The Diploma in Conference Organisation (DCO) is presented by the Society of Event Organisers (SEO) and awarded to delegates who have completed an eight day course of study and exercises, a mixture of theory and practical, and have achieved a pass mark in the examination set. It is based in London.
The DCO is available to those who already hold the SEO four-day Certificate in Conference Organisation (CCO).
The full programme of a DCO qualification is:
Day One. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Pre-event and at-event considerations. Avoiding high stress levels in event delivery, anticipating problems, having a contingency plan, setting deadlines, working with and briefing all groups.
EVENT INSURANCE
What you can and can’t insure for, what you really must insure against, what you probably should, what you could and what it costs.
Day Two: FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Designing a memorable menu, price implications and catering to a budget, eating trends, special diets, health and safety issues and legalities, food poisoning and allergies, choosing wine with food. Day includes a menu exercise and a wine with food tasting. (Delegates should not drive).
Day Three: VENUE SELECTION/EVALUATION EXERCISE
A one day activity in teams requiring a choice of venues from criteria set as well as visits for evaluation and a presentation of findings.
Day Four: AUDIO VISUAL CONSIDERATIONS AND SPEAKERS
This session takes a look at all the technology available for presentations, the selection of the right types for the audience and a practical look at the problems of speakers.
Day Five: LEGAL ISSUES
An interactive session looking in depth at contract law, data protection, intellectual property, occupiers liability, licensing and disability discrimination.
DISABILITY – THE PRACTICALITIES
A practical look at all aspects of disability as it affects event organisers. How to ensure all your events don’t just comply with the law but are positively disability-friendly.
Day Six: MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
A practical look at how to cope with some of those nightmare scenarios from choking through injury and dealing with shock to serious coronary problems and how to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
FIRE EMERGENCY
How it happens. What to do to minimise risks, what to do if it happens, what to use and what definitely not to do.
Day Seven: PUBLICISING A CONFERENCE
A practical day which looks in depth at writing persuasive publicity material, using PR techniques to publicise and writing effective press releases to maximise free publicity.
Day Eight: ORGANISING CONFERENCES OVERSEAS
A half day session on running conferences outside the UK covering cost comparisons, travel, customs and excise, currency and cultural considerations.
EXAMINATION
An invigilated 1½ hour examination. Delegates need 70% right answers to pass. Results sent within four weeks.
DATES AND FEES
The DCO is being held in a variety of London venues. All days run from 10.30 am – 4.30 pm and the dates for 2009 are as follows.
Fees for the DCO are £1,960 plus VAT per delegate or £1,568 plus VAT per delegate if two or more delegates from the same organisation attend, of if delegate is an SEO member (Free sign up at www.seoevent.co.uk)
To book a place on the DCO please complete the booking form.
