Event Planning (Co-op)
Image
Program Overview
Fanshawe’s two-year Event Planning Diploma Program prepares you for a fulfilling career in event management. The program provides valuable, hands-on experience in planning, coordinating and managing events from beginning to end. Learn how to select a venue and manage vendors, décor, marketing, and sponsorship. You will graduate ready to work in many industries, including corporate business, hospitality, non-profit, sports, travel, and weddings.
Program Details
Program Code
SEP2
Credential:
Ontario College Diploma
Duration
60 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
London - Downtown
Open
2027 January
London - Downtown
Open
Part Time Offerings
International Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
2026 September
London - Downtown
Open
2027 January
London - Downtown
Open
Your Learning Experience
This diploma in Event Planning prepares you for a successful career in event management. Learn to coordinate special events, including social events, corporate meetings, festivals, conventions, and large-scale sporting events. Develop essential event management skills such as planning, assessment, communication, and critical thinking.
What You'll Learn in the Event Planning Program
In this diploma program, you will learn skills in project management, event and communications technology, marketing, food and beverage hosting and management, customer relations, event execution, and more through a variety of courses. Our small class sizes offer a collaborative environment where you can develop a strong connection with faculty, peers and industry partners.
Hands-On Training with Industry Tools and Trends
This program will explore current trends and technologies in the event industry, including software applications, food and beverage, PR and sponsorship, logistics, risk management, business tools, and more. Students will gain hands-on experience in planning, marketing, and executing events.
Practical Experience Through Fundraising and Capstone Projects
With a focus on real-world event experiences, you’ll apply your knowledge in planning and executing fundraising events, including five hours of volunteer work at a community event in Level 1 and a live capstone event of your choice (virtual or in-person) with a small group of your classmates during Level 4. You will also participate in various multi-disciplinary event projects with students in other programs, and gain valuable work experience in a semester-long co-op. This program includes group work with fellow students, replicating how event planners often work. By the end of the second semester, you will have a group that will remain consistent for multiple projects. Additionally, the program enjoys strong ties to the event management community, allowing students to collaborate and network with various community partners through field trips to events, destinations, and guest lectures. Students graduate with the knowledge and skills for an event planning career.
Prepared for Certification and Professional Designations
Students can explore their area of interest, including corporate, social, and sporting events. Students will also explore event destinations. Students will obtain WSET and Prud’homme Beer certifications during the program as well as their Smartserve and Safe Food Handling certificates. The program also fulfils the educational requirements for the industry certification designation: Certified Meeting Planner (CMP).
Pathways to Further Study and Flexible Options
Students may continue their education after graduation through a degree pathway to Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC or the Limerick Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee in Ireland.
This program is available part-time.
Career Information
Co-Op Information
Our Event Planning diploma includes a co-op work term. It is not considered mandatory, but we highly encourage it! You can do your paid co-op work term anywhere across Canada. The College posts some positions, but it is optimal for you to seek out your own position. Our dedicated consultant can assist you with resume building and completing applications. NOTE: The course “COOP 1020 Co-operative Education Employment Prep” (in Level 1) is mandatory for graduation, but completing a co-op work term is optional.
Career Opportunities
While your job search depends on a mix of individual efforts and other factors, our experience is that graduates are currently in demand and working in many industries across Ontario. Fanshawe’s Event Planning program graduates have the skills to tackle every aspect of event planning.
Graduates find career opportunities with a variety of employers, including:
- hotels
- convention and conference centres
- casinos
- golf and country clubs
- wedding planners
- cruise lines
- theme parks
- museums
- professional associations
- non-profit organizations
- colleges and universities
- hospitals
- marketing companies
Locally, our graduates are employed by event planning firms (e.g. The Bayley Group), golf courses (Sunningdale Golf Club, London Hunt & Country Club), hospitals and foundations (St. Joseph’s Hospice, Children’s Health Foundation), charities (Teen Challenge), sports teams (London Knights), venues (Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory), private clubs (The London Club) and more!'
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario?
Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Event Planning program:
Event Services
Perform all tasks and duties required to set up, operate and tear down all events.
Event Staff
Enthusiastic and energetic individuals helping to maintain an event space and provide excellent guest service.
Marketing and Events Associate
Support a wide range of marketing, communications and business development initiatives.
Program Progression
Note: The on-campus program is a two-year, full-time program. You will complete an initial two academic semesters, a co-op work term, then two more academic semesters. For example, if you begin in September 2025, you would graduate April 2027. The corresponding full-time/online program takes the same two years to complete, while the part-time/online program will take four years to complete.
Fall intake
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Level 1 | Level 2 | Co-op work term |
| Year 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | n/a |
Winter intake
| Year | Fall | Winter | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | n/a | Level 1 | Level 2 |
| Year 2 | Co-op work term | Level 3 | Level 4 |
Returning to Fanshawe College as a mature student and a career change was the best decision I have ever made! Everyone I interacted with was extremely supportive and encouraging; right from the Career Counsellor, to the Registrar's Office, to the professors and my fellow students. I highly recommend Fanshawe College for a quality education and an incredible experience!
Jennifer Calvert
Graduate
This program is accredited by Co-operative Education and Work Integrated Learning Canada. This accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for co-operative education programs in Canada, and recognizes Fanshawe's commitment to excellence.
