Continuing Education

Event Management

All great events, grand concerts, and once-in-a-lifetime shows have one thing in common: their vision is brought to life for others to experience by talented organizers and Event Managers.

NAIT's Event Management Program will prepare you to apply a multitude of project management skills within a variety of dynamic environments such as trade shows, conferences, meetings, milestone events, award ceremonies, new product launches, social and corporate events, and non-profit events.

In this foundational program, you will develop versatile event management skills including event planning, administration, marketing, and communications, risk management, and how to maintain healthy relationships with industry partners. You will develop the talent to apply these skills to lead, strategize, collaborate and facilitate stakeholder-defined outcome targets!

About the events industry

Event Managers, Planners and Coordinators are in high demand in the corporate, social, live events, and non-profit sectors. Organizations hire a range of educated and trained industry professionals, from entry-level to seasoned, to organize a variety of events such as trade shows, conferences, meetings, milestone events, and awards ceremonies to name a few. This industry reflects a $19.3 billion direct contribution to Canada’s GDP, sustains 229,000 direct jobs providing great employment opportunities and career growth, and generates about $33 billion per year in direct spending across the nation.

Edmonton is positioned as a destination of choice for major events, conferences, festivals, and entertainment. Check out Explore Edmonton to learn more.    

For more information on industry salaries, check out the wages and salaries report from Alis. For more resources and insight about the business events community in Canada, visit Meetings Mean Business Canada.

Courses

Quick Facts

Credential: Certificate Achievement

An approved non-credit program that has a formal summative assessment component, has mappped program or course outcomes, and is subject to a regular quality curriculum review process.

Campus: Main

Any in-person components of your courses will be delivered at NAIT's Main Campus in Edmonton. View map

Delivery Options:

  • On-Campus Evening and/or Weekend - Your course activity is done in-person on weekdays in the evening, or Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Online Evening and/or Weekend - Your course activity is done online on weekdays in the evening, or Saturdays and Sundays.

Gaining a solid foundation of key concepts and skills

Industry experts tell us that they want our graduates to have a broad base and depth of knowledge relative to the event industry.  To meet these industry demands, we offer a solid Event Management program to give you the foundational knowledge and skills that will help increase your suitability for industry employment. Whether you aspire to a career in professional event management or are already working in a position with event planning responsibilities, we can help you become a skilled and highly sought-after professional.

Industry experts helped us determine the outcomes of the Event Management program to ensure that you will be able to do the following:  

  • Understand the various aspects of event management including the planning process, critical paths, production schedules and risk management.
  • Construct event marketing strategies and plans, including constructing media releases.
  • Evaluate and select venues and complete physical designs and layouts.
  • Prepare and execute event communication strategies for both internal and external stakeholders including how to message and the tools to use.
  • Understand how to select food and beverage elements to suit an event.
  • Understand and use event administrative technology and create technology plans including problem solving tactics.

Completion requirements

You will earn an Event Management Certificate when you complete the eight (8) core Event Management courses, for a total of 165 hours. These core courses are:

  • EVMT700             Event Management Foundations
  • EVMT730             Event Marketing
  • EVMT750             Technology for Event Administration
  • EVMT760             Event Management Communications
  • EVMT765             Event Design and Venue Selection
  • EVMT770             Food and Beverage
  • EVMT780             Creating Critical Paths & Production Scheduling
  • EVMT795             Risk Management for Events

**To accommodate the Event Management Program structure change, the following optional courses will remain available for enrollment through the 2022/2023 academic year and will not be offered afterwards. These optional courses cannot be taken in lieu of the core courses identified above that are needed to earn the Event Management Certificate.

