Online Class: Special Events Planning

This course will take you into the world of special event planning, giving you a very accurate behind-the-scenes look at a career that is almost invisible, but so very important.

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  • 13
    Lessons
  • 29
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 1,540
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 8
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.8
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

Mastering the Craft of Special Event Planning

Imagine walking into a mesmerizing gala, the hall adorned with ethereal lights, the tables set impeccably, and the stage set for a keynote speaker. Or perhaps, recollect the last wedding you attended, with its flawless execution and heartwarming touches. Behind all this enchantment and precision, orchestrating every detail, stands the event planner. This unsung hero is responsible for crafting memories, and ensuring that from significant aspects like stage arrangements to minute details like the exact number of cutlery sets, everything is perfect.

As of 2023, the event planning industry has witnessed substantial growth. According to recent statistics, the global events industry is expected to reach a staggering value of over $1,550 billion by 2028. With such a promising outlook, diving into the intricacies of this field has never been more enticing.

This comprehensive course demystifies the vibrant world of special event planning. Providing an unparalleled behind-the-scenes glimpse, it sheds light on an often-overlooked but crucial profession. Whether you're aspiring to orchestrate large-scale corporate events, intimate weddings, or even niche gatherings like book launches, this course is your blueprint to success.

For instance, let's consider Lesson 9, dedicated to corporate events. Here, you'll explore real-world examples such as product launches for tech giants like Apple or Google. Delve into how planners meticulously manage guest lists comprising global media, industry influencers, and stakeholders. Understand how venue choice can reflect brand identity, and how an event's theme can enhance product messaging.

Considering a career pivot? This course is tailored not just for beginners but also for seasoned professionals seeking refinement. An event planner's role is incredibly versatile, demanding a unique blend of creativity, organizational skills, and people management. Thus, individuals from varied backgrounds, be it public relations, hospitality, or even finance, can seamlessly transition into this dynamic profession.

Who is This Course For?:

  • Aspiring Event Planners: Lay a robust foundation, learning the ropes of event planning, ensuring every event you manage is memorable.

  • Professionals Seeking a Career Change: Leverage your existing skills, channeling them into a rewarding career in event management.

  • Existing Event Planners: Enhance your techniques, discover the latest industry trends, and streamline your processes for increased efficiency.

  • Hospitality Professionals: Augment your skillset, adding a feather to your cap, and expanding your professional horizons.

In Summary:

"Mastering the Craft of Special Event Planning" is not just a course; it's a journey into the world of creating unforgettable experiences. In an age where experiences triumph over possessions, the ability to craft impeccable events is more valuable than ever. Through this course, you will gain the knowledge, insights, and skills required to shine brightly in the galaxy of event management. Enroll now, and set forth on a journey towards creating moments that last a lifetime.

Course Motivation

What Is Event Planning?

 

As we set out to discuss the job of event planning, it may be helpful to break down the components. Consider the following:
 
A) An occurrence, something that takes place.

B) A significant happening or occurrence.

C) A social gathering or activity. 

No, this is not a multiple choice question.

This is the definition of the word "event."

Therefore, one who plans events is the individual who puts together everything for a gathering or activity of some significance. This can be anything from a first birthday party to a worldwide convention for a huge product launch. Two such events are actually more similar than one might suspect.

Events usually are classified under two categories:

Corporate:

  • Meetings
  • Trainings
  • Fundraising
  • Conventions

 

Social:

 

  • Celebrations
  • Rites of passage
  • Family events

Regardless of the type of event, an event planner does very similar work for all events.

 

The Job of an Event Planner

 

 

When asked about their understanding of the job of an event planner, most people refer to it in a vague way, describing someone marching through a room barking orders, checking things off on a clipboard, and tweaking the arrangement of the silverware or linens on the table before finally joining the festivities, looking beautifully dressed and participating in the champagne cocktails and paté hors d'oeuvres. 

The facts, however, cast a very different light on the occupation. Most of an event planner's duties are done behind the scenes: talking to clients on the phone, checking out potential vendors, creating and reviewing contracts, preparing timelines for upcoming events, marketing for and contracting with new businesses, investigating new venues, or shopping for deals on items such as vases, candlestick holders, and other various items.

Event or meeting planners coordinate everything necessary to put together an event that will be memorable, meet the criteria of purpose, be well organized, and achieve everything within a budget. Some event planners work on smaller events, while others work with a team of people putting on very large events, ongoing events, or annual events.

