HFT 2750 (111B) Event Management MWF 4 Spring
2015
University of Florida
College of Health and Human Performance
Department of Tourism, Recreation & Sport Management
HFT 2750 - Event Management (section 111B)
Instructor:
Dr. Cynthia Willming
Office: FLG 190A (1st floor)
Email Address:
willming@hhp.ufl.edu
Telephone: 352-294-1662
Course Time:
MWF 4 (10:40 am – 11:30 am)
Course Location: FLG 245
Course Web Site:
CANVAS
Office Hours:
MWF 11:30 am - 12:30 pm & by appointment
*The best way to contact me outside of office hours is through email.
Course Description: Event management is an introductory course designed to familiarize
students with an overview of the meeting, incentive, convention, and exhibition (MICE)
industry. The course explores the various roles of businesses and careers associated with the
event industry.
Course Objectives: Students will learn to:
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Define basic event subfields
Describe the history, present state, and future of the event industry
Differentiate between the types of event organizers
Identify the responsibilities of event planners
Explain the role of general service contractors, destination marketing organizations,
destination management companies, meeting planners, and event planners within the
industry
Understand the venues associated with meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions
Discuss the legal issues associated with being an event manager
Explain the role of tourism and hospitality sectors within the event industry
Required Text:
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Fenich, G. (2012). Meetings, Expositions, Events, and Conventions: An Introduction to
the Industry. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Selected References:
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Goldblatt, J. & Supovitz, F. (1999). Dollars & Events. How to Succeed in the Special
Events Business. John Wiley & Sons: New York, NY.
Goldblatt, J. & Nelson, K. (2001). The International Dictionary of Event Management.
Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York, NY.
Hoyle, L. (2002). Event Marketing. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York, NY.
Malouf, L. (1999). Behind the Scenes at Special Events. John Wiley & Sons: New
York: NY.
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
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Ramsborg, G. and et al. (2008) Professional Convention Management Association.
Professional Meeting Management – Comprehensive Strategies for Meetings,
Conventions and Events. 5th Edition. Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company: Dubuque Iowa.
Rutherford-Silvers, J. (2012). Professional Event Coordination. John Wiley & Sons Inc.:
New York, NY.
Sonder, M. (2003). Event Entertainment and Production. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New
York, NY.
Supovitz, F. (2004). The Sport Event Playbook. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: New York:
NY.
Weirsma, B. (1994). Creative Event Development. Weirsma: Indianapolis, IN.
Instructional Methods: The instruction of the course consists of lectures, group activities,
discussions, guest lectures, videos, and experiential learning. Students are required to read course
materials prior to attending class and participate in discussions and activities.
Assessment Methods: Student assessment includes but is not limited to exams,
assignments, essays, videos, guest speakers, and student presentations.
Grading Scale:
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
DE
93-100
90-92
87-89
84-86
80-83
77-79
74-76
70-73
67-69
64-66
60-63
59 & below
4.0
3.67
3.33
3.0
2.67
2.33
2.0
1.67
1.33
1.0
0.67
0.0
Grading Rubric:
A, A- Outstanding: The assignment surpasses requirements and is well organized,
analytical rather than descriptive, uses solid references, and excellent grammar and
spelling.
B+, B, B- Very Good: The assignment exceeds the minimal requirements and is well
organized, more descriptive than analytical—may not explain differences or
contradictions, resources are not as extensive as the A paper, and minimal issues with
grammar and spelling.
C+, C, C- Average: The assignment might or might not meet all criteria, organization is
average, paper is too descriptive, few references, and poor grammar and spelling.
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D, F Below Average/Fail: The assignment does not meet the minimum criteria
for acceptance. The student displays little effort in completing the assignment.
Course Assignment Grades: Grades are based on total accumulated points.
Attendance (10 random days x 3 pts.)
30 points
Mid-Term Exam
100 points
Final Exam
100 points
Assignments (345 points)
Student Contract
10 points
Out-of-Class Assignments (3 x 15 pts.)
45 points
Venue Inspection
100 points
Memorandum
50 points
Presentation of Event Critique
50 points
Peer Review Evaluations
(5 x 5 pts.) 25 points
Career Research Analysis
65 points
Total 575 points
5.2%
17.2%
17.2%
2%
8%
17.2%
9%
9%
4%
11.2%
100%
Attendance (10 random days x 3 pts. = 30 points): Random attendance is taken 10 times
throughout the semester, resulting in a possible 30 points (10 days x 3 pts.). Attendance
points are earned when the student is present in class and signs the attendance sheet. If
the student leaves class early or arrives late and does not sign the attendance sheet, the
student is considered absent and zero attendance points are earned. No exceptions! If you
are absent from class, you are responsible to obtain the information missed from another
student.
Mid-Term and Final Exams (2 @ 100 pts. = 200 point): Two exams are administered during
the semester based on lectures, group discussions, assigned readings, videos, guest
speakers, student presentations, and supplemental materials. Exams are multiple choice,
true/false, fill in the blank, and/or short answer. Students attending class and studying
course materials tend to earn better grades than those students who are not as committed
to their education. Make-up exams are NOT PERMITTED unless absences are in
accordance with the University’s Make-Up Policy.