  • EVMT705        Planning Strategies for Event Management
  • EVMT710        Event Industry Professionalism and Ethics
  • EVMT720        Human Resource Management
  • EVMT725        Writing Event Proposals
  • EVMT735        Contracts and Negotiations
  • EVMT740        Networking
  • EVMT745        Preparing Event Financial Plans
  • EVMT755        Creative Concepts
  • EVMT775        Program Creation
  • EVMT785        Green Meetings and Corporate Social Responsibility
  • EVMT800        Event Management Capstone Project
  • EVMT801        Operations Specialization Capstone
  • EVMT802        Program Planning Specialization Capstone
  • EVMT810        Program Planning Bootcamp
  • EVMT820        Operations Bootcamp

Testimonials

Jocelyne Lambert

Jocelyne Lambert

I have been involved in event planning throughout most of my life starting at a very young age assisting my mother as she coordinated events at her workplace, but never having formal education in this field.  NAIT’s Event Management certificate is well-respected and high calibre, recognized globally for producing graduates with the skills and confidence that many industries are looking for. It is available locally and provided an amazing opportunity for me to learn while still working. When I initially enrolled in the program, I was unemployed, and looking to get back into the event industry full time.  As I was taking courses, I secured an unbelievable position, whereby event planning is a large component and I know for certain that being enrolled at NAIT at interview time was weighted heavily in my favour in the selection process.  

The instructors that I had the honour of meeting and learning from brought a broad spectrum of knowledge, experience and passion for live event planning. The classroom settings and campus environment made learning easier and fun.  Obtaining the Event Management Certificate has provided me with essential knowledge while sharpening my current skills which can be applied to so many events from a birthday parties, corporate events, to world class events. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking at delving into the world of live event planning or is simply wanting to update their current skills to seriously look at NAIT’s Event Management Certificate Program. 

Portrait of Madeline Verhappen

Madeline Verhappen

For two years I had the opportunity to lead a fundraising event as a volunteer. I enrolled in the Event Management Certificate program through NAIT to formalize my experience. Not only did the program expand my knowledge of the industry, but it also provided me with the opportunity to network locally with new and established event professionals. Everyone was encouraged to participate by sharing our thoughts, experiences, stories. The final project then connected our lessons with real-world experiences.

The program was certainly worth the effort for the lessons learned and recognition from a quality training institution such as NAIT.

Event professional designations

A number of external organizations provide accreditation in the event industry. Typically, these designations require industry experience prior to writing the required exams.

The following are two designations you can pursue throughout your career. These organizations also offer student membership rates, so you can begin networking immediately:

Instructors

Alexandra Armstrong

Alexandra Armstrong

Alex Armstrong is the owner and creative director of Three Tall Women Design, a production design firm specializing in corporate events.

Read More
Caitlin McElhone

Caitlin McElhone

Owner and lead planner of CM Events, Caitlin McElhone, is passionate about lifestyle, urban living and executing exciting events for her clients.

Read More
Kristine Monteiro

Kristine Monteiro

Kristine Monteiro works as an Event Consultant at MacEwan University’s Conference and Event Services department.

Read More
Manfred Kalk

Manfred Kalk

With 20+ years in the hospitality and events field, Manfred has worked on every size, style and genre of event you can imagine.

Read More

Advanced Standing

If you have 5 or more years of full-time industry experience, you may be eligible for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credit for the Event Management Foundations course (EVMT700). 

To learn more and to begin the process, read through the following:

  1. Fact Sheet - Event Management (pdf)
  2. Candidate Guide - Event Management (pdf)
  3. PLAR Request Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

How do I apply/register?

Except for our Academic Upgrading and ESL programs, you do not need to apply to get started. If you would like to join us for courses, you can enrol yourself through our website and complete your fee payment by VISA/MasterCard credit or debit card.

You can proceed to the course page and select “Add to Cart” beside the course dates of your choice. You will complete your payment once you are signed into your account. A video walkthrough of this process is available at www.nait.ca/register

Visit the ESL application page for details on how to register.

Visit the Academic Upgrading program page for details on how to register.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

When is the deadline to register?

This can vary depending on the course or program. Some courses may have specific registration deadlines, which will be noted under View Course Information.

Space is limited, and our courses can fill up well before the scheduled start date. For best results, we recommend enrolling as soon as you are able. If the Add to Cart button is available on the website, you are welcome to enrol.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

I am trying to sign up, but the shopping cart says “already enrolled in course, add not processed.” What do I do now?

You may have begun and not finished the checkout process in the last 24 hours. The course is on your MyNAIT portal waiting for secure online payment to confirm your seat in the class.

