Swiss Alpine Diploma in Events & Conventions Management

Program Overview

Swiss Alpine Diploma in Events & Conventions Management

Who this course is for:

Individuals interested in acquiring knowledge, skills and practice to work in the different segments of this industry, namely:

• Conventions
• Exhibitions
• Media and product launches
• Awards ceremonies, sports events
• Charity events, trade shows
• Association meetings
• Cultural events such as film and music festivals
• Fashion shows
• Museum and gallery openings
• Concerts, and carnivals
• Other events include parties, weddings and anniversaries.

About

This two-year programme aims to equip individuals with the knowledge, understanding and skills required for success in employment in the Events and Conventions industry at supervisory or management level. Individuals will acquire and develop skills that are transferable (Common skills) and will enable them to meet changing circumstances that they will encounter in their employment and the hospitality environment in general. The programme consists of two academic semesters (October to March) and two paid industry placements (May to September).

Description

The Swiss Alpine Diploma in Events and Conventions Management programme is delivered in an actual hotel and hospitality campus, in order to offer students opportunities to see service related practices taking place. Equal emphasis is given to acquiring knowledge on the operation and management of different departments and to applying it in a real business environment. In order to achieve this, students of the Events and Conventions Management programme, participate in various conferences, exhibitions and special events that happen in Athens.

First year students study about MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) operations such as customer service, food and beverage service, event set up and organization, venue selection, budgeting, accounting principles, and introduction to Event management. During the second year the students become more involved in the managerial aspects of Event and Convention operations and the hospitality industry in general. This involves the event management process, contracts and negotiations, vendor relations, financial accounting, human resources, organizational behavior, and Events and Conventions marketing studies.

In this way, students will get the necessary knowledge and ambition to participate in an actual industry practice placement during the summers.

Particular emphasis is placed on developing professional competences such as effective communication, information technology, customer care, teamwork, leadership etc. by incorporating relevant 'professionalism seminars' into the curriculum and assessing students on their professional attitude as well as academic performance.

Content

The Events and Conventions Management curriculum has been devised in collaboration with Alpine’s Industry Advisory Board, which provides advice and valuable insights on the necessary skills and knowledge that future professionals and leaders in this industry should possess.

Year 1

• Introduction to Event & Convention Management
• Event Planning and Production
• Venue Management and Operations
• Personal Development Planning
• Business Applications
• Finance for Managers
• Managing People and Organizations
• Applied Events Operations
• Customer Service Workshops
• Industry Placement I

Year 2

• Event Project Management
• Event Catering
• Major Incident and Crisis Management
• Financial Planning for Business
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing
• Research Skills
• Integrated Project
• Industry Placement II

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Swiss Alpine Diploma in Events & Conventions Management is a two-year program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed for success in the Events and Conventions industry at a supervisory or management level. The program aims to develop both transferable skills and specific industry expertise, enabling graduates to adapt to changing circumstances within the hospitality environment. It combines academic study with paid industry placements. The program is delivered on a hotel and hospitality campus in Athens, Greece, allowing students to observe real-world service practices and participate in various conferences, exhibitions, and special events. The curriculum focuses on both the operational and managerial aspects of event planning and management, covering topics from customer service and event setup to contract negotiation and financial accounting. A key emphasis is placed on developing professional competencies such as communication, IT skills, customer care, teamwork, and leadership. The curriculum was developed in collaboration with Alpine’s Industry Advisory Board.

Outline:

• Industry Placement II:
A paid placement lasting from May to September. First-year students study MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) operations, including customer service, food and beverage service, event setup and organization, venue selection, budgeting, and accounting principles. The second year delves into managerial aspects, covering event management processes, contracts and negotiations, vendor relations, financial accounting, human resources, organizational behavior, and events and conventions marketing.

Assessment:

The provided text mentions that students are assessed on both their professional attitude and academic performance.

Teaching:

The program is delivered in an actual hotel and hospitality campus.

Careers:

The program prepares individuals for supervisory or management-level positions in various segments of the events and conventions industry, including conventions, exhibitions, media and product launches, awards ceremonies, sports events, charity events, trade shows, association meetings, cultural events (film and music festivals), fashion shows, museum and gallery openings, concerts, carnivals, parties, weddings, and anniversaries.

Other:

The program is offered in English and is studied in Greece. The curriculum was devised in collaboration with Alpine’s Industry Advisory Board. The program emphasizes the development of professional competencies such as effective communication, information technology, customer care, teamwork, and leadership through professionalism seminars.