees
Domestic Tuition
$4,403.00* †
Additional Costs
* Amounts listed are the total of tuition, materials, student service and ancillary fees for the first two semesters of programs starting in Fall 2018. Fees are subject to change for programs starting in Fall 2019 and at later dates.
† Additional Cost
| Description | Cost |
|---|---|
| Textbooks (per semester) | $500 |
| Field trips and industry site visits (per semester) | $50 |
International students: Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Fees and Related Costs page for more information.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of their academic achievement, including the required courses, and any other selection criteria outlined below.
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent**
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (C, M or U) or Grade 12 (C or U)
Applicants may also qualify for admission through completion of the Hospitality Services (Pre-Hospitality) program (H101) with an overall grade point average of 3.0. There are a limited number of seats available and admission is not guaranteed.
** Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and no OSSD)
Mature Students may take the Admissions Assessment for English and Math, OR may consider upgrading to achieve the credit(s) needed in English and Math.
Please note that George Brown is committed to ensuring that applicants will succeed in their program of choice and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission to the program. Applicants may be required to have grades higher than the minimum requirements stated.
Course Exemptions
College or university credits may qualify you for course exemptions. Please visit georgebrown.ca/transferguide for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information.
International Students
Visit the International Admissions page for more information regarding country specific admission requirements.
Health Policy
Students should be aware that various allergens, including nuts, dairy and shellfish, are routinely used in practical labs. Students should also note that George Brown College is sensitive to religious observances; however, while products purchased for production and consumption meet all provincial and federal regulations, they may not meet specific dietary laws related to Halal and Kosher foods.
How to Apply
Apply To
'Domestic students should apply through Ontario Colleges
International Students
Visit the How to Apply page for more information on how and when to apply.
International students should apply through the George Brown Polytechnic Online Application System.
Program Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop and implement revenue initiatives based on event objectives through methods such as sponsorship programs, grant applications, and fundraising initiatives.
- Plan, design, and coordinate effective site and facility operations.
- Select and use current and relevant principles of marketing to increase the likelihood of success of events.
- Implement strategies for effective human resource management in the planning and operating of a variety of events.
- Create, plan, and implement effective programming for events.
- Select and use accounting and financial knowledge and skills to increase the successful operation of events.
- Identify, select and use appropriate business administration skills in the operation of events.
- Manage a variety of events using principles of professionalism and ethics in such a manner as to bring about success of the events.
- Coordinate food and beverage services appropriate to the event.
- Use principles of sustainability in the management of events.
Contact Us
Paul Araujo, Program Co-ordinator, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Email: paraujo@georgebrown.ca (for program-specific enquiries only)
or
Doris Miculan-Bradley, Program Co-ordinator, Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts
Email: dorisbradley@georgebrown.ca (for program-specific enquiries only)
For additional information about George Brown College (including admissions, financial assistance or fee payment enquiries), please call the Contact Centre at 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
International Students
Contact one of our international recruitment representatives specializing by country of origin by either booking a virtual meeting or submitting an inquiry. For more information visit the International Contact Us page
Visit Our Campus
Join us for an upcoming Discovery Day, where you will learn more about your area of interest, get a first-hand look at our facilities and meet with representatives from George Brown College.
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