Please log in to your MyNAIT portal complete online payment through Self Service.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

I've been added to a waitlist. What does this mean?

If a course you wish to take says Add to Waitlist instead of Add to Cart, that means that there are no open seats for registration for that section.

You can add yourself to the waitlist at no charge for a chance to be enrolled if space becomes available. If you are enrolled from the waitlist, you will receive an email notice advising you to visit your student portal to make a payment.

Where possible, we recommend enrolling yourself in a different section with available space to ensure you can still complete the course even if you are not enrolled from the waitlist into your preferred section.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Do I need a NAIT student account to sign up for Continuing Education classes? How do I make one?

Yes, you do need a NAIT student account to sign up for Continuing Education classes.

If you are new to NAIT, we recommend creating a NAIT account on the MyNAIT portal. When you are asked for a NAIT ID number, leave the space blank if you have not attended or applied to NAIT before, and our system will generate a new Student ID for you.

Once your account has been made, you can search for a course and add it to your cart. You will complete your payment once you are signed into your account with your new username and password.  More details including a video walkthrough of this process is available at www.nait.ca/register

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Funding Options

How much does it cost?

NAIT has a flexible payment option for continuing education classes. 10% of the cost is due upon enrolment (as well as material fees if applicable). The remainder of tuition is due 30 days prior to class start date. 

Please refer to the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding webpage for the most up to date funding information.

 

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 10/11/2022

What are my funding and payment options?

NAIT has a flexible payment option for continuing education classes. 10% of the cost is due upon enrolment (as well as material fees if applicable). The remainder of tuition is due 30 days prior to class start date. 

Please refer to the ESL and Academic Upgrading Funding webpage for the most up to date funding information.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 10/3/2022

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

To be eligible for a refund, you must drop your course at least 10 calendar days before the class start date.

Please see the refund policy for more information.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Are there other fees for textbooks, memberships, hardware or equipment? If so, is it something I buy from NAIT, and how?

If textbooks, materials or software are required for an individual course, it will be noted in the course details. If software or other costs apply to a whole program, it will be listed in the program overview.

Most textbooks can be purchased directly from Shop at NAIT. The program area will provide further directions if your course requires textbooks, software or other materials that need to be purchased elsewhere.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

An organization (employer or community organization) wants to pay for my Continuing Education courses by invoice. How do we set this up?

Please submit a Third Party Sponsorship form for Continuing Education courses.

This document needs to clearly identify the student, the course(s) requested, the start dates for each course requested, and the contact information of the sponsoring organization and invoicing contact. Once complete, submit the forms online.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Courses, certificates and transfer credits

How are Continuing Education certificates issued to students?

Students who successfully complete all required courses in the certificate of their choice will receive a digital credential. NAIT will automatically issue your digital certification through our MyCreds system, and you will receive an email notification once your credential is ready. Credentials typically take up to 10 business days to be processed after all grades are officially posted.

Please note: Students completing the following certificates with electives are asked to self-identify by emailing ContinuingEducation@nait.ca when they have completed the required number of electives:

  • Business Fundamentals
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • Equity Diversity and Inclusion
  • Enhanced Team Leadership
  • Management for ASET Technology Professionals
  • Human Resources for the Supervisor
  • Workplace Essentials
  • Power Engineering Fourth Class Theory
  • Medical Office Administrator
  • Business Analyst
  • Geographic Information Systems Technology
  • Process Analyst
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 2/9/2023

How do I withdraw from a non-credit course?

Information on how to withdraw from a non-credit course can be found on the Refunds page.
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 7/21/2022

I want to apply for transfer credit, what is the process?

If you have previous post-secondary education and want to apply for transfer credit, you must first be accepted into a credit program and have paid your non-refundable tuition deposit.

Transfer credit is granted as per the guidelines and process outlined here. Please note that processing times for transfer credit is 4-6 weeks, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.  

To apply for transfer credit, please log into your MyNAIT portal account and select Open Self-Service. Once in Self-Service, select Academic Records>Transfer Credits>Apply for Transfer Credits. Please follow the prompts, make the required payment, and click submit. If you do not click on the submit button, your transfer credit application will not be received by NAIT.  

