October 1, 2013 | Ontario

Learn to plan, coordinate and stage events through hands-on training in Ontario

North York, ON – October 1, 2013 – Behind every successful exhibition, fashion show and conference, there’s a team of people that ensures the event runs smoothly. In most cases, there’s one person leading them – the event planner. From staging and décor to sponsorship and marketing, an event planner may have a hand in coordinating all aspects of an event. And if it seems simple to the casual observer, an event planner relies on an extensive skill set to ensure their event goes off without a hitch.

“Putting a quality event together isn’t as easy as many people would think,” said event planner Jason London. “Bringing hundreds – or thousands – of people together can be quite challenging, even in perfect conditions.”

With nearly 20 years of event planning experience, London has coordinated a range of events from corporate parties and conferences to weddings and fashion shows. Throughout his career, he’s worked alongside promotional companies and radio stations. He’s even teamed up with other event management companies to successfully stage all sorts of events. London is now bringing his knowledge and experience into the classroom, ready to train the next generation of event planners in Ontario in the Event Management program at CDI College in North York.

“Event planning is a great career choice for hard working, self-motivated people,” London adds. “It can open up a world of endless opportunities from the hotel and hospitality industry to the entertainment field.”

Students in the Event Management program at CDI College develop the skills and knowledge to design, plan and execute a range of special events. They learn about working with décor teams, lighting and audio technicians, caterers, live entertainment and volunteers. They cover essential topics such as budgets and financial management, resource planning, contracts, negotiation, sales, marketing, proposal writing and fundamental human resource management techniques. A student membership with the local chapter of the International Special Events Society of Canada (ISES) is also included.

Practical application of skills and knowledge is an essential element of the Event Management program. Students have the chance to integrate their knowledge and skills by staging a series of events, both individually and as part of a team. Having instructors like Jason London means students will receive constant feedback throughout the whole process.

Along with a CDI College diploma, graduates also receive additional certifications, including WorldHost Fundamentals Certificate, FoodSafe Level 1 and Serving It Right. In addition, grads also receive four American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute certifications: Managing Service in Food and Beverage Operations; Hospitality Sales and Marketing; Supervision in the Hospitality Industry; and Convention Management and Service.

CDI College is now accepting applications for the Event Management program at its North York campus and other locations in Ontario. In 55 weeks, students will develop the skills and knowledge needed to start a career in the event planning field. For more information about the Event Management program, fill out the form on the right.