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. To complete the program, a student combines general education, Event core classes, and a structure of focused courses to form an option in:(a) corporate/business events, (b) virtual events, (c) social events: weddings and nonprofit events, (d) sport events, or (e) innovative event experiences in retail.
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.
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 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| Select from: | 3 | |
| 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 | ||
| 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 (Food and the Consumer), FS HN 167 (Human Nutrition), 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 U.S. 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 and Gender Studies, Theater | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
9-13 General Electives
24-27 Core Courses
| EVENT 171 | Introduction to Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 212 | Digital Production in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 343X | Virtual and Hybrid Events | 3 |
| EVENT 367 | Event Sales | 3 |
| EVENT 371 | Conference and Meeting Planning | 3 |
| EVENT 471 | Special Events Coordination | 3 |
| EVENT 485 | Event Production | 3 |
| AESHM 470F | Supervised Professional Internship: Event Management | 3-6 |
| Total Credits | 24-27 | |
28 Professional Core Courses
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| AESHM 111L | AESHM Program Orientation, Careers, and Learning Community | 1 |
| AESHM 111 | Professional Development for AESHM | 1 |
| AESHM 211 | Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD) (Remove AESHM 211) | 3 |
| 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 | |
| HSP M 101 | Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | 3 |
| HSP M 133 | Food Safety Certification | 1 |
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Legal Environment of Business | ||
| Hospitality Law | ||
| HSP M 260 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
9 Event Managemetn Elective Courses
| EVENT 277 | Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 289 | Contemporary Club Management | 3 |
| EVENT 320 | Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | 3 |
| EVENT 328 | Incentive Meeting Management | 3 |
| EVENT 333 | Entertainment Venue Management | 3 |
| EVENT 373 | Wedding Planning and Management | 3 |
| EVENT 378 | Sustainable Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 379 | Nonprofit Fundraising Event Planning | 3 |
| EVENT 383X | Sports Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 393 | Event Management Workshop | 1-3 |
| EVENT 420 | Fairs, Festivals, and Events Management | 3 |
| EVENT 423 | International Meetings and Conferences Management | 3 |
| EVENT 486X | Advanced Event Production | 3 |
| AESHM 170 | Supervised Work Experience I | 1 |
| AESHM 180E | First Year Student Field Study: Hospitality and Event Management | 2 |
| AESHM 222 | Creativity on Demand | 3 |
| AESHM 270F | Supervised Work Experience II: Event Management | 2 |
| AESHM 272 | Fashion Show Production and Promotion | 2 |
| AESHM 281 | Orientation to International Field Study | 1 |
| AESHM 381 | International Field Study | 1-3 |
| AESHM 421 | Developing Global Leadership: Maximizing Human Potential | 3 |
| AESHM 470F | Supervised Professional Internship: Event Management | 3-6 |
| AESHM 472 | Fashion Show Management | 2-3 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| A M D 275 | Retail Merchandising | 3 |
| A M D 377 | Visual Presentation and Promotions | 3 |
| HSP M 225 | Introduction to Food Service Operations | 3 |
| HSP M 280 | Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Café Operations | 3 |
| HSP M 383 | Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management | 2 |
| HSP M 383L | Wine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management | 1 |
| HSP M 385 | Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management | 1 |
| HSP M 437 | Hospitality and Event Technology Applications | 3 |
| HSP M 487 | Fine Dining Event Management | 3 |
| HORT 131 | Floral Design | 2 |
| HORT 132 | Wedding and Event Floral Design | 2 |
| H S 105 | First Aid and Emergency Care | 2 |
| KIN 399 | Recreational Sport Management | 3 |
| P R 220 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |
| P R 305 | Publicity Methods | 3 |
Primary Options:
Select one professional primary option from the following five choices:
CORPORATE/BUSINESS EVENTS (15 cr.)
| EVENT 320 | Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | 3 |
| EVENT 328 | Incentive Meeting Management | 3 |
| EVENT 423 | International Meetings and Conferences Management | 3 |
| EVENT 486X | Advanced Event Production | 3 |
| EVENT 378 | Sustainable Event Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
SOCIAL EVENTS: WEDDINGS AND NONPROFIT EVENTS (15 cr.)
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| EVENT 277 | Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 373 | Wedding Planning and Management | 3 |
| EVENT 379 | Nonprofit Fundraising Event Planning | 3 |
| HSP M 487 | Fine Dining Event Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
SPORTS EVENTS (15 cr.)
| EVENT 289 | Contemporary Club Management | 3 |
| EVENT 333 | Entertainment Venue Management | 3 |
| EVENT 383X | Sports Event Management | 3 |
| HSP M 225 | Introduction to Food Service Operations | 3 |
| KIN 399 | Recreational Sport Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
INNOVATIVE EVENT EXPERIENCES IN RETAIL (15 cr.)
