A person in a black blazer with a name tag arranges a floral centerpiece of white roses and red berries in a square glass vase on a round banquet table. The table is covered with a white tablecloth and set with silverware, black napkins, menus, name cards, and small glass candle holders. A table number

Be the one who makes it all happen

Become a leading professional in one of the world’s most dynamic and growing industries. Coordinate conferences, work in the sports industry, plan events, create unforgettable weddings, execute innovative retail events – you’re prepared to be the person who makes amazing events a reality.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 18 percent before 2030. The event management major at Iowa State University (ISU) is the only four-year program of its kind in the state of Iowa and one of only a few in the Midwest.

Routinely in top rankings for best programs related to event planning, our faculty members are experts with industry experience.You’ll take your classroom knowledge and apply it so you’re well-prepared for your internship and future career.

Careers in Event Management

  • Association Planner/Manager
  • Conference Planner
  • Event Coordinator
  • Executive Meeting Manager
  • Marketing Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Sales Manager
  • Travel Coordinator
  • Venue Manager

Career services
Prepare for your next job or internship with Career Services, where staff help you with job and internship searches, career fairs, interview preparation, and resume/cover letter reviews.

Experiences and Internships

Being on the ISU campus provides event management students with unique opportunities to gain valuable experience and internal internships:

  • Each spring, students in one of our event classes propose the concept, location, schedule, menu, entertainment, décor and more for “The Conference” and then execute the event in the subsequent fall semester. Students get the hands-on experience of putting plans into action and producing “The Conference” for the ISU and Ames communities.
  • Students can be involved with the annual ISU Fashion Show — one of the largest student-produced fashion shows in the nation.
  • Other opportunities to gain event planning skills include the athletics department, the alumni association, ISU Dining/catering, the Greek system, and Dance Marathon.

Internships
Various internships are available within event management. Students research potential internships and employers in two classes during their time at Iowa State.

To apply for internships and full-time positions, use CyHire, on-campus career fairs, career services, and talk to your internship coordinator.

See where other students have interned. Visit Career Connections.

Graduate Program Preparation

Some students may choose to further their education with a graduate degree, such as a:

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Event Management
  • Master of Sports Management

Program information

Event management

Curriculum requirements

4-year plans

Event management study abroad programs

Explore the event industry through opportunities to the United Arab Emirates, Germany, the Bahamas, and more, to study the impact of event management on a national and global level.

The event management program offers various international opportunities through the College of Health and Human Sciences International Programs office.

Facilities and Laboratories

The Meeting Room is a laboratory providing students hands-on access to a number of cutting-edge technology tools like virtual reality headsets, event sound and lighting equipment, wireless connectivity to displays for bring-your-own-display, and group/collaboration furniture. The Meeting Room is utilized in EVENT 2770: Introduction to Digital Promotion in Event Management for student projects involving digital promotion and EVENT 4710: Special Events Coordination for multimedia system labs.

Accelerated degree option – do more with your time at Iowa State!

An accelerated degree option is available for the event management program.

Faculty

Students in the event management major learn from the best. Our faculty members are experts in a wide range of areas related to marketing, technology, promotion, brand management, trend analysis, resource management, catering, and finances.

Dr. Ken Tsai, Program Director

Dr. Joan Su, Director of Graduate Education for Event Management

Jamie Beyer, Teaching Professor

Daniel Paiva, Assistant Teaching Professor

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