Learning Outcomes
- Plan and design events to meet organizational and client objectives;
- Select food and beverage catering services, site location, and décor, according to the theme and needs of an event;
- Develop marketing plans and related promotional plans for events that will meet the needs of the organization and/or client;
- Coordinate and/or supervise staff, contractors and volunteers in order to achieve the desired performance;
- Employ best practices for financial management in the planning of events;
- Manage the business transactions of event projects to meet organization and/or client needs;
- Develop strategies to mitigate risk and liability to ensure the safety and security of participants during an event;
- Maintain ethical practices and professionalism in the events field to create positive relationships and experiences;
- Apply strategies that support intercultural awareness and inclusion in event offerings that meet the needs of diverse populations;
- Use industry standard technology platforms, systems, tools and applications to support the operations of events;
- Secure monies through sponsorships, funds, or grants to support event objectives;
- Engage in ongoing learning for professional and career growth;
- Identify and respond to new career opportunities that may include contract work and entrepreneurship, to secure employment;
- Communicate information persuasively and accurately in written, verbal and interactive formats.
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Kristi Hall
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or a mature applicant with the following courses:
- Grade 12 English (C or U)
- Grade 11 Math (C, M or U)
Students who do not meet these requirements are recommended for academic upgrading. A conditional offer may be possible with proof of enrolment.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in English by one of the following methods:
- A Grade 12 College Stream or University Stream English credit from an Ontario Secondary School, or equivalent, depending on the program's Admission Requirements
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test with a minimum score of 79 for the Internet-based test (iBT), with test results within the last two years
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test with an overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years. SDS Program Requirements.
- Canadian Academic English Language (CAEL) test with an overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands, with test results within the last two years
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) with a minimum score of 53, with test results within the last two years
- A Cambridge English Test (FCE/CAE/CPE) with an overall score on the Cambridge English Scale of 169 with no language skill less than 162, with test results within the last two years
- Fanshawe College ESL4/GAP5 students: Minimum grade of 80% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 8, 75% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 9, or 70% in ESL4/GAP5 Level 10
Recommended Academic Preparation
Recommended Academic Preparation
- Grade 11 and Grade 12 Hospitality and Tourism (C)
- Grade 12 Business and Technological Communication (O)
- Academic and Career Entrance Certificate (ACE): Business or Technical Mathematics course and Computer Skills course
Applicant Selection Criteria
Applicant Selection Criteria
Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:- Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
- Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
- Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Courses
| Level 1 | ||||
| Take all of the following Mandatory Courses: | ||||
| HOSP-1016 | Event Management-Intro | 3 | ||
This course is an introductory level course on the basic elements of event management. Students will gain an overview of the event industry, associations and designations. Students will discuss various types of events, the different approach methods to planning a successful event and the core competencies required for today's event planners. | ||||
| ANTH-1012 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 | ||
Students will learn about fundamental concepts in Cultural Anthropology and how these concepts relate to their own lives and to Tourism, Hospitality and Culinary Arts. Students will practice applying the theoretical anthropological perspectives to various topics and perform academic research and reporting. This course promotes understanding social and cultural behaviours and ideas within larger cultural contexts while encouraging global citizenship and problem-solving thinking regarding diversity, relationship building, and incorporating authentic cultural components in their chosen programs of study. | ||||
| WRIT-1042 | Reason & Writing 1-Tourism/Hospitality | 3 | ||
This course will introduce tourism and hospitality students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking. | ||||
| COMP-1517 | Technology for Hospitality | 3 | ||
Every day technology impacts how individuals work and live. This course will expose students to the range of software currently used in the hospitality sector. Students will develop their skills in word processing, spreadsheet and presentation tools. The course will also explore file management, research skills, outlook and online collaboration tools for the modern workplace. | ||||
| MGMT-1259 | Event Sales & Service | 3 | ||
The business of events is highly competitive and event planners must have strong selling skills, a customer-focused strategy and an appreciation of superior service. In this course, students study the art and psychology of selling and learn the principles and techniques of strategic selling. Students will develop the skills required for prospecting, making sales calls, relationship building, conducting sales meetings and presentations and negotiating and closing the sale. The course utilises case studies, presentations, discussions and team participation, and places emphasis on developing the student's confidence and professionalism in communicating with event stakeholders and corporate decision makers. | ||||
| PLAN-1033 | Sports & Festivals | 3 | ||
The sports and festival tourism industries are growing and the aim of this course is to introduce students to this dynamic sector and the exciting employment opportunities it offers. Students will learn about the key players in the industry (including event staff, exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and the suppliers of goods and services) and how they work together to successfully host events. Students will also use tools, templates and techniques to enhance and assist in successful and innovative events. | ||||
| COOP-1020 | Co-operative Education Employment Prep | 1 | ||
This workshop will provide an overview of the Co-operative Education consultants and students' roles and responsibilities as well as the Co-operative Education Policy. It will provide students with employment preparatory skills specifically related to co-operative education work assignments and will prepare students for their work term. | ||||
Tuition Summary
London - Downtown
Online
[1] Total program costs are approximate and subject to change. They do not include additional fees such as the health and dental plan, bus pass, or general expenses. Learn more about ancillary and additional fees.