Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Hospitality Management - Event Planning and Management] From Southwest Minnesota State University

Southwest Minnesota State University is a four-year public university offering a high quality education in the liberal arts and professions to prepare you for a life that is successful both personally and professionally. SMSU has grown into a university of choice with high national rankings, producing scholars who become the leaders, thinkers, and entrepreneurs of the future. Students and faculty alike come here to engage in the rich "Southwest Experience," which starts with strong academics, fulfilling social opportunities and support from fellow Mustangs. We invite you to visit SMSU and to experience for yourself all that it has to offer.

This four-year program prepares students for positions in hotels, restaurants, convention bureaus, resorts and other hospitality and recreational facilities. All three concentrations provide ample opportunity for the hospitality professionals of tomorrow to build upon their leadership and management abilities, critical thinking skills, problem solving techniques, strong financial analysis skills and customer awareness.?

Students are prepared for careers as Entertainment Venue Manager, Wedding Sales Manager, Executive Conference Manage, Convention and Meeting Manager, etc. in a wide range of industries, such as:?

• ?Business, professional, labor and political organizations

• ?Hotels and motels

• ?Other support services, including trade show organizers

• ?Self-employed

• ?Colleges, universities and professional schools

Average wage for meeting and convention planners in the US is $24.21/hour (ISEEK, 2013). This concentration prepares students with skills needed to plan conferences, trade shows and conventions for companies and businesses as well as social functions, such as galas, weddings, reunions and more.