✅ What to Expect in This Course

📢 New in 2026–2027: Program‑specific course content will be weighted as Honors‑level coursework. See Program Coursework below for more details.

🔍 Prerequisites: Travel, Tourism & Lodging Management Program

• Must be a Junior

🧠 Learning & Coursework

This two‑year program prepares students for careers and continued study in event planning, tourism, and hospitality marketing. Coursework blends business, marketing, customer service, and management concepts with applied learning. Students should expect an academically focused course that emphasizes organization, communication, and professionalism in fast‑paced service‑oriented environments.

🎟️ Hands‑On Event Planning & Operations

Event Planning & Tourism Marketing is a hands‑on, applied course. Students participate in the planning, hosting, and management of real events connected to ACE Center activities. As part of the curriculum, students are required to support at least three scheduled events each nine weeks, which may take place before or after regular school hours. These commitments are built into course expectations and mirror the time demands of real event‑based work.

Responsibilities may include setting up and breaking down event spaces, organizing materials, assisting with guest experiences, and supporting event logistics. Students should be prepared for physical tasks such as moving tables and chairs, handling linens, and adapting to changing event needs.

🧠 Professional Communication & Customer‑Facing Expectations

Because students help manage live events, the course emphasizes professional communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Students are expected to interact respectfully with peers, instructors, and guests, follow event plans closely, and respond appropriately when plans change. Attention to detail and the ability to work under time constraints are essential in event‑based environments.

🏅 Student Leadership & Certifications

Students are expected to participate in DECA, a Career and Technical Student Organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.

In addition to earning course credit, students will work toward industry‑recognized credentials, including:

• Workplace Readiness Skills (WRS)

These credentials allow students to graduate with documented skills, certifications, and career preparation—not just a grade.

👔 Professional Conduct & Daily Expectations

This program operates with expectations aligned to professional hospitality and event environments. Students are expected to:

• Purchase specific work attire for daily wear when attending ACE classes and events

• Display a visible ID badge at all times

• Demonstrate professional behavior, punctuality, accountability, and respectful communication

Event planning requires reliability, flexibility, and professionalism. Students are expected to meet these standards consistently, as their work directly affects guests, event success, and program outcomes.

⬇️ Work attire sample images appear in the image carousel below

Program Coursework

2 years – 5 HS credits – Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Hermitage

This program is designed to be completed in two years during the 11th and 12th grades.

Year 1 ( Junior Year)

Travel and Tourism Marketing - 1 credit (Honors): This course examines the components of the travel and tourism industry, including attractions, lodging, transportation, and food and beverage. Other topics include the history, political, social, and cultural effects of travel and tourism on local, state, and global environments. Students develop competencies in the areas of communication, customer service, marketing, industry technology, economics, and management functions, and are provided with opportunities for hands-on, real-world applications. Applying academic skills is also part of this course.

Lodging Management - 1 credit (Honors): Students with an interest in lodging management and operations develop specialized skills in the areas of human resources and supervision, marketing and public relations, sales, front-office functions, guest relations, communication, financial functions, food and beverage, housekeeping operations, security, and engineering. In addition, students gain a thorough understanding of the lodging industry and the career options available.

Entrepreneurship - 1 credit : Introduces students to starting and managing their own business. Covers planning techniques, design thinking, business model development, financial statements, marketing, sales, customer service, and fundamental economic principles for success.

Year 2 ( Senior Year)

Travel, Tourism, and Destination Marketing - 1 credit (Honors): This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth look at travel, tourism, and destination marketing. Students learn about business management, communication strategies, and the importance of sales and marketing in the travel and tourism industry. Students gain an understanding of soft skills, career trends, and opportunities. They develop advanced competencies in the areas of human relations, finance, safety and environmental issues, industry-specific technology, promotional planning, and market research. Academic skills related to the content are also a part of this course.

Entrepreneurship, Advanced - 1 Credit:This course is designed for students who wish to concentrate on advanced strategies for entrepreneurship, building upon concepts introduced in Entrepreneurship (9093). The focus of the course is on the development of a business plan, including projecting financials, economic influences, and business management. Students will apply knowledge gained to establish, market, and maintain a business.

Instructor

• K. Thompson, M. Ed.