TOU2050 Meetings & Conferences
Intermediate · 1 credit · HRH - Health, Recreation, and Human Services
- Description
- Students develop an understanding of how to plan, facilitate and evaluate a meeting and/or conference.
- Prerequisite
- TOU1010: The Tourism Sector
Outcomes The student will:
1 explain the significance of meetings and conferences
1.1 list various organizations or groups that hold meetings
1.2 describe different types of meetings; e.g., conventions, seminars, forums, workshops
1.3 identify two basic segments of the meeting market from the tourism sector and identify their motivations, needs and expectations
1.4 describe different types of conferences; e.g., educational, themed, health
1.5 explain how meetings and conferences are travel generators
2 identify the role of the meeting or conference planner
2.1 identify the main categories of planners
2.2 identify the meeting planner’s responsibilities, including:
2.2.1 establishing objectives
2.2.2 selecting the meeting site
2.2.3 scheduling meetings and rooms
2.2.4 negotiating rates
2.2.5 budgeting
2.2.6 making transportation arrangements
2.2.7 planning technical details
3 identify product knowledge related to meeting and conference planning
3.1 describe a variety of channels of distribution; e.g., tour operators, travel agencies, destination management companies
3.2 describe what role various channels of distribution play in the distribution of meeting products
3.3 identify current trends for meetings and conferences; e.g., cost concerns, attrition, environmental issues
3.4 identify technology that can be used to implement meetings and conferences
3.5 identify various regulations and legislation related to meeting and conference planning
4 develop meeting and/or conference strategies
4.1 describe how different industries of the tourism sector are involved in planning; e.g., transportation, food
4.2 list meeting and convention facilities available locally, provincially and nationally; e.g., off-site, hotels, resorts, conference centres, convention centres
4.3 explain that site selection should consider:
4.3.1 organizational goals
4.3.2 needs and expectations of participants
4.4 prepare a promotional presentation or print package to market a meeting site to a group
4.5 develop a meeting plan that includes the following components:
4.5.1 purpose of the meeting or objective
4.5.2 subject or theme for the meeting
4.5.3 target group
4.5.4 scope of event; e.g., closed, open, public, national
4.5.5 official name and time frame for the event
4.5.6 team leadership roles and responsibilities
4.5.7 number of participants
4.5.8 sponsorship
4.5.9 environmental sustainability; e.g., local food choice, online registration, re-usable water bottles
4.5.10 evaluation plan
4.6 list, evaluate and select the necessary resources to support the meeting, including:
4.6.1 proposed budget
4.6.2 funding alternatives; e.g., grants, sponsorship, donations
4.6.3 community support
4.6.4 outsourcing beyond the leadership team
4.6.5 facility
4.6.6 transportation
4.6.7 accommodation
4.6.8 food service
4.6.9 entertainment
4.6.10 companion activities; e.g., partners, children
4.6.11 individual needs of participants
4.6.12 safety and security and risk management
4.7 prepare an agenda or program for the meeting, including:
4.7.1 outline or schedule
4.7.2 topics and speakers
4.7.3 breaks and meals
4.7.4 entertainment and social opportunities
4.8 prepare a marketing plan for the meeting, including:
4.8.1 target group
4.8.2 registration materials
4.8.3 advertising
4.8.4 sponsors
4.8.5 promotion and public relations
4.9 prepare a meeting plan for the organizers that includes:
4.9.1 registration of participants
4.9.2 room arrangement
4.9.3 multimedia equipment and meeting materials
4.9.4 food and beverage service
4.9.5 schedule
4.10 prepare a finalized budget for the meeting
5 evaluate the effectiveness of meeting or conference
5.1 prepare criteria for evaluating the success of the meeting or conference from the perspective of the participants and organizers
5.2 evaluate the meeting plan for strengths and weaknesses and revise as necessary
6 demonstrate basic competencies
6.1 demonstrate fundamental skills to:
6.1.1 communicate
6.1.2 manage information
6.1.3 use numbers
6.1.4 think and solve problems
6.2 demonstrate personal management skills to:
6.2.1 demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviours
6.2.2 be responsible
6.2.3 be adaptable
6.2.4 learn continuously
6.2.5 work safely
6.3 demonstrate teamwork skills to:
6.3.1 work with others
6.3.2 participate in projects and tasks
7 identify possible life roles related to the skills and content of this cluster
7.1 recognize and then analyze the opportunities and barriers in the immediate environment
7.2 identify potential resources to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities
Program of Studies 2010. Source document, © Alberta Education.