My mother-in-law would have made a good event planner. Every family holiday, she would scour magazines for months ahead, looking for menu and decorating ideas. She would clip the pictures and recipes and put them in a three-ring binder. As the date approached, she would narrow everything down, creating an elaborate menu and decorating scheme. With those decisions made, she would then make lists: lists for food, lists for flowers, lists for decorations, and then lists for when everything needs to be done, creating what is known in the business as a "timeline."

In the special event business, timelines are the lifeblood of the business. Without them, nothing would be done on time or in the proper order. Each event would have various timelines, the first one well ahead of the event.

As the event draws nearer, the timelines become more and more specific. The final timeline occurs on the day of the event itself, with everything scheduled down to the hour and minute. All of this is done with the greatest attention to detail.

Not everyone has the same skills as my mother-in-law. The people who do not would need an event planner. Perhaps you have a similar set of skills and are interested in becoming an event planner. As we continue through this course, you will learn what it takes to become a successful event planner.

Duties of an Event Planner:

  • Consult with clients.
  • Set budgets.
  • Select dates.
  • Choose and inspect venues or locations.
  • Negotiate with and select vendors and suppliers.
  • Arrange transportation.
  • Arrange for food and beverage service or catering.
  • Book blocks of rooms.
  • Book speakers and entertainers.
  • Write publicity pieces.
  • Put together participant packets.
  • Ship boxes.
  • Solicit help from and direct volunteers.
  • Prepare invitations, select printers, compile invitations, and send them.
  • Create agendas.
  • Negotiate room rates.
  • Write brochure copy.
  • Enter information into a database.
  • Interact with chief executive officers, general managers, wait staff, caterers, vendors, housekeepers, and everyone in between.
  • Perform any task necessary to make the event a success..

 

Important Characteristics of a Successful Event Planner
 
Without exception, the characteristics of an event planner include all of the following attributes:
  • people skills;
  • organizational skills;
  • networking skills;
  • knowledge of and training in the field;
  • versatility;
  • leadership;
  • team-building capabilities;
  • calm demeanor under stress;
  • sociability;
  • friendliness;
  • efficiency;
  • creativity.
How to Prepare Yourself for a Career in Event Planning
 
 
There are many ways to get into the field of event planning. Virtually everyone interviewed for this course got into the field through some sort of related field. There are college training programs in the hospitality industry that can prepare you for specialized work that may eventually bring you to event planning.

Most of the time, event planners are created. You may have a great desire to plan things. Perhaps you planned your own wedding or the wedding of a friend. Still others got into event planning by working for a nonprofit organization or by catering banquet events. As you work in this manner, you get to know the people you need to know, you begin to network, finding suppliers and vendors. The vast majority of event planners have experience in catering or banquet functions because food almost always is the backbone of an event. Understanding the flow of food, how it is prepared, presented, and planned for, will help you to prepare for such a career. It actually is a good idea to work in a field very close to event planning, or even enter a mentoring program in which you will work with an experienced event planner, until you understand the job.

 

Specializing: How to Find Your Niche
 
This is a bit of advice to keep in mind as you enter the field of event planning. There are many event planners who will take on any work, corporate or social, large or small. However, the very best event planners actually specialize. They become true experts at a particular niche of the market, and when people need that particular type of job done, they will find you. Event planners who make no distinction about what they do best will only be mediocre. Their events will lack the impact and pizzazz their clients are looking for. Being versatile is one thing, being too much of a generalist will kill your business.
 
Is This Job for You?

If you are the one who rushes to take over organizing anything, from the bake sale at church to the annual summer office picnic at the zoo, you may very well be suited for this job. Evaluate your skills by answering the following questions as honestly and thoughtfully as you can:

  • Are you willing to give up evenings and weekends to run and promote your business?
  • How much time are you willing or able to give to your business?
  • How much support do you have from your family?
  • Are you organized? Can you keep the smallest details straight?
  • How much of a people person are you? Can you listen to someone, really hear what they want or need, without interjecting your personal opinion?
  • How are you with stress?
  • How do you handle a crisis?
  • Are you creative?
  • Can you listen to someone who is just venting without giving advice?
  • How well do you work with other people?
  • Are you a good leader? Can you create a good and cooperative team?
  • Do you want this job for the glamour? If so, stop here. This job is anything but glamorous.

The following two questions are pertinent if you intend to go solo immediately:

  • Where will you get the money to finance a new business?
  • Are you willing and able to work for almost nothing until your business is established?

