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Certificate in Event Planning

The Certificate in Event Planning consists of a series of courses designed to provide employees with information related to event planning on UWF campuses. The program offers insight into various processes and departments while also highlighting resources available to planners. This program will also provide professional event planning tips and best practices. This certificate program was created by the Event Leadership Team. For more information, please contact Anna Lochas.

Participants must complete a total of eight (8) courses to earn the certificate. Of these eight (8) courses, participants must complete the two (2) required courses, two (2) on-site courses, and an additional four (4) courses. All courses must be completed within two years. Two (2) of the five (5) on-site courses must be completed for the certificate, but participants may take additional on-site courses as part of their four (4) optional courses. 

  • Event Planning Basics (Required Course)
  • Risk Management for Events (Required Course)
  • Conference and Event Services (On-site Course)
  • Event Planning in the CFPA (On-site Course)
  • Recreation Facilities (On-site Course)
  • Historic Hospitality - Hosting Events at Historic Pensacola (On-site Course)
  • Best Practices in Planning Virtual Events (On-site Course)
  • Food Safety and Catering on the UWF Campus (SCOOP)
  • Working with the Division of University Advancement
  • Hosting Executive Level Events at UWF - Part A
  • Hosting Executive Level Events at UWF - Part B
  • Making Your Event Accessible
  • Event Marketing Strategies
  • Booking Events Online with the EMS Web App
  • Zoom Training
  • Speaker Management
  • Hybrid Events Solutions: A True Alliance

Upon completion of the eight courses for the Certificate in Event Planning, employees must complete a Verification of Professional Development Completion Form and submit it to Human Resources to receive the certificate.

Course Outline

Event Planning Basics (Required)

Course Description: This course will introduce employees to event planning processes and resources at UWF. There will be an overview of the Event Planning Group and what they do as well as information about various campus departments and available campus resources for event planners. Additionally, this class will highlight best practices for event planning and professional event planning tips and tricks.

Risk Management for Events (Required)

Course Description: This course will go over important risk management regulations and requirements for events at UWF. Information about safety measures, general liability, insurance, and more will be discussed. Attendees will be given time to ask questions about specific events or areas of concern.

Conference and Event Services (On-site Course)

Course Description: This course will give an overview of the services offered by UCES (University Commons and Event Services) as well as the spaces that UCES manages. Items of import include: pricing, equipment, policies, and more. A tour of the major spaces will be given as time and availability permit.

Event Planning in the CFPA (On-site Course)

Course Description: Planning an event in a space predominantly used for performances can give you additional options but can also create some unique challenges. This course will walk you through some of those opportunities and challenges. It will also introduce you to some of terminology that you will need to know and questions that will need to be answered to interact most effectively with the facility staff.

Recreation Facilities

Course Description: Class attendees will learn what facilities and services are available for event reservations and planning through Recreation & Wellness. This includes the HLS Facility, Argonaut Athletic Club, Fieldhouse, and outdoor facilities. Attendees will learn about the reservation process as it relates to the department. There will be a tour of each facility that can be reserved for events.

Historic Hospitality - Hosting Events at Historic Pensacola (On-site Course)

Course Description: Discover some of the ins and outs of daily museum operations at the UWF Historic Trust as they pertain to special event planning. Find out all information necessary--from start to finish-- to host events downtown at the Museum of Commerce, Pensacola Museum of History, Barkley House, Museum Plaza, and the Voices of Pensacola Multicultural Center.

This course will rotate between locations. When the course is offered downtown it will include a walking tour of some of the facilities. When this course is offered on the main campus it will include a virtual tour. Please check the Professional Development Reservation Desk for location information.

Best Practices in Planning Virtual Events (On-site Course)

Course Description: Now that events, conferences, and workshops have gone virtual, brush up on your planning skills to make the best use of this new event space. Virtual events can deliver all the same elements of an “in the room” event and more. Discover the best practices for planning virtual events that engage, inspire, and include your participants in this dynamic environment. 

Food Safety and Catering on the UWF Campus (SCOOP)

Course Description: During the first part of this overview, you will gain an understanding of the proper practices for handling food safely as well as what events may require a Temporary Food Permit. Additionally, you will learn about Cottage Food and the types of food that may be sold on campus by student organizations. During the second part of this overview, you will learn when your event requires a caterer and when food service providers are appropriate. In addition, the campus alcohol serving policy and beverage vending/pouring rights contract will be discussed.

Working with the Division of University Advancement

Course Description: This course will provide an overview of the Division of University Advancement and how to interact with the various departments within University Advancement including Development, Alumni Relations, and the Foundation. Procedures for requesting alumni and donor information and for contacting alumni and donors will be discussed. Information about fundraising for departments, events, and projects will be provide. Attendees will also learn about the Ambassador Program and working with Ambassadors.

Hosting Executive Level Events at UWF Part A and Part B

Course Description: These courses will identify the processes and procedures for hosting executive levels events on behalf of UWF. Part A is more informative and Part B is more hands-on. Part A and Part B do not need to be taken in a set order. Both parts can count towards the Certificate in Event Planning.

Part A: This course will cover etiquette and protocols for inviting and hosting the President or Vice President, community leaders and executives, board members, elected officials or candidates, and international guests. This includes events for executives and events where executives are invited to attend.

Part B: This course will incorporate a hands on element as we cover etiquette and protocols for hosting presidential events, community leaders and executives, board members, elected officials or candidates, and international guests. This class will focus more on the presentation and UWF event protocols.

Making Your Events Accessible

Course Description: How to make your event accessible to all. This course will offer an overview of ADA rules and regulations, event accommodation practices, and issues event planners should consider when planning events. This course will also offer suggestions for making event more accessible and highlight resources available to UWF Event Planners.

Event Marketing Strategies

Course Description: This course will review marketing strategies and best practices for events. Information about UWF marketing protocols and resources will be provided. Attendees will learn how to target specific audiences and write effective event pitches.

Booking Events Online with the EMS Web App

Course Description: Learn how to make reservation, on-line, with the EMS Web app.  Participants will find out how to log in, how to book spaces and services in the Commons and other locations. Participants will also have the opportunity to provide feedback and recommendations to improve the user experience.

Zoom Training

Course Description: Zoom is a video communications and content sharing service now available to UWF faculty, staff, and students. This course will provide an in-depth review of Zoom's function and features. Participants will learn how to activate their UWF Zoom account, schedule meetings, utilize features such as breakout sessions and polling, and run reports. Additionally, recommendations for Zoom etiquette will be provided.

Speaker Management

Course Description: This course will discuss the process from start to finish for hosting speakers, lecturers, and performers. An in-depth review will be provided for selecting speakers, following campus procedures and protocols, speaker management for virtual and in person events, and event wrap up.

Hybrid Events Solutions: A True Alliance

Course Description:  Creating an effective alliance between in-person and virtual events brings the best of both to global audiences. Now that we have experience with creating meaningful virtual events, let’s maintain that audience and create a true alliance with in-person participants. Yes, hybrid can happen and result in positive impacts on participants and organizations. Let’s explore the possibilities!