Administered by the Department of Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management.
The program offers study for the degree of Bachelor of Science with a major in event management. The program prepares undergraduate students for careers in leading event and meeting management businesses. Through the major, students gain background and experiences in planning, budgeting, and implementing conferences, meetings, and other special events in the public or private sectors. Course work provides students with a general education plus professional preparation focusing on the concepts and principles involved in meeting and event planning strategy; special event management; stakeholder development; budgets and finance; site selection; contracts, vendors, and negotiations; marketing and promotions; food and beverage management; meeting technology; event evaluation; and hospitality law. Event electives include courses in event sustainability, event digital promotion, incentive meetings, and international conference planning. Supporting courses include foodservice, catering, promotion, brand management, trend analysis, fashion, and resource management.
The program also houses "The Meeting Room: Where Experiences and Technology Innovate," a lab designed to allow Event Management students to have hands-on access to a number of cutting-edge technology tools designed to let students focus on new and event disruptive ideas in events and meeting management. The lab is equipped with virtual reality headsets, event sound and lighting equipment, wireless connectivity to displays for BYOD, and group/collaboration furniture.
Graduates from this program are prepared for careers in event planning (corporate events, celebrations, education, promotions, commemorations, trade shows, weddings, conferences, association events, exhibitions, festivals, philanthropies, entertainment, fundraising, conventions, and sport events) and small business development (entrepreneurship). Graduates demonstrate leadership characteristics and make decisions based on integrating knowledge of financial, human resources, promotion, and event management principles. Students are required to complete an internship in event management prior to graduation. The student experience is enhanced through networking and development events with our Event Management Executive Advisory Council, meeting/event industry conferences and association meetings, and international experiences designed specifically for event management students.
The AESHM Department offers a minor in event management. The minor can be earned by successfully completing the following for a total of 15 credits.
| 9 credits are required: | ||
| EVENT 271 | Introduction to Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 371 | Conference and Meeting Planning | 3 |
| EVENT 471 | Special Events Coordination | 3 |
| And six credits of the following: | 6 | |
| Principles of Management in Human Sciences | ||
| Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | ||
or MKT 340 | Principles of Marketing | |
| Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | ||
| Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | ||
| Hospitality and Event Technology Applications | ||
| Principles of Public Relations | ||
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Leading to the degree Bachelor of Science
Total credits required: 123, including a minimum of 18 credits from the AESHM Department at Iowa State University for the degree.
The curriculum in event management prepares students for careers in leading event and meeting management businesses. Courses are required in general education, and the professional area. Students majoring in Event Management are required to earn C- or better in all AESHM and EVENT courses, and all courses in the EVENT Core.
Communication Proficiency Requirement: Grade of C or better in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication, and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition.
Curriculum in Event Management
Administered by the Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management Department.
Leading to the degree Bachelor of Science.
Total credits required: 123 including a minimum of 18 credits from the AESHM Department at Iowa State University for the degree. The curriculum in event management prepares students for careers in leading event and meeting management businesses. Courses are required in general education, and the professional area. Students majoring in Event Management are required to earn C- or better in all AESHM and EVENT courses, and all courses in the EVENT Core. Communication Proficiency Requirement: Grade of C or better in ENGL 150 Critical Thinking and Communication, and ENGL 250 Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition.
A minor in event management is available; see requirements under Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Courses and Programs.
