ONE TIME PAYMENT
The Gold Standard Program
Welcome to the multibillion-dollar meetings and events industry. This module presents the big picture of the global meetings and events industry and how the industry impacts destinations, tourism and business through people gathering and meeting. The business is about people and how the power of meetings and events influence, inspire and effect change in the world. This perspective will inform your career choices and help in making solid business decisions for those you work with and for.
(Estimated time: 30 minutes)
What You Will Learn
- Introductory Module 1 for free
- A customized workbook to accompany each Module
- An assessment following each Module to challenge what you learn
- Monthly Town Hall Meetings with Dianne
- Option to participate in a Video Community
- Exclusive interviews with industry professionals specializing in each Module area
- Membership in a branded online community of professionals
Description and Content for all 19 Modules included in the Certificate

MODULE 1
Introduction and Industry Overview
Welcome to the multibillion-dollar meetings and events industry. This module presents the big picture of the global meetings and events industry and how the industry impacts destinations, tourism and business through people gathering and meeting. The business is about people and how the power of meetings and events influence, inspire and effect change in the world. This perspective will inform your career choices and help in making solid business decisions for those you work with and for.
(Estimated time: 30 minutes)
What You Will Learn
- The power and influence of the meetings and events industry
- The business value of meetings and events
- The types of meetings and events
- The different roles and responsibilities for those involved in the meetings industry
- How the media supports the meetings and events industry
MODULE 2:
Business Theory and Application
(Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes)

MODULE 2 BUSINESS THEORY AND APPLICATION
No More Useless Meetings!
Meetings and events are integral to any business and, because of this, understanding and applying business theory and concepts is a best practice for the planner in working with various stakeholders. From concept to completion, utilizing steps and procedures to support the purpose of the event helps keep everyone focused on successful outcomes. Learning different business terms, and how analyzing and strategizing prior to the event gives direction and purpose to gain maximum results, is the basis for any successful event.
(Estimated time: 1 hour 30 minutes)
What You Will Learn
- The process involved to identify the objectives and goals
- What questions to ask to understand a client's vision
- Tools including SWOT analysis and The 4 Pillars of Event Management and their critical roles
- The Event Management Cycle and how each stage plays a vital part in planning

MODULE 3 SOURCING AND SITE SELECTION
Finding the Right Fit Affects Everything
Where the meeting or event is held is critical to its success. The venue is the stage and, to create a successful production, the hotel or space must meet certain criteria to meet the needs of the event. Sourcing and site selection is a detailed and legal process involving contract negotiations. To find the right location, the planner must be organized, know the agenda and the content, to maximize the benefits of a well-structured sourcing and site selection process. Learn the steps, including the request for proposal (RFP), of sourcing and site selection to find a suitable location. Choices regarding hotels' day conference centers have elements that impact meetings' success. Options for virtual site visits are presented, along with the role they play in big picture design and room setup.
(Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes)
What You Will Learn
- How to source, and to reduce risk, using a professional third-party site selection company
- How to prepare for an in-person site visit
- How to accommodate people with different abilities
- The options and benefits of day conference centers
- How room setups affect meetings' outcomes
- Questions to ask during the RFP and contracting process
- Contract negotiations and what is expected in the process