Assignments (345 points): Assignments are designed to assist students in understanding the
event industry. Assignments must be submitted to the instructor at the beginning of class,
following APA guidelines (http://www.apastyle.org/): double spacing, Times New
Roman, 12-point font, and 1” margins. The first page of assignments should include the
first and last name of the student, course section, date, and title centered at the top of the
page. Please do not include cover pages as it wastes paper. Carefully, PROOFREAD your
assignments because deductions are taken for using incorrect spelling, grammar,
punctuation, and syntax. Assignments are NOT to be uploaded to the CANVAS webpage
or emailed to the instructor. Hard copies of all assignments must be turned in at the
beginning of class and late assignments are NOT accepted unless in accordance with
University’s Make-Up Policy. Technology problems are not acceptable excuses for late
assignments. Please keep all assignments returned to you because if I do not have a grade
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recorded for a particular assignment, and you do not have the assignment to verify your
grade, it is assumed that you did not turn in the assignment. Refer to the Course
Schedule for assignment due dates.
Course Policies
1. Attendance and Participation: Students are expected to attend class regularly and actively
participate in the course, requiring regular attendance, participation in discussions,
reading/studying course materials, completion of assignments, and seeking assistance from the
instructor when course-related issues become unmanageable. Students attending class regularly
and studying course materials tend to earn higher grades than students who are not committed to
their education. If you are absent from class, it is your responsibility to obtain the missed
information from a classmate. Requirements for class attendance are consistent with university
policy: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx.
2. Excused Absences: The instructor must be notified of absences in advance through email.
Requirements for class attendance are consistent with university policy:
https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx. The following are
examples of excused absences:
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Documented illness
Serious family emergency
Certain curricular requirements
Military obligation
Severe weather conditions as noted by the University
Observance of religious holidays
3. Unexcused Absences: The instructor must be notified of absences in advance through email.
If students have other commitments, preventing them from attending the course, the student
should drop the course immediately. Requirements for class attendance are consistent with
university policy: https://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx. The
following are examples of unexcused absences:

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Outside extracurricular activities
Work
Family or personal vacations
Fraternity or sorority functions
Problems with transportation
4. Make-Up Policy: Students are able to make up assignments consistent with university
policy: http://catalog.ufl.edu/ugrad/current/regulations/info/attendance.aspx.
5. Course Assignments: Assignments must be typed, double-spaced (unless noted otherwise),
follow APA guidelines, and include correct grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax. If the
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aforementioned items are not adhered to, points are deducted from the assignment. Hard copies
of assignments are due at the beginning of class and on specified due dates. Refer to the Course
Schedule for due dates. Assignments are NOT to be uploaded to CANVAS. Technology
problems are not acceptable excuses for late assignments. Late assignments are not accepted
unless in accordance with the university’s make-up policy. Please keep all assignments returned
to you because if I do not have a grade recorded, and you do not have the assignment to verify
your grade, it will be assumed that you did not turn in the assignment.
Assignments must follow APA guidelines (http://www.apastyle.org/) and use appropriate
grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure; otherwise, points are deducted from
the assignment. Refer to APA guidelines below:
 Use correct spelling, grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
 Include 1” margins
 Type first and last name, date, and centered title of the assignment on the first page (no
cover page)
 Double-spaced and typed
 Use Times New Roman and 12-point font
 Include citations if necessary, otherwise the work is considered plagiarized
 PROOF READ ALL ASSIGNMENTS!
6. Technology: The use of laptops and/or cell phones is NOT permitted. All electronic
devices must be turned off (not on vibrate) and put away so these devices are NOT visible during
class.
 Students are strictly prohibited from recording (audio, video, or pictures) course
lectures.
7. Professional Behavior: Professional behavior is expected from all students. This includes
respect and consideration for other students, guest speakers, supervisors, and faculty. Examples
of appropriate classroom behaviors include:
 Paying attention in class
 Reading course material before attending class
 Engaging in class discussions respectfully
 Arriving to class on time
 Refraining from using technology
 Putting away all electronic devices before class begins
 Refraining from whispering or side discussions
 Demonstrating the use of appropriate language through communication in class or
through email
8. Accommodations: Support services for students with disabilities are coordinated by the
Disability Resource Center in the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students Office will
provide documentation to the student who must then provide the documentation to the instructor
when requesting accommodation. Please inform the instructor during the first week of class.
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9. Counseling Services: The UF Counseling and Wellness Center offers a variety of resources
for students: https://www.counseling.ufl.edu/cwc/Default.aspx, 392-1575, UFPD 392-1111, or
911 for emergencies.
