Christopher Dela Cruz
SDSU Online student Christopher Dela Cruz is currently pursuing his Master’s in Meeting and Event Management. Driven by a commitment to lifelong learning, Christopher was recently granted a scholarship from Meeting Professionals International for the Event Marketing Strategist Certificate.
With more than a decade of experience in event management, his pursuit of professional growth doesn’t end while pursuing his master’s degree. During a guest lecture in a marketing course with SDSU Online, he learned that the MPI offers an Event Marketing Strategist Certificate. He was inspired to pursue this certificate to further invest in his skills and professional development as an event professional.
We asked Christopher about his inspirations, achievements, and connection to his current work in his program with SDSU Online.
1) What inspired you to pursue the Event Marketing Strategist Certificate through Meeting Professionals International (MPI)?
As an event professional, I’ve developed a foundation in bringing experiences to life, working closely with clients in Tech and their Marketing Team. What inspired me to pursue the Event Marketing Strategist Certificate is my desire to deepen my understanding of the strategic side of event marketing, specifically how events drive brand awareness, customer engagement, and measurable business outcomes. I want to be able to bring value to my clients so when planning events, I understand the greater picture. It will help me continue evolving beyond execution into a more strategic marketing-focused leadership role, and this certification felt like the perfect opportunity to bridge that gap.
2) What was your initial reaction when you found out you had been awarded this scholarship?
My initial reaction was excitement and gratitude. Receiving this scholarship felt like validation that the work I’ve put into advancing my education and career is being recognized by industry leaders. It also reinforced that I’m moving in the right direction professionally. Opportunities like this are motivating because it allows me to continue investing in myself.
3) How has your experience in the SDSU Online program helped to prepare you for this opportunity?
The SDSU Online program has significantly expanded my perspective on the events industry. Through the coursework, I’ve been able to strengthen the “why” behind the work I do, not just the “how.” The program has challenged me to think more critically, strategically, and analytically, which has prepared me well to maximize the value of this certification.
4) What skills or insights are you most excited to gain from the Event Marketing Strategist Certificate?
I’m most excited to gain a deeper understanding of how to strategically align event programs with broader marketing and business objectives. Specifically, I’m looking forward to learning more about audience journey mapping, campaign integration, event ROI measurement, and how to position events as a true revenue-driving marketing channel rather than it being a logistical function. These are skills that are increasingly critical as the role of events continues to evolve.
5) How do you plan to apply what you learn from this certification to your career?
I plan to apply what I learn by continuing to evolve into a more strategic event marketing leader. I want to be someone who can not only execute exceptional experiences but also tie them directly to business growth, pipeline, and brand strategy.
6) What advice would you give to other students considering professional development opportunities like this?
My advice would be simple: invest in yourself early and often. Take advantage of the resources we have. I became a member with MPI because of SDSU and it is through our Marketing Class is where I learned that MPI offered the certificate because of a guest lecturer we had. The professional development opportunities like this can accelerate your growth far beyond what day-to-day work experience alone provides. Even if something feels outside your immediate role, no one has ever said that gaining new skills is bad for you. Quite frankly, it can often become your biggest differentiator later on in your career.
