Online Class: Event Planning 101

Online class providing a basic understanding of event planning. It will also explain some of the details of how the business works and what an event planner actually does to manage an event.
$70.00
no certificate
- OR -
$95.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$95.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 10
    Lessons
  • 22
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 5,243
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 9
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.9
    CEUs
 
 

Course Description

Event planning is one of the hottest new fields available to people from all walks of life today.  Although some event planners may possess a college degree in business or a related field of study, a college degree is not required to be an event planner, nor is a certificate or any other formal training--although any training and/or education you can receive would certainly be very beneficial and give you an edge over others just starting out.
Those who are brand new to the field of event planning can earn excellent money in this career path, and the benefits and salary only increase with the event planner's contacts, networking and skill level.  Those at the top of their game can earn in excess of millions per year.
 
Event planning is an exciting, lucrative and interesting career choice; however, it is not for everyone. Those who have a lot of energy, are comfortable with self-promotion, enjoy talking to and socializing with strangers, who are well organized, can handle multi-tasking and have an eye for detail will enjoy this career.  If you are laid back, shy and prefer to be "behind the scenes," you may want to choose another profession. This course will give you a great basic understanding of event planning. It will also explain some of the details of how the business works and what an event planner does exactly. Lastly, it will give you the basics to help get you started in this exciting, rewarding and often fun filled career.

 
Courses Frequently Bought Together:

Course Motivation

Event Planning Defined
 
 
The role of an event planner is part liaison, part therapist, and part reassuring friend. Event planners are hired specifically because the person, company, or group  planning an event prefers to put the task in the hands of an expert rather than personally take on the task. 

Even if customers have great confidence in the planner they choose to hire, most people still will have some concern about the event turning out well. If the event bombs, it is the person who hired the event planner that will ultimately look bad to the attendees of the event, not the event planner whom they have never met. 

Also, many of those who hire an event planner will have strong opinions about what they want or do not want. Thus, the event planner must take these requests and decisions into consideration when planning the event. 
 
 
The U.S. Department of Labor categorizes event planning under "meeting and convention planning." Meetings, conventions, and other events bring people together for a shared and common purpose. 

Event planners work to ensure the success of the event in question and have the end result come off seamlessly. Event planners, sometimes called EPs, coordinate every tiny detail of the event, from lining up the speakers and finding an appropriate location for the event to arranging for any printed material and/or audio-visual equipment required. Event planners may work for nonprofit organizations, professional associations, individuals, governmental agencies, hotels, and large or small corporations. 

Some organizations, corporations, hotels, and convention centers keep meeting planners and event planners on staff; others hire them from outside firms or hire independent contractors.  Event planners may or may not have a high school diploma or its equivalency, an associate's degree, a four-year degree, a master's degree, or a certificate in event planning; however, all that is truly required to enter this field is a knack and an affinity for the job.                                                                                  

In addition to other things, event planning essentially involves some of the following tasks:

  • budgeting;
  • date selection and alternate date selection;
  • site selection;
  • invitations;
  • acquisition of permits;
  • transportation arrangements;
  • parking;
  • security staff;
  • safety precautions;
  • food or catering arrangements;
  • wait and bar staff;
  • decorating;
  • entertainment;
  • assembly;
  • cleanup.

This list is by no means complete. Other event planning tasks include any aspect necessary to successfully plan and execute a party, festival, ceremony, graduation, concert, convention, competition, or show that the event planner is hired to organize. Such an involved process requires exceptional organizational skills and an eye and mind for detail. Most importantly, event planners must create programs, parties, or events that address the purpose, message, or impression that their organization or client is trying to communicate.

What Types of Skills Do Event Planners Need to Have?
 

In order to be a successful event planner or meeting planner, one should possess a set of specific skills. As mentioned previously, a college education or certificate is not required to enter this field; however, some event planners will have a degree in hospitality, management, business administration, marketing, public relations, or some form of communications. They may also have certificates in business or computer software applications usage.

Below is a basic list of skills that are highly recommended for event planners to have. The list is not complete but provides a general overview of top skills required to do the job well:
  • verbal and written communication skills;
  • organizational skills;
  • time management skills;
  • project management skills;
  • the ability to multitask efficiently;
  • the ability to take charge and make decisions;
  • the ability to work well in teams;
  • efficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook;
  • a very detail-orientated mindset;
  • the ability to meet deadlines;
  • great to excellent negotiation skills;
  • the ability to stay calm under pressure;
  • the ability to manage and create a budget;
  • skill at managing groups, teams, and staff members;
  • marketing skills;
  • great public relations skills;
  • great social skills;
  • the ability to converse comfortably with all levels of management and all types of people;
  • creative ingenuity;
  • the ability to form networks and build alliances with various vendors.

Where and for Whom Do Event Planners Work?
 
Event planners may work on staff for large or small event planning companies, including wedding planners, corporate event planners, special event planners and the like. They may also freelance and work for several different companies on an as-needed basis or contract their services out on a party-to-party basis. They may work full time for private corporations, hotels, or government agencies as meeting and convention planners or, lastly, they may work for themselves in their own company or self-started business.

How and Where to Get Started as an Event Planner

If you have no experience at all and want to break into the field, the best bet is to start at an entry level position. Learn as much as you can by working your way up and building contacts as you go. (We will discuss more about this in Lesson 2.) You will not make big bucks initially, but if event planning is something you think you have a special affinity for, then bite the bullet and take a lower salary in order to learn the ropes. 

