Launch an event-ful career with Georgian’s Event Management graduate certificate

Do you love organizing parties, bringing people together and making an event feel unforgettable? You can turn that talent into a career with Georgian’s one-year Event Management graduate certificate. In just two semesters, you’ll get hands-on experience, plan real events and build industry connections to launch your career.

Whether you’re creating a large-scale festival with a big budget, a charitable gala focused on fundraising, or a more intimate private function, event management is all about people, planning and bringing moments to life. At Georgian, you won’t just learn the theory, you’ll jump right into the action.

From mocktails to maple syrup: Events that matter

Right from your first semester, you’ll start working on what’s known as a seed event. It’s a smaller project that helps raise money to fund your capstone event in the winter term.

This year’s capstone lineup includes two events. The first is Mocktail MADDness, an upbeat, alcohol-free event that mixes creative drinks, entertainment and fundraising. Planned entirely by students, proceeds go to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Simcoe County.

The event gets strong support from the community, local businesses and Georgian students, with many guests returning year after year. It’s a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world setting while supporting a cause that promotes safety and care for victims of impaired driving.

Four women hold their mocktail beverages while posing for a photo. — *Students from Georgian’s Event Management program at Mocktail MADDness, an event in support of MADD*
*Simcoe County. From left: students Simranjot Kaur,* *Regan Kenler, Sikemi Oye and Jamie Tuckett.*

By the end of the night, you’ll walk away with practical experience, meaningful connections and the pride of pulling off an event that really matters.

The second capstone event is the Sweet Maple Festival, happening April 12 at Georgian’s Barrie Campus. After months of planning, organizing and collaborating, this is where everything you’ve learned comes together in one big celebration. From planning to execution, your contributions to the festival will also count as your final exam. It’s a rewarding way to show how far you’ve come throughout the year.

Now in its second year, the festival is a true community effort, built from the ground up by Georgian students. It was named a finalist for Best Event by an Academic Institution at the Canadian Event Awards Live, which is a big honour for the grassroots event.

Watching the festival come to life after months of planning is incredibly rewarding, but what stands out most is the pride you see in our students.
Marilyn Nigro, Event Management program co-ordinator

The festival is free to attend, aside from the classic pancake breakfast, and is designed to be a day the entire community can enjoy. From local vendors and live entertainment to kid-friendly activities and maple treats, there’s something for everyone.

The Sweet Maple Festival is more than just maple-themed fun, however. It’s a meaningful way to bring people together and support local causes, all while giving students the chance to shine.

A full bottle of maple syrup featuring Georgian MORE Maple on the label. — *Georgian’s own maple syrup, featured at the Sweet Maple Festival and tapped from trees on the Barrie Campus.*

“Our goal was to create an experience that truly brings the community together with something fun, inclusive and affordable,” says program co-ordinator Marilyn Nigro. “Watching the festival come to life after months of planning is incredibly rewarding, but what stands out most is the pride you see in our students. They’ve poured their hearts into this, and it shows in every detail.”

For students, it’s the final project before graduation and a real opportunity to show what they can do.

Experience you take with you

The hands-on learning doesn’t stop with the capstone projects. The entire program is designed to give you real-world experience in a variety of settings.

Throughout the year, you’ll complete required field placement hours by volunteering at a range of events, including culinary showcases, sporting events, music festivals, business conferences and smaller community gatherings.

You’ll also have the chance to work with charitable organizations such as the Georgian Food Locker and Barrie Food Bank, and opportunities to team up with students in other programs across the college.

This variety helps you build confidence, sharpen your skills and discover what kinds of events you’re most passionate about.

Interested in a career in event management?

Georgian’s Event Management program is a graduate certificate program built for students who already hold an Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent.

Learn about admissions, course info and how to apply

For more information, connect with:

Marilyn Nigro, Program co-ordinator
marilyn.nigro@georgiancollege.ca

Recruitment team
recruitment@georgiancollege.ca
705.722.5152