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Ready for your next big event? Event planning is more difficult than you may realize. And it takes real skill to coordinate all the components that go into pulling off a memorable event.
However, there are plenty of ways to get better at event planning. You could always gain on-the-job experience. But there are some aspects that may take you a while to learn.
Fortunately, online event planning classes can help fill in some missing aspects to your skill set. You can also start specializing in certain events by taking online classes.
Quick Look: Best Online Event Planning Classes
- Event Planning Foundations by LinkedIn Learning - Get this course
- Event U: The Ultimate Guide to Successful Event Planning by Udemy - Get this course
- Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management by Udemy - Get this course
- Great Special Events Organization and Management by Udemy - Get this course
- How to Become a Successful Event Planner by Udemy - Get this course
- Certificate in Wedding Planning from the International Institute of Event Management
- Event Planning 101 by Universal Class
- Masters Certificate in Event Management from the International Institute of Event Management
- Accelerate Your Business Workshop by QC Event School
What Makes a Great Event Planning Class?
Event planning is a relatively broad category. So it may take some searching to find the right class. Especially if you are already an experienced event planner. Here are some considerations to keep in mind to help you wade through the class offerings:
Price
How much is your education budget? You may be able to find some free event planning classes, but most of them will cost something.
The fees vary depending on the learning platform. They may also depend on whether you’re seeking certification or to just supplement your knowledge.
Keep in mind that if you do go for certification, many institutions offer payment plans. Certification coursework can get pricey. So you may need to budget accordingly to pay for these types of classes.
Instructor’s Reputation and Knowledge
In the event planning world, reputation is everything. The same goes for your instructor’s knowledge. Take a look at your instructor’s reputation both in the event planning world and as an educator. Both are integral to selecting the best classes.
In addition, take a look at your instructor’s knowledge. If you’re just starting out, you may simply need an instructor that has experience in the field. However, as you specialize, you need to find instructors with more specific knowledge.
For example, if you want to plan corporate events, learning from an instructor whose primary focus is weddings may not be the best for you.
You can check out the quality of your potential instructor’s class by reading online reviews. Individual classes will have reviews posted on the main class page. However, you may need to search online for reviews of institutions that offer certifications.
Specific Skills Taught
Which skills are taught in the course? As an event planner, you may have a good grasp of basic ideas so you may bypass general classes. But if you’re just starting out, learning basic concepts may be just what you need.
You can find out about skills taught in the course by looking at the posted syllabus. Are the topics relevant to you? If not, keep searching. There’s no need to sign up for a class when the topics don’t apply to you.
The Best Online Event Planning Classes
Ready to start your event planning adventure? If you are, here are some classes to get started. At the lower levels, you may find individual classes to be just what you need.
However, if you’re already an event planner, you may need to look into certifications to supplement your knowledge. Especially if you plan on working for someone.
Best Online Event Planning Classes for Beginners
New to event planning? Consider one of these courses.
1. Event Planning Foundations by LinkedIn Learning
- Who's it for? Beginner
- Price: 1-month free trial, 29.99 a month subscription after trial
If you’re new to event planning, this class from Lynda is a good place to start. The class covers important topics like understanding your client’s objectives, managing details, and how to follow up afterward. Additional topics include:
- Selecting venues
- Planning budgets
- Managing schedules
This relatively short class is included with your Lynda monthly subscription. But if you’re new to the platform, you can receive the first month free.
2. Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management by Udemy
- Who's it for? Beginners
- Price: On sale
Can you use events as a marketing tool? Absolutely! And this Udemy course will show you how. Learn how to create a series of events to generate business and revenue. Keep in mind, though, that the course only covers the basics as it’s designed for relative beginners.
The class fee includes lifetime full access to the course along with a certificate of completion. If the class turned out not quite what you were looking for? Take advantage of Udemy’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best Intermediate Online Event Planning Classes
Do you have event planning experience, but looking for foundational knowledge? Consider one of these intermediate level event planning courses.
