Iowa State University

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.