The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) Business Institute has introduced a professional event planning course that is expected to equip marketers and event professionals with skills to plan and manage events. The course culminates in participants getting professional certificates in event planning.
The association announced the development on its social media pages this month. The course, which is expected to commence on 7 July, will be conducted online for participants based out of Harare. There will be practical sessions for Harare-based participants who need to attend physically.
An outline of the course which was availed to Business Events explained that the course would enable participants to get an appreciation of the events sector among other benefits.
“The course is designed to enable students to gain a broad understanding of the event planning industry, including how to manage event budgets, work with external service providers, and develop client relationships. In addition, this qualification can be beneficial for those who wish to advance into a management role,” the institute said.
The MAZ Business Institute defined event planning as the process of managing a(n event) project such as a meeting, convention, tradeshow, ceremony, team building activity, party, or convention.
Event planning includes budgeting, establishing timelines, selecting and reserving the event sites, acquiring permits, planning food, coordinating transportation, developing a theme, arranging for activities, selecting speakers and keynotes, arranging for equipment and facilities, managing risk, and developing contingency plans.
The institute highlighted that a qualification in event planning would equip participants with skills to take advantage of the various career opportunities in the events sector.
“There are numerous careers in this field. Some examples of (the) careers include event coordinators, sales and marketing coordinators, function and venue managers, conference or event coordinators, or in-house event planners. An individual can open their event planning services, event organising agency, work with their team, and plan events related to weddings, concerts, festivals or parties,” the institute said.
The event planning qualification will provide a gateway for participants to register with the national tourism promotion body, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), as event planners.
The introduction of the course adds to a number of institutions that provide training in event management such as the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) and some private institutions. It will boost the local events industry which is on a growing trajectory.
The MAZ Business Institute was launched in March this year.