1. Great Special Events Organization and Management by Udemy
- Who's it for? Intermediate
- Price: On sale
The secret to a successful event isn’t the appetizers. This class helps with the secret to every event planner’s success: organization and management. Learn how to create a successful event from start to finish. It also includes identifying key attributes to increase ROI and adding events to marketing campaigns.
Instructor Alison Bossert has almost 2 decades of event planning experience. From glamorous film premiers to somber memorial services, Bossert has a wealth of planning experience to share with you.
If you're primarily interested in planning corporate events, then this class is a good choice. However, the principles in the course can be applied to most any events.
2. How to Become a Successful Event Planner by Udemy
- Who's it for? Intermediate
- Price: On sale
Even experienced event planners can use a few extra strategies. If this sounds like you, you make want to check out this class. Aside from planning basics, additional topics include:
- Event research
- Design concepts
- Risk management
- Sponsorship
- Program evaluation
Learn at home or on the go with access on both your mobile and TV. In addition, the fee includes 1.5 hours of video instruction, 9 downloadable resources, and lifetime access.
3. Certificate in Wedding Planning from the International Institute of Event Management
- Who's it for? Intermediate
- Price: $345
Wedding planning requires a special skill set beyond basic event planning. If you want to start planning the “Big Day” for couples, this certification is a good place to start. The institute offers 3 modules that culminate in a final certification for wedding planning.
Some topics included in the coursework includes:
- Budget management
- Planning vendor essentials
- Themed weddings
Certifications are generally voluntary. However, many event planners find it useful when vetting clients or starting their own business.
Best Advanced Online Event Planning Classes
Are you an event planning expert? Consider one of these courses.
1. Event Planning 101 by Universal Class
- Who's it for? Advanced students
- Price: $70 to take the course, $95 to take the course and receive a CEU Certificate
This isn’t necessarily an advanced class. However, it does include planning instructions for different types of events like corporate, weddings, and special parties. Anyone who wants an overview of the various types of strategies involved with different events may find this course useful.
In addition, the class qualifies for Continuing Education Units (CEU). But you may see cost savings if you don’t need CEU certification.
2. Masters Certificate in Event Management from the International Institute of Event Management
- Who's it for? Beginner to Advanced Students
- Price: $175 per module or the complete program for $875
Event planning isn’t necessarily the same as event management. However, both disciplines may overlap giving you a competitive edge in your career aspirations. This certification is for all levels, but starting from a beginner level may be a good idea if you don’t have much experience on the management side of event preparation.
This certification includes 6 modules with topics like:
- Intro to event management
- Fundamentals to event management
- Event management for social, corporate and weddings
- Advanced event management
You don’t necessarily need a certification to be an event planner. However, having one for management may help you advance in your career or grow your business.
3. Accelerate Your Business Workshop by QC Event School
- Who's it for? Advanced Students
- Price: $1268 to enroll, $968 if you pay the course in full
Want to take your event industry business to the next level? You may want to check out this workshop. Learn how to market yourself, build a brand, and network with vendors.
In addition, your tutor for the course gives you pointers on how to manage the back-end of your business. Tutor Athena DeVonne is the owner of her own wedding and event planner business in Dallas, TX. As a former QC Event School student, she’s ready to share her tips on how she achieved rapid success and growth with you.
Final Thoughts
Online courses are a great way to supplement your knowledge or learn a new skill. You can take classes anywhere. Most are self-paced so you can complete them when you find time in your busy schedule.
Event planning can be very competitive. However, with the right knowledge and specialization, you can make your event resume stand out from the crowd. It’s also a great way to find out if this is the career for you before making the change.
Lastly, certifications are usually not required to be an event planner. But having one in a specialization may make you more appealing to potential employers. Or, if you own a business, it may give you more credibility when speaking to clients.
Want to learn more about management, marketing and business? Check out Benzinga's guides to the best public relations courses, the best office manager training and the best branding classes.
Related content: Best Event Planning Courses
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