You also may continue to work in your current job and start by building a great network of contacts in the area you want to specialize in. This will help give you a higher asking salary when looking for positions with event planning companies. 

The more you can bring to the table, the more valuable you will be to potential employers or clients as a team player. Another option is to move into a position such as this within the company you work for. Check with your human resources department and ask if there are any positions open that involve meeting or convention planning in-house. 

Jobs like this can often be found within large corporations within the public relations or marketing departments. Your current position within your company may allow you access to these jobs before they are offered to the public. These are great training grounds for building a career in event planning. 


Conclusion
 
Event planners may or may not have a formal college education; however, they must possess certain skills in order to do the job well. An event planner also may be called a meeting and convention planner or coordinator. Event planners sometimes work very long hours and certainly work non-traditional hours, as the events they plan often have to be set up after normal business hours and usually are scheduled out of the regular 9-to-5 time frames. 

Event planners may plan a variety of different events, including meetings, seminars, conferences, trade shows, executive retreats, incentive programs, conventions, awards ceremonies, contests, fashion shows, weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and all kinds of parties. The list goes on! In any case, event planners may work in private and business sectors. Which sector you choose will depend upon your personality and skill level. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.4 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(4,010 votes)

Lesson 1: What Is an Event Planner?

Event planners work to ensure the success of an event, which includes meetings, parties, fundraisers, and many others. 235 Total Points
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
  • Complete Assignment: 1A: Introduce Yourself
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam: Event Planning Defined

Lesson 2: The Importance of Networking to the Event Planner

Any event planner needs a good group of people who can provide the required elements to put the event together and make it a great success. This lesson discusses the importance of networking and how to develop networking skills and con 200 Total Points
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Lesson discussions: I Want to be an Event Planner Because...
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam:The Importance of Networking to the Event Planner

Lesson 3: The Major Types of Event Planning

There are three major areas of this field that are the most popular, and thus often become the highest paying. The first is corporate event planning, the second is wedding planning, and the last is special party or celebration event planning. Additional lesson topics: Planners Guide 210 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Specializing in Events!
  • Complete: Lesson 3, Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam:The Major Types of Event Planning

Lesson 4: Corporate Event Planner Basics

Corporate event planners most often are employed by large to medium-sized companies or corporations. They organize, orchestrate, and arrange various events, meetings, conventions and educational seminars. 200 Total Points
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam:Corporate Event Planner Basics

Lesson 5: Wedding Planner Basics

Wedding planners may offer wedding day only coordination or a full range of other services, such as helping find the perfect reception location or by planning the wedding from start to finish. 220 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam:Wedding Planner Basics

Lesson 6: Special Party and Celebration Event Planner Basics

Special party and celebration planners organize the party or celebration according to the wishes of those who hired them. 220 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam:Special Party & Celebration Event Planner Basics

Lesson 7: A Bird's-eye View of Planning a Single Event

This lesson gives you a broad view of what planning one single event would look like. Additional lesson topics: Engagement Parties 220 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam:A Birds Eye View of Planning a Single Event

Lesson 8: A Bug's-eye View of Planning a Single Event

In this lesson, we will use the gathered data to get a more detailed plan, from which a final plan will be made. Additional lesson topics: Event planning checklist 200 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam:A Bugs-Eye View of Planning a Single Event

Lesson 9: Details That Make a Difference

If you want to be an event planner, then you need to always focus on the details that make a difference. 225 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam:Details that Make a Difference

Lesson 10: Starting Your Own Event Planning Service

If you want to run your own company, you should have experience, many contacts, and a good amount of starting capital. 1195 Total Points
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: What Do You Think of This Course?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam:Starting Your Own Event Planning Service
  • Assessment: Final Exam
3125
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe what an event planner is and determine whether or not it is right for you.
  • Describe the importance of networking as an event planner.
  • Describe the major types of event planning.
  • Summarize the processes involved in planning a corporate event.
  • Summarize the processes involved in planning a wedding.
  • Describe the processes involved in planning special parties and celebrations.
  • Outline and summarize the details of planning any major event.
  • Summarize how to start your own event planning service.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: Event Planning 101
Course Number: 7550035
Lessons Rating: 4.4 / 5 Stars (4,010 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.
Last Updated: October 2022
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.9 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: UniversalClass Instructional Team
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $95.00 U.S. dollars

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$70
for 6 months
 
Add to Cart
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Add to Cart
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Start Now
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Start Now
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

Student Testimonials

  • "My instructor was very responsive to any email I sent to her. She gave me input on some of the papers I prepared and submitted. I found her input to be very helpful." -- Jeanne P.
  • "The course is a great way to get started in the event planning industry. It offers great insight and career ideas, tips and how to network properly." -- Andrew E.
  • "Instructor was always helpful and available." -- Dennis B.
  • "I enjoyed taking the course." -- Patricia B.
  • "What was most helpful was the assignments, as they required some planning and creative work that I will be able to use in my future business." -- Oksana P.
  • "I thought this was an excellent course. There was no pressure and you could work at your own pace and timeline. I gained a wealth of information and feel the instructor was knowledgeable of the event planning business. The instructor promptly marked assignments, exams and responded to e-mails questions." -- Gloria K.
  • "Great Course overall! :)" -- Calvin B.
  • "I found that at the end of every assignement that there wasa section called "Conclusion" that helped to clarity things in a "BUGS EYE VIEW"." -- Calvin B.
  • "The instructor was there and graded me on time. I thank you Universal Class for being your student." -- Betty I.
  • "Instructor was pretty quick on getting back to my questions!" -- Courtney F.

Related Courses