Program Overview

Introduction to the Certificate in Professional Meeting and Event Planning

The market for meetings and events is growing rapidly, with a substantial increase in revenue expected by 2032. To thrive in this industry, professionals need specialized skills to effectively plan and manage various types of events. The online Certificate in Professional Meeting and Event Planning program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) provides comprehensive training for students and professionals.

Program Overview

This program is designed for those who want to prepare for the Certification in Meeting Planning (CMP) exam, fine-tune their skills, or become qualified candidates for jobs in the industry. The curriculum is built on the tenets of the CMP administered by the Events Industry Council. Online, asynchronous classes are led by an active professional with decades of experience, providing unique learning opportunities.

Program Details

• The program covers all ten elements of the Events Industry Council Manual that CMP candidates should study before testing.
• The course analyzes the 30 skills outlined in the manual, introducing new concepts for learners.
• The program is self-paced, with no experience or prerequisites required.

Ideal Candidates

• Meeting planning professionals who want to update their skills and gain a competitive edge.
• Individuals making a career change to transition into the meeting and event planning industry.
• Planners looking to accumulate hours towards qualifying for or renewing the Certified Meeting Professional exam.
• Hospitality or tourism professionals seeking additional skills and knowledge.

Learning Outcomes

• Information about career opportunities in meeting planning and related fields.
• Specific skills and knowledge crucial to professional meeting planners.
• Logistics to create a successful event from idea creation through implementation.

Program Completion

• Access course materials on the official start date, including online modules, resources, and required readings.
• Progress through asynchronous online content at a self-paced schedule.
• Successfully complete all assignments and quizzes with a passing score.
• Complete the program within the designated 10-week period.
• Share feedback and final evaluation at the end of the program.

Digital Badges

Effective January 1, 2026, all program completions will be recognized with a digital badge instead of a traditional certificate. Badges are issued immediately upon meeting program requirements and include secure, verifiable details about the achievement.

Program Outline

Section 1 Planning as a Profession

• Industry scope, scale, and impact.
• Skills and attributes of successful planners.
• Roles and responsibilities.
• Job types and financial potential.
• Ethical issues.
• Building your network.
• Inspirations and other topics to explore.

Section 2 Strategic Planning, Project Management, Stakeholder Management

• Create a strategic plan for a meeting or event.
• Develop a sustainability plan for a meeting or event.
• Develop a business continuity or long-term viability plan for a meeting or event.
• Plan a meeting or event project.
• Manage a meeting or event project.

Section 3 - Risk Management, Financial Management

• Manage risk management plan.
• Manage event funding and financial resources.
• Budget management.
• Manage monetary transactions.

Section 4 Human Resources, Meeting or Event Design

• Recruitment and training of staff and volunteers.
• Manage stakeholder relationships.
• Develop a program.
• Engage speakers and performers.
• Coordinate food and beverage services.
• Design environment.
• Manage audiovisual and technical production.
• Develop a plan for managing the movement of attendees.

Section 5 Site Management, Marketing, Professionalism

• Select a site.
• Design site layout.
• Manage meeting or event site.
• Manage on-site communications.
• Develop a marketing plan.
• Create and manage marketing materials.
• Create and manage meeting or event merchandise.
• Promote a meeting or event.
• Contribute to public relations activities.
• Manage meeting-related sales activities.

Instructors

The program is led by David Anderson, CMP, principal owner of the Eventive Group, with decades of experience in corporate, non-profit, and association meetings and events.

Testimonials

Previous students have found the program to be a valuable foundation for building their careers as professional event planners, with opportunities to learn from experienced leaders and network with like-minded peers.

Program Details

• Section Number: BUS_213.(2263-1)
• Dates: May 4, '26 - Jul 24, '26
• Schedule: See Full Schedule
• CEUs: 1.0
• Location: CSULB Online
• Cost: $650.00
• Last Day to Enroll: May 8, '26
• Status: Available