Sustainable Event Management

Certificate Part-time School of Business + Media

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Overview

This Certificate in Sustainable Event Management will prepare you for a career in this fast paced industry. Based on curriculum jointly developed by industry and BCIT, you would learn about all areas of event production. The role of the event planner is to oversee and arrange every aspect of an event. The aim of the program is to develop professionals in the event management field that have the knowledge and skills to create and execute business meetings and events for organizations around the world. You will learn how to develop and deliver meetings and events using globally accredited sustainability standards.

Certificate in Sustainable Event Management graduates will be able to:

Lead the shift toward ethical and sustainable event management within organizations using accepted international standards
Perform administrative tasks in an event management team
Develop the financial resources and manage the budget for business events
Manage the human resource components of business events
Design business events that support the marketing and strategic direction of an organization
Manage an event on-site to satisfy the expectations of stakeholders
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to produce success events

Graduates will be prepared to enter the event management industry at an entry level position. The SEM program contains curriculum developed to prepare students to earn the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation, along with pathways for further education.

Sustainable event management jobs & careers

Graduates of the Sustainable Event Management program have the necessary skills and tactics to start an exciting event management career.

Possible positions:

Event Coordinator
Wedding Planner
Events/Meeting Manager
Experiential Marketing Coordinator
Catering Events Coordinator
Event Venue Sales Coordinator

Entrance Requirements

About Part-time Studies

Take a single course, or work towards a credential — all at a pace that’s right for you.

Part-time courses are offered in a variety of scheduling formats, including at night or on weekends, flexible day time delivery, or you can opt for distance or online learning. If you meet the prerequisites and there’s space available, you can register for a course immediately. Courses are offered in each of three terms: Fall (September), Winter (January) and Spring/Summer (April).

To apply to a Part-time Studies program and earn your credential, you simply need to complete a Part-time Program Declaration Request. Applications are processed throughout the year.

Applicants to the BCIT School of Business are required to have completed two years of full-time study in high school or post-secondary program in English in an English speaking country. If you do not have English 12 and have not studied in an English-speaking country, you will need to demonstrate your skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. For information on English equivalencies, testing and upgrading options, visit:

Application processing

Ongoing throughout the year.

International applicants

This program is available to international applicants. A valid study permit is required prior to starting the program.

Complete the following steps before declaring your program:

Create your BCIT ID. If you already have a BCIT ID, ensure that your personal profile is complete and current.
Submit your completed International Flexible Application [PDF] along with proof of your current level of English to international_flex@bcit.ca.
If you are in Canada, submit a photo or scan of your current status in Canada document to statusdoc@bcit.ca from your myBCIT email account.

BCIT International Student Centre will review your application and contact you with next steps.

Program declaration

Declaring your Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) program ensures that BCIT is aware of your intent to complete a program as it is currently outlined and provides you the opportunity to apply for transfer credit.

To submit your declaration:

Answer all questions completely.
If required, convert transcripts and documents to PDF files.
Have a credit card ready to pay the application fee.

Declare Now

Upon approval, a program plan letter will be sent to you confirming your program of study. Please allow approximately eight weeks for processing.

Learn more about program declaration

Scheduled Intakes

Ongoing Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) intakes: January, April, and September.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)

Some entry-level courses are eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). If you believe that you already possess the skills and knowledge that would otherwise be gained by completing a particular course, please contact the program assistant for application information.

Costs & Supplies

Bring your own device

Most courses and programs in the School of Business + Media are BYOD (Bring Your Own Device). Please ensure you bring a laptop to every class. Plug-in outlets will be provided at most stations in classrooms, but not in all classrooms, so please ensure you have at least 2 hours of battery life available at the beginning of each class. Check the following recommended computer requirements prior to the start of class. If a program or course does not require you to provide your own device, that information will be provided by your instructor or indicated in the course outline.

For online classes, it is important you have a stable and consistent internet connection to access course content.

Tuition fees

Flexible Learning (Part-time Studies) tuition is charged on a course-by-course basis. Please see the Flexible Learning Tuition & Fees pages for more information:

Financial assistance

Financial assistance may be available for this program. For more information, please contact Student Financial Aid and Awards.

Courses

Important updates to Part-time Studies

Please be advised that all courses coded ‘TOUR’ have been changed to the ‘MKTG’ coding. The content, course descriptions, and learning outcomes remain the same.

1) Need to waitlist for a School of Business + Media course? Find out more.
2) English Requirement: Find out more.

The courses in this program are designed by working marketing professionals to give you the most up-to-date skills in a flexible format to meet your schedule and career goals. Through the rigorous training, you’ll develop strong, diverse skills needed for success in marketing, including strategic online marketing, public relations, global marketing, and more. As well as the required 10 courses in the program, you’ll also have the opportunity to choose a number of electives that most closely support your future plans and interests.

