Event planning is an exciting and rewarding career that allows you to use your creativity and organization skills to plan memorable events. However, launching a successful event planning career requires dedication, hard work, and most importantly – education. While you can certainly learn on the job, taking courses and getting an event planning certification puts you ahead of the competition. But with so many options out there, how do you know which event planning course is the right fit?
What is Event Planning?
Event planning is the process of organizing and executing events like conferences, corporate retreats, weddings, and other personal or professional celebrations. As an event planner, you handle all the details that go into creating a seamless event, including:
- Selecting and securing an event venue
- Developing event themes and designs
- Managing vendor relationships (caterers, A/V companies, etc.)
- Overseeing event promotion and marketing
- Coordinating travel and lodging for attendees
- Creating event schedules and timelines
- Arranging on-site event registration and staffing
- Overseeing event setup/teardown
- Managing client relationships and expectations
It’s a multifaceted role that requires exceptional organizational skills, a keen eye for details, budget and contract management abilities, top-notch problem-solving skills, and grace under pressure.
Why Take an Event Planning Course?
While event planning offers exciting work and creative freedom, it’s also a highly competitive career path. Talented event planners are in high demand, but you’ll need education and training to stand out. Here are some of the key benefits of taking an event planning course:
- Learn the event planning process from start to finish – A structured course teaches you how to develop event plans, manage timelines and details, and execute flawless events.
- Gain technical skills and knowledge – You’ll learn critical skills like venue selection, budgeting, vendor coordination, marketing, and risk management.
- Earn sought-after certifications – Event planning certificates prove to employers you have the right training and are committed to the career.
- Boost your hiring potential and earning power – Companies prefer to hire certified event planners, who also command higher salaries on average.
- Network with event pros – Courses allow you to connect with instructors and other students, which can lead to job opportunities.
In short, investing your time and money in a reputable event planning program pays dividends when it comes to launching your career. You’ll exit the program with confidence, credentials, connections, and credibility.
Types of Event Planning Courses
If you’re set on pursuing event planning education, the next step is choosing the right program. You have several options:
Certificate Programs
Event planning certificate programs provide intensive training on the event planning process from start to finish. Offered through colleges and universities, these programs take 1-2 years to complete depending on the school. Certificate programs cover topics like:
- Event design and decor
- Catering and entertainment coordination
- Venue selection
- Vendor management
- Marketing and promotion
- Event budgeting and finance
- Contracts and legal issues
- Sustainability and risk management
Upon completing all required courses and assignments, you’ll earn a certificate proving your event training. This can make your resume stand out when applying for event planning jobs.
Associate’s Degree Programs
A more advanced option is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Event Planning from a community college or technical school. These 2-year programs provide additional training beyond a certificate program. Associate’s degree curriculum typically includes:
- Core event planning courses
- General education (math, science, writing, etc.)
- Business and accounting coursework
- Communication and marketing classes
- Event management technology/software
- Hospitality law and ethics
- Internships or field experience
Earning an Associate’s degree signals to employers you have comprehensive training as well as a broader educational foundation. This can help open up more job opportunities and salary potential.
Online Programs and Courses
For additional flexibility, consider completing an event planning certificate or degree online. Reputable schools and organizations offer remote learning options with video lectures, assignments, virtual networking, and more. Benefits of online event planning programs include:
- Learn on your schedule – Complete coursework whenever and wherever is convenient.
- No commute – Access all lectures, materials, and resources online.
- Cost savings – Online programs tend to have lower tuition and fees.
- Rolling admission – Start courses as soon as you enroll, no waiting for new semesters.
- Virtual networking – Connect with other students through online forums and chats.
Just be sure any online program you choose is accredited and provides ample instructor interaction, feedback, and career support services.
Single Courses
If you’re not ready to commit to a full certificate or degree program, start with a single introductory course in event planning. Individual courses allow you to get your feet wet and sample event education at an affordable price. Popular event planning course topics include:
- Introduction to Event Planning
- Event Design and Production
- Catering and Event Services
- Event Marketing and Sponsorship
- Venue Selection and Management
- Event Budgeting and Finance
- Special Event Risk Management
Single courses like these are offered through colleges, universities, and professional associations. Completing one or more à la carte courses can strengthen your resume and help you determine if a career in event planning is the right choice before pursuing a full certificate or degree program.
Choosing the Best Event Planning Course
With all the course and program options out there, how do you choose where to invest your time and money? Here are key factors to consider as you evaluate event planning education:
Course Content
Start by examining program content and curriculum. Look for courses that align with the type of event planning you want to do and cover all aspects of the event execution process.
Instructor Expertise
Who’s teaching the classes? Seek out programs with instructors who have extensive real-world event planning experience. Their insights will be invaluable.
Hands-on Learning
Look for opportunities for practical application through case studies, sample event plans, group projects, internships, and more. Hands-on learning cements classroom concepts.
Career Support
Will the program help you network with professionals and prepare to enter the job market? Student career fairs, mentorship programs, mock interviews, resume reviews, and job placement assistance are all helpful.
Cost and Time Commitment
Factor in the program cost, timeline, and format. Will you attend in-person or online? How long will it take to graduate? What is the tuition and are scholarships/financial aid available?
Reputation and Accreditation
Choose an established program with proper accreditation. This signals quality and elevates the credential’s value in the job market.
Location
For in-person programs, consider convenience of getting to and from campus. Look locally if possible.
Top Event Planning Courses and Programs
To give you a head start on your research, here are some of the top reviewed event planning courses and certificate programs to consider:
| Program | Highlights |
|---|---|
| George Brown College Event Management Graduate Certificate (Toronto) |
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| Cornell University Event Management online certificate |
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| International Event Management Institute |
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| Meeting Professionals International Event Management Certificate |
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| Las Positas College Meeting & Event Planning Prof. Certificate (California) |
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| Simplilearn Event Management Masterclass |
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Conclusion
Launching an event planning career takes dedication, hard work, and education. While you can get your foot in the door through internships or coordinator roles, taking courses gives you the knowledge, credentials, and connections to advance. With so many program options available, focus on choosing a course with strong content, expert instructors, hands-on learning, career help, and a reputation for preparing successful event professionals. Investing in yourself through education is the surest path to a rewarding and lucrative event planning career.
