ESU Announces Minor in Event Planning

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Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on April 21, 2021, No Comments

The College of Business and Management at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced a new minor in event planning management within its hospitality program that will launch in Fall 2021. The minor, which consists of 18 credits, is an opportunity for interested students to earn a credential that gives them additional expertise in order to enter the meetings, expositions, events and conventions (MEEC) and hospitality industries.

“As society begins to regain confidence after the COVID pandemic, we will see more businesses reopening and resuming in-person meetings. There is a need for individuals in the workforce to have these skill sets. According to the Events Industry Council (EIC), meetings and events account for $2.5 trillion of business sales and creates 26 million jobs, producing more than $1.5 trillion GDP and the 13th largest economy globally.” said Dr. Li-Ming Chiang, chair and professor of ESU’s department of hospitality, recreation and tourism management. “We see this new minor as an opportunity for those students – in all disciplines – to learn how to coordinate and manage corporate meetings, exhibitions, conferences and special events.”

According to Dr. Chiang, courses within the minor will cover a wide array of topics including budgeting and finance, site selection, contracts, vendor selection, negotiations, promotions, food and beverage management, related technology and hospitality law. Those enrolling in the minor are required to complete two introductory core courses – “Introduction to the Hospitality and Tourism Industries” and “Principals of Event Management” – before taking advanced courses. Upon completion of the minor, students will have the opportunity to obtain the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) Exam from the Events Industry Council (EIC).

To learn more about the event planning management minor contact Dr. Chiang at lchiang@esu.edu.