This Part-time Studies program is offered on a course-by-course basis, allowing you the flexibility to complete courses in any order, provided that any required course prerequisites have been completed. Students register for each course individually and may undertake studies in any term (Winter, Spring/Summer or Fall). While you may choose the pace of your studies, all program requirements must be completed within seven years as per BCIT Policy 5103 – Student Evaluation [PDF].

Please note: part-time programs and courses are open enrolment and although we make every effort to accommodate demand, course registration cannot be guaranteed in every semester. High demand courses fill quickly and may result in students unable to register for a course that semester. Courses may also be cancelled due to low enrolment.

In-classroom delivery is available for most courses in the program. Some courses are also offered online.

The length of most online courses is 12 weeks. Online learning students should plan to spend an average of 7-10 hours per week on their studies for each course.

Program matrix

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Required Courses:			Credits
	BLAW 3100	Business Law This course is a practical study of Canadian business law, including the legal system, civil litigation, torts, fiduciary relationships, contracts, including digital contracts, negotiable instruments, sale of goods and consumer protection, business organizations, protection of personal information, agency, employment and inclusivity, real and personal property, intellectual property, including protection of confidential information and trade secrets, secured transactions, bankruptcy and creditors protection. Participation in this course, taught by lawyers, prepares you to recognize and address both the legal aspects of doing business and complying with related digital ethics. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	4.0
	FMGT 1152	Accounting for the Manager Covers the accounting function and the services it provides to the manager. Topics include preparation and interpretation of various financial statements, reports, budgets, etc., in managerial decision-making. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	FUND 1215	Essentials of Fundraising A course designed to provide an overview of fundraising topics. The emphasis is on the grounding of fundraising in philanthropy; the principles and strategic issues of fundraising in nonprofit organizations; and the role of the development officer and fundraising. Students develop an understanding of annual fund and capital campaign methodologies, working with volunteer boards, and developing career planning strategies. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	HRMG 3105	Human Resource Management Fundamentals This course covers theory, practice and standard programs employed by human resource management practitioners in today’s private sector business, government and other organizations. The course covers the major human resource management functions with some emphasis on applied knowledge. Recommended for all persons interested in general management, HR management, and/or supervision. This course may be eligible for students to receive funding through the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant at www.bcit.ca/financial-aid/strongerbc-future-skills-grant. Students register themselves into the course, then apply for the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant to cover payment, if eligible. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	4.0
	MKTG 1012	Sustainable Event Design Event Planning Professionals may need to plan sustainable or "green" events as part of an organization's corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. This course will introduce you to the new international sustainable event standards, and how to measure the environmental impact of an event. You will use these tools to develop a sustainable event for a simulated client. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 1013	CSR and Business Ethics This course will prepare you as an event professional for the economic, environmental, and social challenges ahead in the event industry. You will learn how CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) is no longer a best practice, but a business standard. Using discussions and case studies you will learn about ethical issues in event management, and how leading global organizations have developed effective CSR in their meetings and events. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 1017	Event Marketing For any event – regardless of purpose - creating "buzz" or generating attendance is absolutely vital! You will be introduced to marketing fundamentals such as the 4 P's of marketing, SWOT analysis, event branding, and advertising in order to develop a marketing plan for a simulated event that will positively impact event attendance and / or growth. You will be required to develop a comprehensive event or festival marketing plan. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 1123	Sustainable Event Management Operations Event Planning Professionals are more often than not, required to plan sustainable or "green" events as part of an organization's corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals. This course will introduce you to the new international sustainable event standards, and how to measure the environmental impact of an event. The marketing and communication of sustainable strategies and green positioning as well as the measuring and reporting on sustainable outcomes to event stakeholders will also be explored. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 1219	Professional Sales Skills This course provides the fundamental skills, tools and processes of professional selling. The focus is on “relationship” and “need-satisfaction” selling in a business-to-business environment. Through experiential exercises, practical applications and discussions students develop, deliver and evaluate a wide range of selling methods and presentations. This course is ideal for people in business who want to enhance their selling skills, people new to a sales role, and salespeople at any level who do not have formal training in the field. To be successful in this course, students must be able to communicate well in English. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 2024	Food & Beverage Services for the Event Professional The food and beverage is often times what people remember most about an event! It has to be the right selection, served at the right time, the right way! After taking this course you will be able to identify the food and beverage requirements for an event. Students will learn about menu selection, service style selection, sustainable catering concepts, procurement (sourcing and selecting) as well as basic catering operations and meal plans that reflect client needs and event goals. Using a simulated event, the course also focuses on licensing, alcohol services and related risks, sanitation and food safe requirements. Trends such as sustainable menu planning/ procurement, food and beverage presentation, dietary requirements and restrictions are also introduced and explored. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 2026	Event Design Concepts Producing award-winning events with creative flair is any event professional's goal. Event planners are often responsible for theme development- churning out new and unique event themes can be very challenging in today's highly innovative world. A fantastic theme and the design and execution can turn an event from average to truly spectacular and memorable. You will learn approaches to theme development and how to ensure the selected theme matches the predetermined goals and attendee demographic of the event. You will also develop a range of skills that will help them to create event designs that will complement the selected event venue, establish appropriate decor and source out the best suppliers to successfully execute the event. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 2029	Event Technical Production The simplest of meetings require some form of audio-visual or event production equipment. From microphones and LCD projection to sophisticated multi-media; event professionals need to be familiar with the technical requirements of meetings, conferences and special events. This course introduces you to the technical aspects of special events including lighting, sound, video, staging, power, rigging and special effects. You will visit and experience various event venues and observe set ups to gain valuable hands-on experience in the world of event technical production. You will also use a simulated event to learn these skills. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites are required for this course. course outline	3.0
	MKTG 2202	Introduction to Marketing Communications This course provides the opportunity to develop a complete communications plan from the situation analysis to creative solutions. It reviews the role of strategic planning as it applies to media, creative, sales promotion and research, and examines those areas of promotion where each fit in the promotional mix and when would each best be applied. Prerequisite(s): 50% in MKTG 1102 course outline	4.0
	MKTG 4515	Industry Practicum This course provides practical work experience that is relevant to your marketing-related career path. You will spend the equivalent of 20-working days with an industry organization performing various tasks associated with the firm's marketing efforts. You will submit written reports, and your performance will be assessed by an organization representative and BCIT faculty. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all program courses except MKTG 4435 Directed Studies. course outline	3.5
and
	COMM 1103	Introduction to Business and Technical Communication This communication course teaches practical business communication techniques for planning, organizing, selecting, writing, and presenting information in business or industry. It covers routine memos, letters, request and reply letters, and oral presentations. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course. BUT, in the case of formal or informal grade appeals or reviews they will be asked to show proof of their English requirements. Students scoring below "C+" in English 12 should take COMM 1106 instead of COMM 1103. Students who wish to confirm their English level are strongly advised to take COMM 0015. This course may be eligible for students to receive funding through the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant at www.bcit.ca/financial-aid/strongerbc-future-skills-grant. Students register themselves into the course, then apply for the StrongerBC Future Skills Grant to cover payment, if eligible. Prerequisite(s): English Studies 12 "67%" (C+) or equivalent (ie: COMM 0015 "70+" or IELTS Academic 6.5, etc.) course outline	3.0
	or
	COMM 1106	Introduction to Business and Technical Communication (With Language Development Component) This communication course is designed for students needing additional assistance in meeting the language standards of a credit introductory business and technical Communication course. It teaches practical business communication techniques for planning, organizing, selecting, writing, and presenting information in business or industry. It covers the same content as COMM 1103, but has additional English language support and communication development. NOTE: Students do not need to submit transcripts for entrance to this course. BUT, in the case of formal or informal grade appeals or reviews they will be asked to show proof of their English requirements. Students who wish to confirm their English level are strongly advised to take COMM 0015. Prerequisite(s): English Studies 12 "50%" (PASS) or equivalent (ie: COMM 0015 "50+" or IELTS Academic 6.0, etc.) course outline	3.0