10. Honor Code: “As a student at the University of Florida, you have committed yourself to
uphold the Honor Code, which includes the following pledge: “We, the members of the
University of Florida community, pledge to hold ourselves and our peers to the highest
standards of honesty and integrity. “You are expected to exhibit behavior consistent with this
commitment to the UF academic community, and on all work submitted for credit at the
University of Florida, the following pledge is either required or implied: "On my honor, I have
neither given nor received unauthorized aid in doing this assignment." It is assumed all students
will complete all work independently in each course unless the instructor provides explicit
permission for you to collaborate on course tasks (e.g. assignments, papers, quizzes, exams,
etc.). Furthermore, as part of your obligation to uphold the Honor Code, you should report any
condition that facilitates academic misconduct to appropriate personnel. It is your individual
responsibility to know and comply with all university policies and procedures regarding
academic integrity and the Student Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code at the University
of Florida will not be tolerated. Violations will be reported to the Dean of Students Office for
consideration of disciplinary action. For more information regarding the Student Honor Code,
refer to the following web site: http://www.dso.ufl.edu/SCCR/honorcodes/honorcode.php.” As
per the University’s Students Rights and Responsibilities (www.dso.ufl/STG), any student found
cheating, plagiarizing a written assignment, or falsifying a course requirement will receive a
failing grade for the course or be referred for University disciplinary action.
11. Course Evaluation: Students provide feedback about the quality of instruction based on 10
criteria. These evaluations are conducted online at https://evaluations.ufl.edu.
Tentative Course Syllabus
Date
Jan 7
Jan 9
Topic
Course Introduction &
Syllabus Review
Ch. 1 Introduction to MICE
Jan 12
Jan 14
Ch. 1
Ch. 1
Assigned Reading & Assignments
Read course syllabus
Read Ch. 1
Read syllabus
Read Ch. 1
Event Sign Up
Read Ch. 1
Read Ch. 1
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Jan 16
Jan 19
Jan 21
Jan 23
Ch. 2 MICE Organizers &
Sponsors
Site Inspection Discussion
No Class - MLK Day
Out-of-Class Assignment
Event Critique
Presentations
Jan 26
Jan 28
Ch. 2
Ch. 2
Jan 30
Event Critique
Presentations
Feb 2
Feb 4
Ch. 3 DMOs
Ch. 3
Feb 6
Event Critique
Presentations
Feb 9
Ch. 4 Meeting &
Convention Venues
Ch. 4
Feb 11
Feb 13
Feb 16
Feb 18
Feb 20
Feb 23
Feb 25
Feb 27
Mar 2
Mar 4
Mar 6
Mar 9
Mar 11
Mar13
Mar 16
Event Critique
Presentations
Ch. 4
Out-of-Class Assignment
Out-of-Class Assignment
Exam Review
Event Critique
Presentations
Mid-Term Exam,
Chapters 1-4
Spring Break
Spring Break
Spring Break
Ch. 5 Exhibitions
Ch. 5
Event Critique
Presentations
Ch. 5
Read Ch. 2
Due: Student Contract
No Class – MLK Day
Out-of-Class Assignment
Due: Out-of-Class Assignment
Due: #1 Site Inspection & Memo
Due: #1 Event Critique Presentations
Read Ch. 2
Read Ch. 2
Due: #2 Site Inspection and Memo
Read Ch. 3
Due: #2 Event Critique Presentations
Read Ch. 3
Read Ch. 3
Due: #3 Site Inspection and Memo
Read Ch. 4
Due: #3 Event Critique Presentations
Read Ch. 4
Read Ch. 4
Due: #4 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: #4 Event Critique Presentations
Read Ch. 4
Out-of-Class Assignment
Out-of-Class Assignment
Due: #5 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: #5 Event Critique Presentations
Mid-term Exam
No Class
No Class
No Class
Read Ch. 5
Read Ch. 5
Due: #6 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: #6 Event Critique Presentations
Due: Career Research Analysis
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Mar 18
Internship Fair
Mar 20
Mar 23
Mar 25
Event Critique
Presentations
Ch. 6 Service Contractors
Ch. 6
Mar 27
Mar 30
Apr 1
Ch. 6
Out of Class Assignment
Out of Class Assignment
Apr 3
Out of Class Assignment
Out of Class Assignment
Apr 6
Ch. 7 Destination
Management Companies
Ch. 7
Event Critique
Presentations
Ch. 8 Special Events
Ch. 8
Read Ch 7
Due: 2 Out of Class Assignment
Due: #9 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: # 9 Event Critique Presentations
Apr 8
Apr 10
Apr 13
Apr 15
Meet at the entrance of the Florida
Gymnasium
Due: #7 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: #7 Event Critique Presentations
Read Ch. 6
Read Ch. 6
Due: #8 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: #8 Event Critique Presentations
Read Ch. 8
Read Ch. 8
Due: # 10 Site Inspection and Memo
Due: # 10 Event Critique
Presentations
Apr 17
Event Critique
Presentations
Apr 20
Apr 22
Final Exam Review
Final Exam
Apr 24
No Class – Reading Day
Final Exam Review
Final Exam 10:40–11:30 am, Room
245
No Class – Reading Day
Apr 29 Wed
Final Exam (Chs. 5-8)
Final Exam 3:00-5:00 pm, Room 245
Note: The instructor may alter the syllabus at any time with advance written notice to the students.
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