Cr. Degree Requirements
10 Communication Skills
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication * | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition * | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Information Literacy | 1 |
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Professional Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Total Credits | 10 | |
9-10 Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Introduction to Mathematical Ideas | ||
| Discovering Mathematics | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Discrete Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences | ||
| Survey of Calculus | ||
| Select from: | 3-4 | |
| Principles of Statistics | ||
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| Natural Sciences | 3 | |
| Select from: Astronomy, Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Ecology, Entomology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, FS HN 101 or FS HN 167, Genetics, Geology, Meteorology, Horticulture, Microbiology, Physics or A M D 204 | ||
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
9 Social Sciences
| ECON 101 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| Select from: | 6 | |
| Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Individual and Family Development, Health, and Well-being | ||
| Introduction to American Government | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
6 Humanities
| AESHM 342 | Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | 3 |
| World Languages and Cultures (Foreign Language) course suggested OR courses from African and African American Studies, American Indian Studies, Anthropology, Art History, Classical Studies, CMDIS 286, DSN S 183, History, INTST 235, Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Music or Dance Appreciation, Women's Studies, Theater | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
21-24 Core Courses
| EVENT 212 | Digital Production in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 271 | Introduction to Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 367 | Event Sales | 3 |
| EVENT 371 | Conference and Meeting Planning | 3 |
| EVENT 471 | Special Events Coordination | 3 |
| EVENT 485 | Event Management Production | 3 |
| AESHM 470F | Supervised Professional Internship: Event Management | 3-6 |
| Total Credits | 21-24 | |
32 Professional Courses
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| AESHM 112 | Orientation for AESHM | 1 |
| AESHM 113E | Professional Development for AESHM: Event and Hospitality Management - Directions Learning Community | 1 |
| or AESHM 213 | Transitions: Pre-Professional Strategies and Career Explorations | |
| AESHM 175D | Financial Applications for Retail and Hospitality Industries: Hospitality Management | 2 |
| AESHM 238 | Human Resource Management | 3 |
| AESHM 287 | Principles of Management in Human Sciences | 3 |
| AESHM 311E | Seminar on Careers and Internships: Event Management and Hospitality Management | 1 |
| AESHM 340 | Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| or MKT 340 | Principles of Marketing | |
| AESHM 411E | Seminar on Current Issues: Events and Hospitality | 1 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| H S 105 | First Aid and Emergency Care | 2 |
| HSP M 101 | Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | 3 |
| HSP M 260 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
| Hospitality Law | ||
| Total Credits | 32 | |
12 Event Management Electives
| Select from: | 12 | |
EVENT 203X | Event Management Sophomore Mentorship | |
| Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management | ||
| Contemporary Club Management | ||
| Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | ||
| Incentive Meeting Management | ||
| Entertainment Venue Management | ||
| Wedding Planning and Management | ||
| Sustainable Event Management | ||
| Nonprofit Fundraising Event Planning | ||
| International Meetings and Conferences Management | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
9 Professional Electives
| Select from: | 9 | |
| Supervised Work Experience I | ||
| First Year Student Field Study: Hospitality and Event Management | ||
| Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD) | ||
| Creativity on Demand | ||
| Supervised Work Experience II: Event Management | ||
| Fashion Show Production and Promotion | ||
| Orientation to International Field Study | ||
| International Field Study | ||
| Supervised Professional Internship: Event Management | ||
| Retail Merchandising | ||
| Visual Presentation and Promotions | ||
| Introduction to Wine, Beer, and Spirits | ||
| Introduction to Wine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory | ||
| Floral Design | ||
| Recreational Sport Management | ||
| Principles of Public Relations | ||
| Publicity Methods | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
Event Management, B.S.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| AESHM 112 | 1 | AESHM 175D | 2 | ||
| AESHM 113E | 2 | ECON 101 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 150 | 3 | ENGL 250 | 3 | ||
| EVENT 271 | 3 | LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| HSP M 101 | 3 | Humanities "Select from" Course | 3 | ||
| Social Science "Select from" Course | 3 | Natural Sciences "Select from" course | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| Event Management elective course | 3 | ACCT 284 | 3 | ||
| General Elective | 3 | AESHM 287 | 3 | ||
| Humanities "Select from" course | 3 | Event Managment Electives | 3 | ||
| Math "Select from" course | 3 | Event Managment Electives | 3 | ||
| Social Science "Select from" Course | 3 | Select from: | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| AESHM 311E | 1 | EVENT 367X | 3 | AESHM 470F | 3 |
| AESHM 340 | 3 | HSP M 260 | 3 | ||
| AESHM 342 | 3 | Select from: | 3-4 | ||
| EVENT 371 | 3 | ||||
| Speech/Communication "Select from" Course | 3 | Event Management Electives Course | 3 | ||
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15-16 | 3 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| AESHM 411E | 1 | AESHM 238 | 3 | ||
| AESHM 474 | 3 | EVENT 471 | 3 | ||
| Event Management Electives Course | 3 | Event Management Electives Course | 3 | ||
| Event Management Electives Course | 3 | Event Management Electives Course | 3 | ||
| General Elective | 3 | General Elective | 3 | ||
| General Elective | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 15 | ||||
| Total Credits: 125-126 | |||||
Courses
Courses primarily for undergraduates:
(2-2) Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: Event Management major
Applications of skills in Adobe Suite and other software technologies. Introduction to design elements used within the event management industry with a focus on digital publishing of marketing and promotional materials, wayfinding, and other stationery items. Face-to-face lecture and laboratory work.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Overview of the event management industries. Techniques and procedures required for producing successful and sustainable events.
Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: EVENT 271
Event management digital channels and platforms, including display advertising, search advertising, social media, and mobile. Students will be introduced to the most popular event management platforms as well as digital event management topics of visual marketing, digital media planning, and content marketing.
(Cross-listed with HSP M). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: HSP M 101
Organization and management of private clubs including city, country, and other recreational and social clubs. Field trip may be required.
Cr. 1-2. Repeatable, maximum of 4 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: Freshman or Sophomore Classification. Permission of instructor, adviser, and department chair.
Independent study on topics of special interest to the student, facilitated by approved faculty member.
No more than 9 credits of EVENT 290 and EVENT 490 may be applied towards graduation requirements.
(Cross-listed with HSP M). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: HSP M 101 or permission of instructor
Examination of current issues in the attractions and amusement park industry. Emphasis will be placed on development and design along with the functional departments of modern amusement parks and themed attractions.
Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: EVENT 271, Event Management major
Overview of the incentive meeting industry. Focus on incentive meeting planning, destination selection, program development, risk management, cultural aspects of international/national site selection and incentive meeting execution, and incentive meeting evaluation.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: EVENT 271 or equivalent
Organization and management of various types of entertainment venues including clubs, theaters, auditoriums, and arenas.
(3-0) Cr. 3.
Prereq: EVENT 271; AESHM 340
Overview of sales marketing management in the event industry and the role of the professional event sales manager in the marketing process. As an event professional, learn best sales practices to develop your personal selling style, to build on your strengths, and to create a referral business that delivers results. Principles covered include the characteristics and skills necessary for success in sales; strategic planning; sales leadership; analyzing customers and markets; designing and developing the sales force; the importance of relationship building; process management; and measurement, analysis, and knowledge management.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: EVENT 271 and junior standing
Application of event management principles to conference and meeting planning. Providing a comprehensive introduction to the key elements of the global conference, convention and meetings focus on destination marketing and professional development.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: EVENT 371 and Event Management major
Overview of wedding event industry. Focus on wedding planning processes and implementation, design, and business planning and development.
Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: EVENT 271, EVENT majors.
Introduction to international sustainable event standards, and how to measure the environmental impact of an event. Topics include ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainability related practices.
Cr. 3. F.
Prereq: EVENT 271, Instructor's permission.
The role of Nonprofit Organizations (NPOs) in the United States, and how NPOs secure essential income and help educate donors, guests, and volunteers of the organizational mission. Fundamentals of an event-based fundraising (e.g., a gala dinner) or community-based fundraising (e.g., runs, walks, and rides). Budgeting, marketing outreach, logistics management. Use of strategic tools, such as website and social media, to help increase financial success of a fundraising event. Grant-writing content.
Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. F.S.SS.
Prereq: EVENT Junior or Senior Classification and Permission of Instructor
Intensive 2 to 8 week workshop exploration. Topics vary each time offered.
Maximum of 6 Event 393 credits can be applied to graduation.
(Dual-listed with EVENT 531). (Cross-listed with HSP M). Cr. 3. S.
Prereq: Graduate-level standing and permission by instructor.
Operational and strategic challenges in the event management industry through directed case studies, roundtable discussions, and industry-related readings. Students will critically evaluate case studies related to event management in areas of event strategy, financial management, event operations, stakeholder development, event design, marketing, and other event topics.
(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Prereq: EVENT 371 and junior standing; permission of instructor.
Advanced application event management. Provide leadership and communicate direction for production of an event including developing event strategy, financial management, wayfinding, volunteer management, and marketing.
Cr. 3.
Prereq: EVENT 471; limited to Event Management majors; application and instructor permission
Planning and execution of an event including strategic planning, site selection, stakeholder development, event sponsorship, financial management, event marketing, event operations, and event evaluation.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Sections B-D: Program approval; Section H: Full membership in Honors Program
Independent study.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Program approval
Independent study.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Program approval.
Independent study.
Cr. arr. Repeatable.
Prereq: Sections B-D: Program approval; Section H: Full membership in Honors Program
Independent study.