Event and Experience Management Major
Our students work with faculty who have extensive experience in event management, hospitality sales, sponsorship development and event marketing. Students find careers in the event industry including special event coordinators, wedding planners, sporting event managers, venue managers, marketing coordinators, meeting planners, hospitality sales directors and catering directors. Our students have acquired internships and jobs with independent meeting planners, hotels, conference centers, non-profit organizations, stadiums, golf clubs and event technology companies.
100%
Job Placement Rate for HTM Department
$52,560
Median starting salary (not counting sales bonuses and incentives)
8%
Industry Increase expected between 2022-2032
Maria Montilla, '27
Thanks to Virginia Tech, I’ve had the opportunity to venture beyond my major and explore diverse fields of interest. During the summer of 2024, I interned as a Guest Experiences Representative for the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, a dream role for me as a passionate fan of the sport. Although this position did not directly align with my academic focus, it provided invaluable insights into event management. I was thrilled to be part of this prestigious industry, as it allowed me to develop skills and gain experiences that will complement my academic pursuits and help me become a more well-rounded student.
Riley Johnson, '23
I graduated in 2023 with a degree in Humanities for Public Service and am currently working as a Special Events Coordinator at The Mariners’ Museum and Park. During my undergraduate years, I discovered a passion for the fast-paced and dynamic world of event management. I loved the almost chaotic energy that culminated in moments of peace and happiness for clients, and the immense satisfaction of executing a successful event. Event management also allowed me to express my creativity by planning and executing unique events. In my current role, I am fortunate to leverage my Humanities degree to design and implement innovative and out-of-the-box events, blending my academic background with my professional aspirations.
Jillian Waller, '22
I am currently serving as a Program Coordinator at Virginia Tech’s Continuing and Professional Education. My decision to enter the event management industry post-graduation was driven by my deep-seated love for event planning and an unwavering passion for serving others. This role allows me to blend my organizational skills with my desire to create meaningful and impactful experiences for participants, making each event a unique and memorable occasion.
Jordan Brittle, '24
I graduated in 2024 with a major in Communication and a minor in Event and Experience Management. Currently, I work as an Event Coordinator for Laura Elizabeth Wedding & Design Co. and as an Associate Planner at Bluestone Vineyard in Bridgewater, VA. I chose to pursue a career in the event management industry post-graduation because it allows me to be creative in a leadership role focused on serving others and bringing visions to life. The event industry enables me to utilize the skills I enjoy most in a fast-paced environment where every day brings something new and exciting.
Ragen Renner '24
I was a Communications major with a minor in Event and Experience Management, graduating in 2024. Currently, I work as an Event Planner at Flatter Inc. I chose to pursue a career in the event planning industry post-graduation because of the profound impact my event minor had on my dedication to growth and learning in the job industry. After switching my major and minor from Interior Design to Communications with an Events minor, every position and internship I took on was dedicated to learning and growing. Being able to make a difference and curate experiences for others through creativity, innovation, and hospitality has been incredibly rewarding, and I know this is the field I was meant to pursue.
Lydia Urban, '22
Graduating in 2022 with a major in Public Relations and a minor in Event & Experience Management, Lydia has always been passionate about bringing people together and creating memorable experiences. Currently serving as the Special Events Sales Manager for the Tennessee Titans, Lydia thrives on the excitement and joy that events bring to people’s lives. Whether it’s orchestrating a grand wedding, a large-scale corporate event, or an intimate celebration, Lydia is dedicated to making each moment special and unforgettable.
Experiential Learning
- Classroom
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- Student Organizations
- Independent Study
What You Will Study
- This program is uniquely designed to offer the best of a world-class business education, top-10 ranked hospitality and tourism operations curriculum, and cutting-edge event and experience specialized skill development. The course sequence is designed to first provide students with the foundational skills and expertise they need and then advance to applying these skills to numerous real-life and real-time events and experiences. The signature course for the EEMG major is the Event and Experience Capstone, where students will research, implement, create, and evaluate an actual event.
- Students can purse one of two tracks: Event and Experience Management or Event and Experience Sales.
- The curriculum is inter-disciplinary, drawing from multiple departments in the Pamplin College of Business like Marketing and Business Information Technology.