To monitor your transfer credit application, under the same section Self-Service, select Monitor Application Status. You can also locate the step-by-step Transfer Credit Application guide under the Self-Service Guide on the portal. 

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 6/30/2022

I am looking for a course or program

You can search for a Continuing Education program or course based on your area of interest here.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 10/21/2021

What are the prior knowledge and skill expectations (prerequisites) for Continuing Education courses?

The expectations before joining any of our programs will vary for each course and certificate. We will list prerequisites or recommended prior knowledge for each certificate on the program landing page, and for individual courses in the course information.

You can view individual course information by either clicking the course title or the View Course Information option under the course title.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Is there a recommended order to take each course in the certificate?

Most program areas list the courses in the recommended order and include any prerequisite information in the course Information description. If a course is listed as a pre-requisite, you would need to have completed the prerequisite to be able to register.

If a course is listed as recommended you can enrol without having the prerequisite on your record, which we only recommend doing if you have mastered the content of the recommended course through other work experience or education.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

How long does it take to finish this program? Do I have a time limit?

Many Continuing Education programs are relatively short, and you have the benefit of taking individual courses as fit your schedule and budget.

Use the drop-down menu of dates beside the add to cart button to pick out a schedule that works for you. We recommend completing most programs within 1-2 years wherever possible to help you maintain connections in your learning from course to course.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Can I get credit towards this credential for experience or past coursework?

Many programs will accept previous experience or coursework.

There is a fee and formal application process for transfer credit for previous course work or work experience. Learn more about transfer and credit options.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Technology Requirements

What are the technology requirements for virtual classes?

  • Access to a personal computer running Windows 8.1 or 10/11 operating system with minimum 4GB of system memory (8 GB highly recommended) and must have administrator rights to install applications.
  • Microsoft Office 365 or Office 2019/2021. Education version of Microsoft Office 365 is available for all current NAIT students.
  • Students can contact NAIT Information and Technology Services for help and support (780) 471-8624 or helpline@nait.ca
  • High speed internet connection
  • Microphone, speaker or headset and webcam
  • Dual monitor display is highly recommended
Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/2/2022

The course description says “Mac, Chromebook or tablets are not supported." What are my options to attend virtual courses?

The statement about Windows vs. Mac is for classes that are taught on computers running Windows.

The instructor will be using a Windows operating system for these courses and will not be able to allocate instructional time navigating or troubleshooting differences between Mac/Windows OS.

Some students are comfortable doing that type of troubleshooting themselves, but there may also be software compatibility concerns for your individual course and the instructor will not able to provide direct technical support should you choose to proceed against the program’s recommendation.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

What is Moodle, and how do I use it?

Moodle is the learning platform we use for many of our online courses.

If your course will be delivered through Moodle, you can access it by clicking the Moodle button right in your MyNAIT portal account. You will find your course linked in Moodle on the scheduled start date.

Copy Shareable Link
Link Copied!
Last Modified: 9/29/2021

Delivery Methods

  • Face to Face: Where: In-person meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Face-to-face instruction at all class meetings. Location may be on campus or at a worksite.
  • Blended: Where: Mixture of in-person & online components. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Combination of face-to-face and online components at specific times. Some online components may be accessed online anytime.
  • Hyflex: Where: Choice to attend in-person or online meetings. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. For each class, students choose to attend in-person with the instructor or online at a specific time.
  • Remote Live Delivery: Where: Online with instructor. When: Course is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Instruction is delivered at set times online. Students do not come to campus.
  • Remote On-Demand Delivery: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online. While there are no set class meetings, there may be set due dates and deadlines for some activities. Students may interact with peers through virtual tools.
  • Remote Independent: Where: Online anytime. When: No set class meetings. Coursework is accessed on-demand and online, with no instructor support. While students choose when to do coursework, there may be set due dates and deadlines. 
  • Work Placement: Where: In-person meetings. When: Work is scheduled at a specific time for students to attend. Onsite work integrated learning. Location at a worksite.
Shopping Cart Quick View
Open Shopping Cart