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.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon graduation, students should be able to:
- Communication. Use clear and effective written, oral, verbal and electronic (WOVE) communication techniques to foster inquiry, collaboration, and engagement in apparel and related industries.
- Self-assessment/self-reflection. Analyze and evaluate one’s own knowledge, abilities, and actions relative to professional standards, seek opportunities to grow professionally, and utilize self-assessment and assessment of others to foster psychological, cognitive, social and emotional well-being.
- Critical thinking. Understand fundamental concepts of event management and apply critical thinking to solve problems from personal, scholarly, and professional perspectives.
- Ethics, Diversity, and Social Responsibility. Demonstrate leadership and social justice to improve quality of life for global citizens and encourage socially responsible decision-making for consumers and businesses.
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
13 Cr. Communication Skills
| ENGL 150 | Critical Thinking and Communication * | 3 |
| ENGL 250 | Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition * | 3 |
| ENGL 302 | Business Communication | 3 |
| LIB 160 | Introduction to College Level Research | 1 |
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Professional Communication | ||
| Fundamentals of Public Speaking | ||
| Total Credits | 13 | |
9-10 Cr. Natural Sciences and Mathematical Disciplines
| Select from: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Probability | ||
| Introduction to Mathematical Ideas | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| Preparation for Calculus | ||
| 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, Food Science and Human Nutrition 101, 111, 115, or 167, Genetics, Geology, Meteorology, Horticulture, Microbiology, Physics or A M D 204 | ||
| Total Credits | 9-10 | |
9 Cr. Social Sciences
| ECON 101 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| Select from: | 6 | |
| Dress, Appearance, and Diversity in U.S. Society | ||
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Human Development | ||
| Introduction to American Government | ||
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Total Credits | 9 | |
6 Cr. 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, DSN S 183, History, INTST 235, Literature, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Music or Dance Appreciation, Women and Gender Studies, Theater | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
8-9 Cr. General Electives
33 Cr. EVENT Core Courses
| EVENT 171 | Introduction to Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 212 | Digital Production in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 277 | Introduction to Digital Promotion 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 |
| ACCT 284 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| HSP M 315 | Hospitality Law | 3 |
| Total Credits | 33-36 | |
15 Cr. AESHM Professional Development
| AESHM 111 | Professional Development for AESHM | 1 |
| AESHM 111L | AESHM Program Orientation and Learning Community | 1 |
| AESHM 211 | Leadership Experiences and Development (LEAD) | 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 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
11-14 Cr. Event Management Elective Courses
| 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 383 | Sports Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 393 | Event Management Workshop | 1-3 |
| EVENT 423 | International Meetings and Conferences Management | 3 |
| EVENT 486 | 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 345X | Retail/Hospitality Experince & Events | 1-3 |
| 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 101 | Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | 3 |
| HSP M 133 | Food Safety Certification | 1 |
| HSP M 225 | Introduction to Food Service Operations | 3 |
| HSP M 260 | Global Tourism Management | 3 |
| HSP M 280 | Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Café Operations | 3 |
| HSP M 289 | Contemporary Club Management | 3 |
| HSP M 320 | Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | 3 |
| HSP M 380 | Food Production Management | 3 |
| HSP M 380L | Food Production Management Experience | 3 |
| HSP M 383 | Wine and Spirits in Hospitality Management | 2 |
| HSP M 383L | Wine, Spirits, and Mixology Laboratory in Hospitality Management | 2 |
| HSP M 385 | Beer and Brewed Beverages in Hospitality Management | 1 |
| HSP M 393CX | Workshop: Innovations in Chocolate I | 2 |
| HSP M 420 | Fairs and Festivals Management | 3 |
| HSP M 437 | Hospitality Technology Applications | 3 |
| HSP M 487 | Fine Dining Management | 3 |
| HORT 131 | Floral Design | 2 |
| HORT 132 | Wedding and Event Floral Design | 2 |
| JL MC 307 | Digital Video Production | 3 |
| JL MC 406 | Media Management | 3 |
| KIN 345 | Management of Health-Fitness Programs and Facilities | 3 |
| KIN 365 | Sport Psychology | 3 |
| P R 220 | Principles of Public Relations | 3 |
| P R 305 | Publicity Methods | 3 |
| SCM 301 | Supply Chain Management | 3 |
Primary Options:
Select one professional primary option from the following five choices:
CORPORATE/BUSINESS EVENTS (15 cr.)
