Event Management Implications for Tourism Education

AbstractEvent management includes the functions of creating, planning, marketing, coordinating, supervising and evaluating those activities requiring public assembly for the purpose of promotion, education, reunion, advocacy and celebration. Event management requires competencies in administration, coordination, marketing, inter-personal skills, and the utilisation of human resources. This paper uses the umbrella term "event management" as a common reference point for four related certification programs: (1) Certified Festival Executive (CFE), (2) Certified Meeting Professional (CMP), (3) Certified Exposition Manager (CEM) and (4) Certified Special Events Professional (CFEP). Initiatives underway at The George Washington University are described, including event management related studies. It is concluded that colleges and universities should consider event management as an appropriate focus of curriculum development efforts at the undergraduate and levels. Specific issues which should be addressed are discussed.