Classes are forming NOW!

The first session on Saturdays begins this Saturday, September 11, 2010 at 9am and run for 12 weeks through December 4^th.  The Monday evening session in Dunwoody starts on September 20^th from 6pm – 9pm and also runs for 12 weeks, ending on December 6^th.

If you are interested, contact Clayton State University, Continuing Education at 678 466-5050 as soon as possible.  Registration closes for the Saturday session TODAY and for the Monday session, it closes on Friday, September 17^th.

I hope to see you there!

Q

Fall 2010 EPC Program

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• Dunwoody area

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112KCER601

• Clayton State University East – Morrow

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112ECER084

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Once again Clayton State University is teaming with EventEssentials

to produce the Event Planning Certificate class (EPC).  Please pass this information

on to anyone you know who may be interested in taking this course.

Two classes will be offered during Fall 2010:

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- Monday evenings in Dunwoody near Perimeter Mall beginning on September 20th

- Saturday mornings on the East Campus of Clayton State University beginning on September 11th

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Course description and syllabus

Fall 2010 EPC Program

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To register click on the links below.  Space is LIMITED so register early!

• Dunwoody area

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112KCER601

• Clayton State University East – Morrow

https://ace2.clayton.edu/wconnect/CourseStatus.awp?~~112ECER084

What people are saying about the EPC class:

“I was 59-years-old when I enrolled in Clayton State University Event Planner certificate class taught by Qualena Odom-Royes.  I was working as an event assistant at a private golf course and wanted to get focused training in that field. About half way through the class I had a family health emergency and had to go to Washington for several weeks. Clayton State and my instructor assured me that I could repeat the class (at no charge) in the fall. I did repeat and complete the course and the following February I was hired as Events Coordinator for a new Riverstone Residential apartment community, Alta Johns Creek. I have no doubt that my Clayton State Event Planner certificate helped me edge out other candidates for a job I truly love. Another unexpected pleasure with the event planner class was  (and is) the opportunity to work as a volunteer for various events throughout metro Atlanta and to become a student member of I.S.E.S. The class was a great investment in my evolving career.”

Melinda Morrin – Alpharetta

“When I decided to switch careers into the event planning industry, one of my first steps was to enroll in Qualena Odom-Royes’ Event Planning Certificate course. Throughout the semester, Qualena provided the education, advice and encouragement I needed to get my wedding consulting business up and running. The most important thing I took away from the class was the confidence to go for it and start the business, as well as the beginnings of my large network of industry contacts. I am now in my fifth year of business and have experienced year-over-year growth the entire time.  I would recommend that anyone who is interested in the industry look into the class as a great starting point.”

Daria MacGregor – Circle of Love Weddings

“The Event Planning Certificate program at Clayton State University gave me the stepping stone into my career in the event industry. With its flexible scheduling night class options I was able to further my education of the industry while keeping my full time job. The greatest benefit was having such an experienced and knowledgeable professor aiding me through the learning process by offering onsite event experience. The program taught me more than just the basics of event planning, but gave me greater insights behind the scenes of actual events that I would be working on in the real world. Three years later I now own a successful event management company and owe it all to my stepping stone in the industry…”

Ashley Sostaric – PLAN Event Details Management

If you have any questions, please email qualena(at)eventsessential.com

Thank you!

Q

You can earn various certifications in event/meeting planning, that result in designations such as CSEP, CMP, CMM, CPCE, the list goes on.  (I will define a certification each Friday in my “Alphabet Soup”).  There are several organizations and schools offering certifications and certificates.  Before you spend the money, be sure you know exactly what you are earning at the end of your class or seminar.  Your future goals in the hospitality industry can help you decide whether to pursue Certification or a Certificate and in what!

This handout found on the ISES (International Special Events Society) website – www.isesatlanta.com is one of the best documents I have ever read that clearly indicates the differences between “Certification vs. Certificate” and the value of each.  You can find this at http://www.ises.com/pdf/Certification_vs_Certificate.pdf

I always use this handout during my Event Planning Certificate Open House for my course so that the students know exactly what they are earning when taking my course and what they can earn in the future. I hope it is helpful to you!

Q