PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENT INFORMATION

It is the documentation of an actual event in which you have planned from beginning to end. You must have an understanding of the research, design, planning, coordination and evaluation processes including administration, marketing, legal, ethical, and risk management issues. Sections 2 - 9 (listed below) may not exceed five double-spaced 8 1/2" by 11" pages per section. Total pages for sections 2 - 9 combined may not exceed 40 pages. Photographs, illustrations, floor plans, would be in addition to this number and must be included in Section 10: Appendix. The Appendix may not exceed 25 pages. The total portfolio, excluding the Table of Contents, Portfolio Affirmation and Release Form may not exceed 65 pages. Pages you wish to protect should be in a clear plastic sleeve(not required, but recommended). Portfolio candidates will lose 1point for each page over the page limit indicated above.

Portfolio grading is based on a possible total of 150 points. Student must earn 70% (or 105 points) to pass. Students who score less than 70%/105pts will have an opportunity to re-submit their portfolio with corrections (original grade sheet must be included with the re-submission of the portfolio). Portfolio must be re-submitted within two weeks of receipt of the returned portfolio.

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Practicum Summary Sheet and Practicum forms for each Practicum activity must be the first forms inside the portfolio. If the Practicum Summary Sheet is not included or the total number of Practicum hours indicated is less than the total number required for graduation (currently, 100), the entire portfolio will be returned to the student for re-submission.

Section 1: Table of Contents (4 pts): Listing the documents in the portfolio with page numbers.

Section 2: Executive Summary (6 pts): Description of the overall event through an introductory statement.

Section 3: Research (20 pts): Describe your research process. What tools were utilized to gather research material? Who was involved in the research process? In the Appendix include the following items and refer to how they were utilized in the body of this section. Include a needs assessment and feasibility study for producing the event i.e., Why, Who, When, Where, What, How and the SWOT Analysis.

Section 4: Design (10 pts): The creative process for designing the event based upon your conclusions from the needs assessment and feasibility study. Discuss what tools you used to create the design element. In the Appendix, include photos, and samples of materials (as appropriate).

Section 5: Planning (30 pts): Discuss the process for planning the event based upon the organizational framework. Discuss how you utilized the following items and put the actual documents in the Appendix: Organizational Chart, Production, Budget and Chart of Accounts, Timeline (critical path), and List of Vendors
(NOTE: If these items are longer than one page put the whole document into one sleeve).

Section 6: Coordination (35 pts): Discuss the process for coordinating the event by how you developed and utilized the following item (1) a detailed production schedule, script (if applicable), (2) vendor agreements, AND (3) site and floor plan. Include the actual documents in the Appendix. (NOTE: If these items are longer than one page put the whole document into one sleeve).

Section 7: Evaluation (10 pts): Discuss the process for evaluating the event and the conclusions and recommendations resulting from this event evaluation. Discuss what benchmarks or key factors where utilized as evaluation markers. Discuss if an evaluation instrument was used or if not, why not. Discuss the development and implementation of the evaluation instrument. In the Appendix, submit actual evaluation instruments and results.

Section 8: GAP Analysis (15 pts): Discussion of overall problems and oversights, GAP Analysis, that resulted in each area of this event process and make recommendations for eliminating these in the future utilizing Best Practices.

Section 9: Personal Essay (10 pts): A personal essay describing your development process throughout your Event Management career. Using the five phases of event management, discuss what you learned during the development of this event that will help you become a better event professional. List areas where improvement is needed and your general plans to continue your future education to improve your practice.

Section 10: Appendix: An Appendix that includes a letter or letters from either your superior(s), client(s), or other important stakeholders documenting your involvement in the event. Include photos, diagrams, illustrations, of the event.

Section 11: Affirmation: A statement that affirms the information contained in the portfolio represents your original work. Affirmation statement should by signed and dated by student.

Affirmation Language
“I affirm that the information contained in this portfolio represents my original work, except where such items belong to the event or event organizer (such as a conference program, photos taken by the organization’s photographer, etc.). Any use of other people’s property is indicated by attribution.”


·IF NO AFFIRMATION STATEMENT IS ATTACHED TO THE PORTFOLIO, IT IS AN AUTOMATIC RE-SUBMITT/FAIL.

How Should The Portfolio Be Presented?

The professional portfolio must be submitted in a three ring black binder with a clear vinyl pocket on the cover. In the cover, insert an 8 1/2" by 11" sheet of white paper with the following text:

PROFESSIONAL EVENT PORTFOLIO
Submitted By
Name
Address(Return address, the portfolio will be mailed to)
The George Washington University
Event Management Certificate Program
Date

Each section of the portfolio must be separated by clearly and professionally labeled tabs. Collateral materials (photos, letters, floor plans, programs, etc...) must also be included in the portfolio package.

Tips:

1. Set a specific schedule for producing your portfolio and stick to it. Waiting until the end of your course of study is not wise.

2. Work closely with your professors to make certain you are including the appropriate information. Ask before you proceed.

3. Make certain you carefully proof your work. The best portfolios are held in the office of the Associate Director and may be reviewed by appointment only. *Portfolio examples are online as well.


SAMPLE PORTFOLIO

APPENDIX TO PORTFOLIO

Please view the sample above, If you need help with portfolio content, please feel free to contact the portfolio advisor at empfolio@gwu.edu
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Submission Date(s):

Portfolios may be submitted at any time(please allow a minimum 12 weeks for grading). However, to be eligible for graduation, the submission date is May 1 (no exceptions). The conferring of certificates and the graduation ceremony will take place annually at the end of our summer session. Portfolios should be submitted by registered mail with delivery receipt to:

GW Event Management Certificate Program
International Institute of Tourism Studies
2201 G Street NW
Funger Hall, Suite 301
Washington, DC 20052