Total Credits:			48.5

Check current availability of courses for this program.

Transfer credit

Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.

Program Details

Program delivery

Blended: This program is delivered partly on campus and partly online.

Program location

Courses may be offered at the following locations:

Downtown Campus
555 Seymour Street
Vancouver, BC

Distance and online learning

Faculty, Advisors & Staff

Advisory committee

The Certificate program falls under the Marketing Management Program Advisory Committee. The current members include:

Kevin Murray, Traction Complete (PAC Chair)
Peter Barton, SAP
Steve Buchan, Fusion CRM Product Development
Todd Cullum, Leavitt Machinery
Jeff Duncan, Meetingmax
Greg Malpass, Traction on Demand
Kevin Pearce, LandSea tour
Jeremy Tiffen, Horizon Recruitment
Sloan Vereecken, Fairmont Pacific Rim
Morgan Westcott, BCIT Associate Dean
Joe Freeburn, BCIT Program Head
David Tikkanen, BCIT Program Head
Bruce Anthony, BCIT Program Head
Danielle Wilson, BCIT Program Head
Daniel John, BCIT Program Head
Tracey Renzullo, BCIT Program Head

Contact Us

Candace Marrington
Program Assistant – Marketing Management
604-432-8723 | Candace_Marrington@bcit.ca

David Tikkanen
Program Head
604-412-7503 | David_Tikkanen@bcit.ca

Contact a Program Advisor with the BCIT program name in the subject line if you have a question about:

Program selection and program planning
Applying for transfer credit and advanced placement
Job placement and graduate outcomes
Student life

Questions or comments?

Programs and courses are subject to change without notice.