| A M D 275 | Retail Merchandising | 3 |
| A M D 377 | Visual Presentation and Promotions | 3 |
| AESHM 345X/346X | Retail/Hospitality Experiences & Events | 3 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| EVENT 277 | Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Event Management, B.S.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| AESHM 111 | 1 | ECON 101 | 3 | ||
| AESHM 111L | 1 | ENGL 250 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 150 | 3 | LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| EVENT 171 | 3 | Humanities "Select from" Course | 3 | ||
| HSP M 101 | 3 | Natural Sciences "Select from" Course | 3 | ||
| Social Science "Select from" Course | 3 | AESHM 211 | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| AESHM 287 | 3 | AESHM 340 | 3 | ||
| EVENT 212 | 3 | AESHM 238 | 3 | ||
| Event Management Electives course | 3 | ACCT 215 or HSP M 315 | 3 | ||
| Math "Select from" Course | 3 | EVENT 371 | 3 | ||
| Social Science "Select from" Course | 3 | Course #1 towards "Option" | 3 | ||
| HSP M 133 | 1 | ||||
| 15 | 16 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| AESHM 311 | 1 | EVENT 471 | 3 | AESHM 470F | 3 |
| ACCT 284 | 3 | EVENT 485 | 3 | ||
| AESHM 342 | 3 | Course #3 towards "Option" | 3 | ||
| EVENT 367 | 3 | STAT 101 or 104 | 3-4 | ||
| Course #2 towards "Option" | 3 | Event Management Electives course | 3 | ||
| General Elective Course | 2 | ||||
| 15 | 15-16 | 3 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| Course #4 towards "Option" | 3 | Course #5 towards "Option" | 3 | ||
| HSP M 260 | 3 | Speech/Communication 'Select from' course | 3 | ||
| General Elective Course | 3 | Event Management Electives course | 3 | ||
| Event Management Electives course | 2 | General Elective course | 5-6 | ||
| EVENT 343X Virtual and Hybrid Events | 3 | ||||
| 14 | 14-15 | ||||
| Total Credits: 122-124 | |||||
Event Management minor
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. The minor must include at least six (6) credits in courses numbered 300 or above taken at ISU. All course prerequisites must be completed prior to taking the course. All minor courses must be taken for a grade. The Event Management Minor requires students to complete EVENT 171, EVENT 371, and EVENT 471. The remaining 6 credits may be selected from any courses listed below. **Only 12 total credits of EVENT classes can apply to the minor.
| 9 credits are required: | ||
| EVENT 171 | Introduction to Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 371 | Conference and Meeting Planning | 3 |
| EVENT 471 | Special Events Coordination | 3 |
| And 6 credits of the following: (only 1 additional course designated “EVENT” can apply towards your minor) | ||
| EVENT 277 | Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 289 | Contemporary Club Management | 3 |
| EVENT 320 | Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | 3 |
| EVENT 328 | Incentive Meeting Management | 3 |
| EVENT 333 | Entertainment Venue Management | 3 |
| EVENT 373 | Wedding Planning and Management | 3 |
| EVENT 378 | Sustainable Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 379 | Nonprofit Fundraising Event Planning | 3 |
| EVENT 383X | Sports Event Management | |
| AESHM 287 | Principles of Management in Human Sciences | 3 |
| AESHM 340 | Hospitality and Apparel Marketing Strategies | 3 |
| AESHM 342 | Aesthetics of Consumer Experience | 3 |
| AESHM 472 | Fashion Show Management | 2-3 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| HSP M 437 | Hospitality and Event Technology Applications | 3 |
| P R 220 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |
Event Management Master's Program
Event Management Core (required)
| AESHM 501 | Introduction to Scholarly Research for Graduate Students | 1 |
| EVENT 531 | Case Studies in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 561 | Advanced Topics in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 577X | Advanced Social Media Marketing in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 578X | Advanced Event Sustainability Management | 3 |
| EVENT 599 | Creative Component | 3 |
| EVENT 634 | Theory and Research Seminar in Event Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 19 | |
AESHM Electives
| Select three (3) courses from: | ||
| A M D 545 | Consumer Experience and Retail Branding | 3 |
| AESHM 574 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| AESHM 579X | Data Analytics for Apparel, Event, and Hospitality Management | 3 |
| AESHM 580 | U.S. Field Study | 1-3 |
| AESHM 581 | International Field Study | 1-3 |
| AESHM 670 | Teaching Practicum | 1-3 |
| A M D 545 | Consumer Experience and Retail Branding | 3 |
| A M D 565 | Sustainability: Theory and Practical Application | 3 |
| A M D 567 | Consumer Behavior and Apparel | 3 |
| A M D 577 | E-Commerce for Apparel and Hospitality Companies | 3 |
| EVENT 590X | Special Topics | |
| HSP M 533 | Financial Decision Making in Hospitality and Event Organizations | 3 |
| HSP M 538 | Human Resources Development in Hospitality Organizations | 3 |
| HSP M 540 | Strategic Marketing | 3 |
| HSP M 555 | Strategic Management in Hospitality and Event Organizations | 3 |
| HSP M 560 | Tourism Management and Tourist Behavior | 3 |
Research Methods and Statistics
| Select two (2) courses from | ||
| AESHM 502X | Research Methods in Apparel, Events, and Hospitality | |
| AESHM 510 | Quantitative Research Methods in Apparel, Events, and Hospitality | 3 |
| AESHM 512 | Qualitative Research Methods in Apparel, Events, and Hospitality | 3 |
| RESEV 550 | Introduction to Educational Research | 3 |
| RESEV 552 | Basic Educational Statistics | 3 |
| RESEV 580 | Introduction to Qualitative Research Methodology | 3 |
| STAT 587 | Statistical Methods for Research Workers | 4 |