Northern Arizona University Students Gain Real-World Experience in Event Planning
At Northern Arizona University, students are stepping out of the classroom and into the community, applying their learning in a tangible way. The Special Events Planning class is offering students the opportunity to engage with real-world event planning, from logistics to execution, while assisting local organizations in need of planning support.
According to Joshua Merced, an assistant teaching professor in the Department of Geography, Planning, and Recreation, “We are inviting faculty and students, as well as community organizations who need help planning an event. We oversee events from start to finish and also help with events that are already in the planning stages, where the community partner just passes over the reins of the event to the students to help finalize it.”
Throughout the semester, students collaborate in groups, selecting from a curated list of events to plan. The scope of events ranges from major public celebrations, such as Sedona’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, to smaller local fundraisers and golf tournaments. This practical approach not only enhances students’ portfolios but also equips them with essential skills for future careers.
Merced emphasizes that the course is about more than just planning an event. “The course emphasizes not only how an event is planned, but also how to navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with bringing people together for a shared purpose,” he said. This hands-on experience nurtures teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, which are crucial in professional and personal contexts.
As part of their coursework, students are expected to meet various milestones, including consultations with the instructor, progress reports, reflections on their experiences, and the creation of a rubric. At the semester’s end, students submit a comprehensive portfolio documenting the event, including timelines, budget templates, and contacts, to aid future classes.
“One of the skills they work on is budgeting,” Merced mentioned. Students learn to manage limited budgets for extravagant events and develop problem-solving, promotional, and digital marketing skills. They also practice delegation and team coordination to ensure the seamless execution of events.
Additionally, students acquire basic business skills, such as professional email writing, vendor negotiations, venue bookings, and conducting planning meetings. Merced believes this class offers unique experiences and valuable transferable skills that extend beyond textbook learning, fostering stronger community ties and potential job opportunities.
This course, open to all students as a general education credit, accepts proposals for event planning assistance, with events needing to occur between April 11-May 9, 2026. Interested parties can submit their proposals via email to Josh Merced.
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