Professional Development

Meeting and Event Management Course Descriptions

For course schedules and price lists click here. To register and for more information please call 781.238.8458.

Introduction To Meeting Management (MM 5100)
This class is designed to teach participants the basic skills and concepts needed to plan successful meetings. Students will work through the logistics of building a meeting plan to gain an overall understanding of contract negotiation, menu planning, budgeting, site selection, and on-site management. Available resources and how best to use them, the importance of networking, and working effectively with clients and vendors will also be discussed. This course provides a broad overview of the meetings industry and serves as a foundation for the remaining courses in the certificate program. (This class must be taken first as it is a prerequisite for all other courses.)

Progam Design (MM 5101)
Meeting managers are looked to more and more as experts and advisers on a variety of issues in the meetings industry. Clients require managers to have knowledge of budgets, A/V, siting, negotiations, logistics, etc. All of these pieces are held together by the actual design of the program or event being planned. Without a solid program design, conferences often appear fragmented and fail to accomplish their intended purposes. This course includes information on the specific processes and methods involved in designing, planning, implementing, and evaluating conferences, workshops, and education events. The course will focus in depth on the design process and includes analyzing audiences, developing goals and objectives, assessing and selecting appropriate delivery methods, selecting presenters and presentation media, implementing events, and evaluating outcomes.

On-Site Conference Management (MM 5102)
As the meeting date approaches, planning is critical to ensure a successful conference. Decisions must be made about meal planning, program staffing, attendee travel, A/V and/or production management, VIP management, hosting of spouse/guest special programming, recreational activities, attendee communication, local customs or laws (especially if you're on foreign turf), fire safety, and security issues. Planning for and managing the unexpected – such as weather, strikes, and medical emergencies – is also essential. This course is designed to teach the student all of the varying pieces needed to manage a successful program.

Budgeting and Financial Management (MM 5103)
A well-prepared budget is essential to accurately plan specific components of meetings and events and to track income and expenses. It is one of the most important control mechanisms available to a meeting planner. The focus of this course is on basic budgeting skills and financial management concepts, providing basic financial analysis skills that meeting planners can incorporate into their daily work. Specific content areas will include, but not be limited to, factors that influence budget, the budgeting process, understanding financial statements, estimations, variance analysis, cost containment, financial controls, taxes and gratuities, and understanding negotiable items. Calculators are necessary for each class.

Site Selection (MM 5104)
Experienced planners are the first to say, 'Your site will make or break you.' Fundamentally, the perfect site will support meeting objectives, enhance learner outcomes, provide value, and honor budgetary guidelines. Take the guesswork out of finding the perfect site for every event by integrating site selection into the meeting-planning process. This course provides a strategic approach to site selection by breaking the selection process down into critical elements. It includes an actual site inspection, where you will gain valuable insight into the hospitality industry, and class presentations to broaden your resources. The curriculum is well rounded with handouts and discussions, covering adult learning theory, legal liabilities, contractual obligations, and current industry issues. The skills and knowledge gained in this course will make you more efficient and effective in your role as a meeting manager.

Audio Visual Technology (MM 5105)
If the picture doesn't appear on the screen or the microphone fails to work, you've really got trouble. Audio-visual support is often the most critical and least understood element of a meeting or conference's success. This course takes a nontechnical, upbeat approach to understanding equipment, from microphones to video conferencing and the latest in computer displays. We also discuss room sets, facilities, contractors, and presenters.

Contract Negotiation and Management (MM 5106)
The final outcome of a successful negotiation is a contract. This class is designed to teach participants what meeting and event planners need to know to negotiate and execute a contract with hotels, convention centers, and other suppliers, starting with the factors that drive negotiations with suppliers, negotiation tips and techniques, and keys to understanding each party's formula for success. Through the use of a contract checklist, students will learn how to analyze a hotel contract, covering such important contract terms as attrition, cancellation, indemnification, and force majeure. By the conclusion of the course, participants will be able to understand and negotiate the key terms and conditions of a contract through a step-by-step process.