An event planner is someone who designs, coordinates, and organizes private parties, conventions, conferences, meetings, seminars, or trade shows. Responsibilities include handling accommodations, transportation, venues, food and beverage, signs, displays, decorations, audio-visual equipment, insurance, security, and budgets.

  • 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:
4.47 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(1,116 votes)

Lesson 1: Today's Special Event Planner

18 Points
This lesson takes a look at what an event planner does, characteristics of one, and typical duties of the job.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Event Planning Interest; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment: Career Evaluation
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 1 : Today's Special Event Planner

Lesson 2: Why Clients Use Event Planners

32 Points
This lesson covers common reasons why someone might hire an event planner and how to work with clients to meet their needs.
  • Lesson 2 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: Determining What is Needed
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 2 : Why Clients Use Event Planners

Lesson 3: Your Job as an Event Planner

32 Points
This lesson covers various skills needed to be an event planner, including an in-depth look at some of the most important ones.
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Being Tactful Under Pressure
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 3 : Your Job as an Event Planner

Lesson 4: Going into Business

32 Points
This lesson focuses on what it takes to start an event planning business.
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Researching Competition
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 4 : Going Into Business

Lesson 5: Vendors

32 Points
This lesson discusses the various vendors that you may be working with to organize an event.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment: Locating Vendors
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 5 : Vendors

Lesson 6: Money, Contracts, and Insurance

32 Points
This lesson looks at getting paid for your services, setting up a contract, and the insurance you will need. Additional lesson topics: Special Event Insurance
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Event Planning Experience
  • Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment: Insurance
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 6 : Money, Contracts, and Insurance

Lesson 7: Preliminary Work for the Event

32 Points
This lesson takes a look at what preliminary work will need to be done before the actual events.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Gathering the Facts
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 7 : Preliminary Work for the Event

Lesson 8: The Event: Showtime

32 Points
This lesson explains the event planner's responsibilities when the event takes place, as well as necessary follow-up.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Creating a Checklist
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 8 : The Event - Showtime

Lesson 9: Types of Events: Corporate

27 Points
This lesson focuses on corporate event planning, including what it entails and the various types of vendors you may work with.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment: Corporate Planners
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 9 : Types of Events - Corporate

Lesson 10: Types of Events: Social

31 Points
This lesson discusses the various types of social events that planners may provide services for.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Social Event Planning
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 10 : Types of Events - Social

Lesson 11: Relationships

31 Points
This lesson looks at the various relations you will have as an event planner, including those with clients, vendors, and staff.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment: Working on Personal Development
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 11 : Relationships

Lesson 12: Networking

50 Points
This lesson looks at the importance of networking and effective ways to do it.
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Complete: Lesson12 B Assignment: Making Contact and Offering Your Services
  • Complete: Lesson 12 A: Assignment: Networking Goals
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 12 : Networking

Lesson 13: Keeping Your Business in the Public Eye

89 Points
In this lesson you will learn more about getting your business noticed and how to handle any problems that may arise.
  • Lesson 13 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Starting a Business; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment: Event Planning Business Expectations
  • Assessment: Quiz for Lesson 13 : Keeping Your Business in the Public Eye
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
470
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Define the role of a special events planner.
  • Describe why clients use event planners.
  • Describe your job as an event planner.
  • Summarize going into business.
  • Describe dealing with vendors.
  • Describe managing money, contracts, and obtaining the correct insurance.
  • Define the preliminary work for the event.
  • Describe the event.
  • Define types of corporate events.
  • Define types of social events.
  • Describe how to build and maintain client relationships.
  • Summarize how to network to expand your client base.
  • Describe how to keep your business in the public eye.
  • 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: Special Events Planning
Course Number: 7550226
Lessons Rating: 4.47 / 5 Stars (1,116 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: Enroll in this course from any U.S. state, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. The course is also accessible to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa.
Last Updated: December 2023
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.8 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: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "The instructors are wonderful, and they are compassionate. I love that." -- Yvonne W.
  • "I found it all helpful, especially when wanting to go into this business. I knew very little about it, now I feel a lot more confident." -- Barbara D.
  • "Course was great and the instructor was great. I liked the whole experience of this course." -- Alla V.
  • "All of the course was helpful." -- Charity P.
  • "All of it was helpful." -- Trina S.
  • "I found the writing part of the course to be very helpful as it made you research the field and your competition." -- Babette H.
  • "The instructor was very good." -- Jody S.
  • "The assignments were extremely helpful!" -- LaTasha B.
  • "The assignments were most helpful. I never would have thought to plan an all vegan event and this course put me up to the challenge for the very first assignment." -- Suzie M.