Conceptual foundations of play, recreation, leisure, tourism, hospitality. Historical and cultural perspectives, economic and political significance, leisure behavior, the environment, relationship of leisure service agencies, professionalism, issues and trends.

Organization of commercial recreation, tourism, and hospitality. Supply and demand components, historical and cultural perspectives, marketing, public relations, promotional techniques, roles of commercial leisure delivery systems, and programming strategies.

Organization, group leadership, assessment, time management, evaluation of RTH programs, followership, special event management, programming strategies in RTH. Human development for all populations throughout the lifespan; techniques, strategies and resources for a variety of RTH settings.

Group management, ethical leadership, program execution/development/evaluation, and event management. Motivating for activity participation. Managing problematic participant behavior. Leading safely, according to age groups in parks and recreation settings.

The course is designed to assist students in the five critical stages of successful event leadership: research, design, planning, coordination and evaluation. Professional opportunities in the event management industry discussed.