| EVENT 328 | Incentive Meeting Management | 3 |
| EVENT 378 | Sustainable Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 486 | Advanced Event Production | 3 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| AESHM 479X | Data Analytics for Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
SOCIAL EVENTS: WEDDINGS AND NONPROFIT EVENTS (18 cr.)
| 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 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| A M D 377 | Visual Presentation and Promotions | 3 |
| Total Credits | 18 | |
SPORTS EVENTS (15 cr.)
| EVENT 333 | Entertainment Venue Management | 3 |
| EVENT 383 | Sports Event Management | 3 |
| HSP M 101 | Introduction to the Hospitality Industry | 3 |
| HSP M 289 | Contemporary Club Management | 3 |
| KIN 345 | Management of Health-Fitness Programs and Facilities | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
INNOVATIVE EVENT EXPERIENCES IN RETAIL (15 cr.)
| AESHM 345X | Retail/Hospitality Experiences & Events | 3 |
| AESHM 474 | Entrepreneurship in Human Sciences | 3 |
| AESHM 479X | Data Analytics for Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management | 3 |
| A M D 275 | Retail Merchandising | 3 |
| A M D 377 | Visual Presentation and Promotions | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Event Management, B.S.
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| AESHM 111 | 1 | AESHM 211 | 3 | ||
| AESHM 111L | 1 | ECON 101 | 3 | ||
| ENGL 150 | 3 | ENGL 250 | 3 | ||
| EVENT 171 | 3 | LIB 160 | 1 | ||
| Social Science "Select from" Course | 3 | Humanities "Select from" Course | 3 | ||
| Natural Science "Select from" Course | 3 | Social Sciences "Select from" Course | 3 | ||
| 14 | 16 | ||||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| AESHM 287 | 3 | AESHM 238 | 3 | ||
| EVENT 371 | 3 | AESHM 340 | 3 | ||
| EVENT 212 | 3 | EVENT 277 | 3 | ||
| Math "Select from" Course | 3 | Event Management Electives course | 3 | ||
| Speech/Communication "Select from" Course | 3 | Course #1 towards "Option" | 3 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | Summer | Credits |
| ACCT 284 | 3 | EVENT 471 | 3 | AESHM 470F | 3 |
| AESHM 311 | 1 | EVENT 485 | 3 | ||
| AESHM 342 | 3 | Course #3 towards "Option" | 3 | ||
| EVENT 343X | 3 | HSP M 315 | 3 | ||
| EVENT 367 | 3 | STAT 101 or 104 | 3-4 | ||
| Course #2 towards "Option" | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 15-16 | 3 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits | ||
| ENGL 302 | 3 | Course #6 towards "Option" or Event Mgmt Elective | 3 | ||
| Event Management Electives course | 3 | Event Management Electives course | 3 | ||
| Course #4 towards "Option" | 3 | Event Management Electives course | 3 | ||
| Course #5 towards "Option" | 3 | General Elective course | 5 | ||
| General Elective Course | 3 | ||||
| 15 | 14 | ||||
| Total Credits: 123-124 | |||||
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 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 383 | Sports Event Management | 3 |
| 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 289 | Contemporary Club Management | 3 |
| HSP M 320 | Attractions and Amusement Park Administration | 3 |
| HSP M 437 | Hospitality 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 | Event Business Research Essentials | 3 |
| EVENT 561 | Advanced Topics in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 577 | Advanced Social Media Marketing in Event Management | 3 |
| EVENT 578 | 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 590 | Special Topics | 3 |
| HSP M 533 | Financial Decision Making in Hospitality 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 Organizations | 3 |
| HSP M 560 | Tourism Management and Tourist Behavior | 3 |
Research Methods and Statistics
| Select two (2) courses from | ||
| AESHM 502 | Research Methods in Apparel, Events, and Hospitality | 3 |
| 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 |