Meeting and Event Planning Certificate marks 20th anniversary
For 20 years, UNC Charlotte’s Continuing Education has offered its Meeting and Event Planning Certificate, which has become a premiere program in the region.
Recently, a number of event planning professionals and certificate program alumni gathered to celebrate the certificate program’s 20th anniversary. A panel discussion addressed the newest trends in meeting and event planning.
Panelists were Crystal McCorkle of Fabulously Created Events, Aisha Thomas of Aisha Thomas Events, Sara Duckworth of Sarah Duckworth Events, Cassie Brown of TCG Events and Helen Apple Edwards of Spark By Design. David Klingel, the Event Professor, moderated the discussion.
“For nearly a decade, the Charlotte region’s hospitality and tourism industry has experienced phenomenal growth and will increase even further with the Republican National Convention next year. This will provide significant opportunities for meeting and event planners in the Queen City and reinforces the importance of the skills developed in UNC Charlotte’s Meeting and Event Planning Certificate,” stated Mohammad Jenatian, president of the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance (HTA).
One of the highlights of the evening included a preview of the new hotel and conference center that is currently in construction on UNC Charlotte’s main campus.
Brad Robinette, senior vice president of special projects at Sage Hospitality, stated, “As any meeting and event planner knows, a first-class venue is essential for creating a successful event. That is why we are so excited about the amazing opportunities that the UNC Charlotte Marriott Hotel and Conference Center will provide not only for the University but for the event planning industry in Charlotte.”
UNC Charlotte Meeting and Event Planning Certificate students learn how to design, plan and execute every kind of event, from small meetings to large conferences. This nine-course program walks students through the entire process of event planning, from coordinating and producing programming, to specific areas such as audio visual, catering, risk management, emergency preparedness, contracts and more. Over the course of four weekends participants are provided with the professional training, practical experience, and industry-recognized certificate needed to branch out into a corporate or solo position in meeting and event planning industry.
Photo, left to right, Cassie Brown, Aisha Thomas, Crystal McCorkle, Helen Apple Edwards, David Klingel and Sarah Duckworth participated in the 20th anniversary celebration of the Meeting and Event Planning Certificate.