Event and Hospitality Management

Career Outlook

The hospitality industry offers vibrant careers where no two days are the same. As an event planner, you'll select venues, meet with vendors, and manage budgets to ensure everything runs smoothly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 7% growth in event planning careers by 2033, faster than the average workforce growth rate. The annual salary for event planners was $56,920 in 2023.

The professional work experience and education you earn through this program prepare you for a wide variety of hospitality careers. Some of these opportunities include:

• Destination Marketing Specialist
• Director of Cruise Activities
• Events Planner
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Hotel or Resort Manager
• Travel Planner

Curious about career pathways in this field? Check out Career Coach to learn more about industry job growth, education requirements, earning potential, and more. 

Smooth Transfer to a Four-Year College

If you're considering a bachelor’s degree after FLCC, our academic advisors will help you connect with four-year schools and explore transfer options. We'll assist you in selecting courses that efficiently meet the requirements for both FLCC and your future college.

• Joint Admissions Agreements: These allow first-year students to gain admission to both FLCC and participating four-year schools at the same time. Gain peace of mind knowing your next step is set while you complete your associate degree with us.
• Transfer Articulation Agreements: These partnerships ensure your credits from FLCC will transfer directly and seamlessly to a partner four-year school. You can enter a bachelor’s program with full junior standing, saving you time and money.

VIEW TRANSFER AGREEMENTS

Where Our Students Transfer

Many students in our Event and Hospitality Management program go on to complete a four-year degree at colleges such as:

• Johnson & Wales University
• Niagara University
• Paul Smith’s College
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• SUNY Brockport
• SUNY Delhi
• SUNY Morrisville

Learn from Industry Experts

Gain 600 hours of real-world training through our professional work experience program. Hone your skills with the support of regional experts in wineries, restaurants, hotels, and event centers. Our work experience program helps you build skills for your career goals while connecting with employers.

Course Highlight: HOS 105 Orientation to Hospitality

Meet over a dozen Finger Lakes hospitality and tourism leaders in our first-year experience course, Orientation to Hospitality. This course showcases a range of professional occupations, best practices, and current developments in the industry. Discover unique careers and opportunities while learning from experienced business owners, hotel managers, and event planners.

Earn Industry Credentials

Learn about safe and responsible food and beverage service by completing the following certifications:

• TIPS certification: A nationally recognized program that equips you with the skills to ensure responsible alcohol service and create safer environments for guests.
• ServSafe certification: This essential credential focuses on food safety, preparing you to handle food responsibly, prevent contamination, and meet the health and safety requirements of the industry.

Earning these credentials alongside your degree demonstrates that you are well-prepared for a career and dedicated to excellence.

Real-World Event Planning

Create memorable experiences with student-run events and our collaborative capstone project, Dinner at Julia's. Each year, hospitality, culinary arts, and viticulture students work together to host food and wine events for real patrons from the local community. Design menus, set up lighting, plate food, and serve tables to discover what it takes to run a successful event from start to finish.

Sample Courses

Visit our academic catalog for a complete listing of program requirements, including prerequisites, general education requirements, electives, and a sample schedule.

View Full Curriculum

Sample core courses you'll take in this program include:

• ACC 101 - Principles of Financial Accounting
• BUS 224 - Human Resource Management
• CUL 120 - Foodservice Sanitation
• CUL 255 - Culinary Restaurant Practicum
• HOS 100 - Introduction to Tourism
• HOS 101 - Principles of Hotel & Resort Management
• HOS 105 - Orientation to Hospitality
• HOS 160 - Bar and Beverage Management
• HOS 220 - Hospitality Marketing and Sales
• HOS 227 - Destination Marketing
• HOS 230 - Hospitality Law
• HOS 232 - Event Management