Algonquin College Bachelor of Event, Sport and Entertainment Management (Honours) Degree

Program Overview
• Launched in September 2023, the Bachelor of Event, Sport and Entertainment Management (BESEM) is Canada’s only event business degree.
• Currently, 96 students are enrolled across three levels of study. The first graduating class will cross the stage in Spring 2027.
• This unique business degree prepares graduates for diverse careers in the event tourism industry, as well as in:
o Special events
o Corporate, government, and cultural sectors
o Fashion, non-profit, charitable, and private organizations
o Festivals, arts, concerts, and entertainment
o Sports organizations

Hands-On Learning
Each year, students plan and deliver real events, building their skills progressively:
• Year 1: Awareness/Fundraising event
• Year 2: Workshop
• Year 3: Client Marketing event
• Year 4: Industry client project using the Event Design process to create outcomes-driven events for multiple stakeholders

Global Opportunities
• In Year 2, students can study abroad at Munster University in Ireland. Read about their experience here: From Ottawa to Ireland: Real Stories from the Next Generation of Event Leaders
https://www.ottawafestivals.ca/post/from-ottawa-to-ireland-real-stories-from-the-next-generation-of-event-leaders

Community & Industry Engagement
• Students are encouraged to volunteer at events each year, gaining hands-on experience, building networks, and applying classroom learning in real-world settings.
Courses & Curriculum

The BESEM program includes 40 specialized courses, covering:
• Logistics & Production
• HR & Volunteer Management
• Financial & Managerial Accounting
• Critical Path & Project Management
• Event Foundations & Event Design
• Business Communications
• Event Marketing & Revenue Generation
• Law & Ethics for Events
• Technology & AI Applications
• Global Event Trends
• Sustainable & Green Events
• Event Food & Beverage Management
• Business Planning for Event Tourism
• Management & Leadership in the Event Industry
• Specialized Event Programming
• Risk Management for Events
• Crowd Control, Safety & Security (Science of Crowd Behaviour)
Co-op Placement Information
A highlight of the BESEM degree is the two paid co-op terms completed after Years 2 and 3.
Co-op Details:
• Duration: 14–16 weeks (minimum 14 weeks / 420 hours)
• Schedule: 30–40 hours per week (minimum 30 hours/week)
• Timeline: May to August
• Flexibility: Students may work with one or two organizations (details to be worked out)
• Employer covers student for some form workplace safety insurance or 3rd party liability coverage
• Compensation: Minimum wage or higher (employers’ discretion)
• Student Roles:
Co-op students are prepared to contribute to a wide range of event-related tasks across planning, logistics, marketing, operations, and execution.
• Co-op Recruitment Process: https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/employers/recruitment-process/
• Important Co-op Dates/Deadlines: https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/important-co-op-dates/
• Employer Info: https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/employer-terms-of-services/

Co-op Funding:
Funding Opportunities: https://www.algonquincollege.com/coop/funding/