Event management programs in the United States are distance-learning or campus programs that lead to a certificate or an advanced certificate. The George Washington University, Stratford University and the University of Massachusetts are three of the higher-education institutions that offer certification such programs, with online courses being available from the Fitzwilliam Institute and the International Institute of Event Management. These programs cover the basics of event coordination, including marketing, sponsorship and fundraising, negotiations, contracts and event risk management.
If you are willing to study abroad, then you can pursuit a Bachelor's degree in events management by U.K. higher-education institutions. Namely Regent's College London and the University of Derby offer international events management and events management degrees respectively. Even though they focus on the same courses as the certificate programs, these programs last between three and four years, allowing you to gain deeper knowledge of the theoretical background and the practical aspects of the industry. In addition, they lead to a Bachelor's degree, which reflects a higher educational attainment than certificates.
Since the event management industry is diverse, there are more than one type of qualifications that can help you make your first steps. According to DegreeDirectory.org, a number of qualifications can show prospective employers that you possess skills sought-after in the industry. These qualifications include Bachelor's degrees in marketing, communication, business, hospitality management or public relations. Also, an MBA degree or a qualification in human resources are also useful assets when you are looking for a job as an event coordinator.
Even if your Bachelor's degree was not directly focused on events management, you can pursuit a relevant postgraduate diploma or a Master's degree. The Fitzwilliam Institute offers postgraduate diplomas in conference planning, exhibition management, corporate event planning and festival event management. If you want to continue your education abroad, the Leeds Metropolitan University in the United Kingdom offers an MSc in Events Management.