By Christie Xu

Starting out in the event industry is exciting—but it can also feel like stepping into a universe with dozens of specialties, each with its own expectations, skill sets, and career paths.

For example, you could work in:

• Meetings & Conferences
• Exhibitions & Trade Shows
• Live & Special Events
• Sustainability In Events
• Social & Lifestyle Events

Whether you are exploring where you might best fit or looking to level up in your chosen field, here’s a breakdown of the major event categories and the certifications that can help you level up in the industry.

Meetings & Conferences

If you’re looking to build a career in corporate meetings, association conferences, seminars, workshops, or board meetings, the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) is the credential most people aim for. It’s offered by the Events Industry Council (EIC) and is widely recognized as the global gold standard for meeting professionals.

The CMP certification is perfect if you want to deepen your skills in:

• Strategic planning
• Logistics
• Budgeting
• Sustainability
• Stakeholder communication

The CMP‑HC (Specialty Certification: CMP‑HC (Healthcare)) is a specialty designed for professionals managing healthcare‑related meetings. It focuses on regulations, compliance, and industry‑specific best practices. The Events Industry Council describes it as a badge of excellence in healthcare meetings management.

To apply for your CMP, you’ll need 36 months of full‑time event experience, 25 hours of continuing education, and to pass a rigorous exam—but it’s one of the most respected certifications you can earn.

This is the certification that both Loren, Founder and President and Yana, Executive Vice President from LOMA Agency hold, and it’s often listed as a preference or requirement in events-related job postings.

Exhibitions & Trade Shows

If you’re drawn to consumer expos, B2B trade shows, vendor showcases, or convention center events, the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation is your best bet. It’s offered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and is built specifically for professionals who want to master the world of exhibitions.

The CEM is ideal if you want to learn about the ins and outs of:

• Floor plans
• Exhibitor relations
• Sponsorships
• Attendee flow
• Large‑scale operations

It’s a structured nine‑course program that helps you build real, practical expertise. The CEM certification is earned by completing the nine required courses, passing all corresponding exams, and meeting IAEE’s eligibility criteria—typically 3 years of full‑time event or exhibition experience or a related degree.

Live & Special Events

For job titles like Live Event Producer, Special Event Planner, Experiential Designer, Production Manager, and even Creative Director, the Certified Special Events Professional (CSEP) offered by International Live Events Association (ILEA) might be the perfect choice for you.

The CSEP is one of the most respected global designations for professionals working in live, experiential, and special events. Unlike certifications focused on meetings or exhibitions, the CSEP emphasizes:

• Creative concept development
• Live event production
• Technical direction
• Entertainment management
• Event design and experience strategy
• On‑site execution and risk management

It’s ideal for professionals who work on galas, festivals, brand activations, concerts, immersive experiences, and large‑scale special events.

The CSEP designation requires a minimum of three years of full‑time professional event experience, completion of the official CSEP application, and a passing score on the CSEP exam, which focuses on scenario‑based questions and the practical application of live‑event production knowledge.

Sustainability in Events

If you’re passionate about sustainability, carbon‑neutral events, or socially responsible event design, the Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC) is a great way to specialize. It’s offered by the Events Industry Council, the same organization that offers the CMP.

The SEPC is a 16‑module online program that covers:

• Carbon management
• Sustainability frameworks
• Community impact
• Responsible event design

It’s a strong add‑on certification if you want to position yourself as a sustainability‑focused planner.

Social & Lifestyle Events

You may be excited by weddings, galas, fundraisers, private celebrations, or cultural events, but want a certification that gives you a strong foundation without requiring years of experience.

The Event Manager Professional Certification (Emerit) from Tourism HR Canada (under the Emerit brand) is perfect for early‑career professionals.

This certification is built on national occupational standards and developed with input from Canadian event experts. It’s practical, accessible, and a great starting point if you want structured training early in your career.

College Programs & Certificates

All of the programs we’ve discussed above are for planners who already have their foot in the industry.

If you are still pursuing your education and wanting to make event planning your career, many new event professionals choose to start with college programs & certificates in event management. 

Toronto offers several strong options:

• George Brown College provides an 8–12-months program focused on logistics, budgeting, marketing, and sponsorships, with strong ties to the downtown event community.
• Centennial College offers a one‑year graduate certificate that gives a broad overview of conferences, festivals, and corporate events, supported by industry connections and field placements.
• Humber College also delivers a one‑year graduate certificate with hands‑on training and real‑world experience through placements with event companies and venues.
• Seneca Polytechnic offers a flexible learning option for their Event & Exhibit Design program, which blends event planning fundamentals with creative design, production, and experiential concepts—ideal for students interested in both planning and visual experience design.

As Loren always says, real learning happens in the field. Books can give you concepts and terminology, but until you take that internship, research vendors, chase quotes, get your hands dirty onsite, and see the real time pivots, you won’t feel the real thrill of events.

So, whether you choose a certification or a college program, the actual journey begins the moment you see an event come to life — when months of planning turn into an experience, people remember. That’s where the learning truly happens, and where every skill, credential, and late‑night study session starts to make sense.

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