If we did a survey of event organizers to find out about their basic training, the answers would be very varied, such as: sociology (me), music, animation in cultural research and many others. In fact, nothing that is really related to the organization of events. Normal, because the job of organizer began to become more professional in the last decade, following the growing expansion of this area. As a result, training institutions have adjusted to demand in the job market and new courses related to event organization have emerged.
To become an event organizer, there is no specific training. Here are some examples of training that could be relevant:
PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
Cegep of Rivière du Loup / Dawson College / Cégep St-Laurent / Cégep du Vieux-Montréal
– Recreational Intervention Technique, Culture and Tourism (DEC 3 years)
CÉGEP JOHN ABBOTT – Center for Continuing Education
– Event management program (AEC) Duration: 600 hours
UQAM
– Bachelor’s degree in Animation and Cultural Research – Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Public Relations – Master’s degree in Project Management: The realization of events
UQTR
– Bachelor of Leisure, Culture and Tourism
– DESS and Master of Leisure, Culture and Tourism
UNIVERSITÉ LAVAL
– Certificate in Tourism Business Management
PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS
LASALLE COLLEGE
– Event Planning (AEC) – Duration: 705 hours divided into 3 evening sessions.
ITHQ
– Events and Congress Coordination (AEC) Duration: 2 years
MERICI COLLEGE
– Event Management and Congress (AEC) – Duration: 690 hours in 1 year.
ZOOM ACADÉMIE
– Launch of a company in event organization (ASP) – Duration: 12 weeks – Event organizer specializing in sales consulting (DEP) New Program in partnership with the Marguerite-Bourgeoys school board and recognized by the ( MELS).
SCHOOL OF SHOWBUSINESS
– Organization of an artistic, cultural or corporate event . Duration: 16 months.
INSTITUTE OF THE EVENT – IDE
– A la carte training for a day
THE COLLEGIAL CITY
– Certificate in event management.
ACADEMY OF TRAINING IN EVENT
It is important to remember that there is no specific path to pursue this profession. Above all, it requires great resourcefulness, leadership, creativity, curiosity, energy, listening, and a particularly well-developed sense of organization and celebration. In addition to studies, here are some tips:
1) Volunteer! Every year, I offer students to participate in my Breast Yourself Fundraising Event. Attending an event from morning to evening and seeing it take shape is in my opinion the best course 101 in events.
2) “Happiness is in the network”. I can not repeat it enough, build a network, build relationships and nurture them. This will open doors for you!
3) Do not believe that there is a future only in the corporate domain. There are several opportunities with associations, in the army, in colleges, in hotels, with caterers. There are events everywhere.
As is the case in many areas, it is not easy to break into events. It may take longer than expected to reach your goals, but do not get discouraged, be patient and consider your journey like a marathon. Regarding patience, I suggest this video Gary Vaynerschuk.
In closing, if you want to know if event coordination is for you, here is a little test here.
