As globalization increases and businesses continue to recognize the value of professionally planned meetings, demand for meetings and events is projected to grow 33 percent in the next 10 years, much faster than the average for all occupations. Meeting, convention and event planners are needed to coordinate all aspects of professional meetings and events from choosing a venue and reviewing contracts to selecting gifts and providing name badges to guests.
The Meeting and Events Planning Associate in Applied Science degree is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in the Meetings, Expositions, Events and Conventions (MEEC) industry. Students will learn how to plan an event from its early stages through cleanup after the event is over. Certificates are also available in Meeting and Event Planning and Wedding Planning Management.
Hospitality courses discover how to cover budgets and finance, site selection, contracts, vendors, negotiations, promotions, sustainability, food and beverage management, related technology and hospitality law. If you’re a flexible multitasker with an eye for detail who loves a fast paced environment, meeting and events planning might be for you.
Determine Your Path
Meeting and event planners need to know how to figure out their clients’ needs and requirements in terms of exhibit space, lodging, transportation, telecommunications, audio-visual displays, print- and web-based materials and food and beverages.
Whether you are preparing for a career in hospitality or tourism, planning to transfer or updating your skills, College of DuPage has the right program for you. We offer:
- Dedicated instructors with years of practical industry and teaching experience.
- Flexible schedules with day and evening classes.
- Affordable classes.
- Articulated transfer program with several prestigious institutions.
- Programs designed to prepare students with the skills that are in demand by today’s employers.
- Study Abroad opportunities to locations such as Budapest and Prague.
Meeting and Events Planning Associate in Applied Science
The Meeting and Events Planning, Associate in Applied Science degree is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions (MEEC) industry. This degree requires a minimum of 64 credits.
Meeting and Event Planning Certificate
The Meeting and Event Planning certificate prepares a student for entry into the Meeting and Event Planning industries. The certificate requires a total of 29 credits. Students will take classes in food and beverage, professional contracts, catering and more.
Wedding Planning Management
Certificate
The Wedding Planning Management certificate concentrates on wedding planning through to the implementation of the event. Courses highlight the history of marriage, cultural and ethnic diversity in weddings, consumerism, venues, destination weddings and stress management. Students apply their learning through a business plan, marketing strategies and client relations. The course is offered both in the classroom and online depending on the semester.
Get Started Today
The first step to getting started in meeting and event planning is to apply for admission.
Academic and Career Pathways give you a roadmap to achieving your career goals. Follow a pathway based on your degree or certificate that outlines which classes you need to take and when so you graduate on time or move on to the next phase in your career.
College of DuPage partners with several four-year institutions to help students seamlessly complete a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Students can connect with Transfer Services for personalized guidance on transfer opportunities.
For more information about Transfer Pathways, visit the College of DuPage Catalog. The pathway outlines a typical two-year course plan for completing an AA or AS degree before transferring to a four-year program. Course requirements vary by institution, so consult your faculty or academic advisor for specific guidance.
Articulation Agreements
College of DuPage maintains transfer agreements with many colleges and universities to ensure a smooth transition toward a bachelor’s degree. These agreements often include a defined course sequence. Students should regularly meet with a faculty member or the Counseling and Advising office to stay on track.- Eastern Illinois University, AAS Hospitality and Tourism, Hospitality Management to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Eastern Illinois University, AAS Hospitality and Tourism, Meeting and Event Planning to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Northern Illinois University, AAS Hospitality Management to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasis in Hospitality Management
- Northern Illinois University, AAS Meeting and Event Planning to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management, emphasis in Meeting and Event Planning
- Roosevelt University, AAS in Hospitality Management to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management (3+1)
- Roosevelt University, AAS in Meeting and Events Planning to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management (3+1)
- Roosevelt University, AAS in Restaurant Management to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management (3+1)
- Roosevelt University, AAS in Travel and Tourism to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management (3+1)
- Western Illinois University, AAS in Hospitality Management to BS in Recreation, Park & Tourism, Option of Study: Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management Administration (RPTA)
- Western Illinois University, AAS in Meeting and Event Planning to BS in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration (RPTA), Option of Study: Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
- Western Illinois University, AAS in Restaurant Management to BS in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration (RPTA), Option of Study: Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
- Western Illinois University, AAS in Travel and Tourism to BS in Recreation, Park & Tourism Administration (RPTA), Option of Study: Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management
Transfer Guides
Beyond articulation agreements and guaranteed admission programs, College of DuPage courses transfer to many other institutions. Transfer Guides help students select COD courses that meet prerequisites for specific majors and include details such as contact information, major requirements, general education requirements, and transfer policies.- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AAS Hospitality Management to BS in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AAS Restaurant Management to BS in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale, AAS Travel and Tourism to BS in Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
COD Stories
“During my time at COD, I met amazing people who were my colleagues as well as staff members. Some of those people I consider to be very close friends and mentors as the years have gone by.” - Shannon Kanak
Shannon's COD StoryCareer Information
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