Updated: February 08, 2023

15 Best Event Planning Courses

Here is our list of the best event planning courses.

Event planning courses are educational programs that teach you how to organize and execute a wide variety of events. Examples include Event Management Certificate, Certified Quality Event Planner, and Certificate Program in Event Management. The purpose of these services is to provide you with the skills you need to succeed in the competitive field of event planning. Such courses also provide certifications as a sign of your credibility.

Learning how to plan events can help when selecting conference swag and corporate gift bags.

This list includes:

  • online event planning courses
  • free event planning courses
  • accredited event planning courses
  • event planning classes
  • event planning certifications

Here we go!

Online event planning courses

An online event planning course will help you get the information and ability to plan, organize, and assess events successfully. Here is our list of online event planning courses that will help you boost your event planning and organizing skills.

1. Virtual Events Certification by Cvent

This course is one of the best free event planning courses for event organizers who wish to improve their craft, particularly in virtual events. Those who have attended or managed a virtual event understand its unique challenges and benefits. With this training and certification, you will thoroughly learn about planning and executing influential online events.

​Cvent offers digital dashboards that send surveys to event attendees. After the event, members can use the module’s collected and analyzed data to get a good idea of how well it went and what changes they might need to implement.

Once you have registered for the events training course, you will receive instructions on accessing the live or on-demand training videos. You have 60 days to pass the exam with a 75% score or higher. Once you pass the test, the institute will send you a two-year certification.

Learn more about Virtual Events Certification By Cvent.

2. Event Management Certificate by Bryant University

Bryan University has a dynamic digital campus where you can discuss course material with event planning experts and apply their experiences to real-world problems. The Event Management Certificate program has aligned its content with The Event Management Body of Knowledge practices. This course is a three-dimensional description of the abilities and information needed to plan, design, and execute a successful event.

The course has five modules to finish, which all deal with the fundamentals of event planning, marketing, design and décor, logistics, and leadership.

Learn more about the Event Management Certificate.

3. Certified Quality Event Planner by Management and Strategy Institute

The Certified Quality Event Planner program offers a comprehensive introduction to event planning at any scale.

This self-paced online course will teach you how to strategically plan an event, execute ideas, storyboard, market an event, do a cost-benefit analysis, and manage risks. However, it will take one year to complete this course.

This training will prepare you for the MSI Certification exam, and it comes with access to the exam and free online study materials. The institute will mail your transcripts and certificate once you pass the exam.

Learn more about the Certified Quality Event Planner.

4. Event Planning 101 by Universal Class

Event planning courses by Universal Class cover budgeting, scouting venues, acquiring permissions, and arranging event logistics. You can start the course anytime and move through the modules at your own pace. However, you will need to complete this course within six months.

There are ten classes of videos, articles for review, and assignments. Universal Class covers more than just the basics of event planning. This course also focuses on special events like weddings, parties, and business gatherings.

In addition, this course is one of the event planning courses accredited by The International Association for Continuing Education and Training. Thus, completing this class can help members get a certificate from the IACET organization.

Learn more about Event Planning 101.

5. Corporate Event Planning Course by QC Event School

The International Live Events Association, one of the most respected organizations in the events business, has accredited QC Event School’s training programs and certificates. The QC Event School offers the Corporate Event Planning Course, which specializes in instructing students on organizing events.

This program covers product launches, corporate social events, trade exhibits, and marketing campaigns.

Members interested in working as professional event planners should take these courses. Such practical and in-depth classes help finish your corporate event preparation.

Although this course is expensive, it is for professionals serious about preparing for corporate events. The total cost of the course is $1,559, but you can pay the fee in installments. Since it is a certification course, you will graduate with an official certificate.

Learn more about the Corporate Event Planning Course.

6. Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management on Udemy

This Udemy course will teach the necessary skills for planning and executing a successful event. The program teaches members how to establish a name for their event-organizing company, attract customers, and get profit from events. Attendees will also learn how to run a successful event business and recruit qualified employees.

Additionally, this course teaches you how to use social media and search engine optimization to effectively market your events, attract quality attendees, and generate revenue. The class also covers publicity and media coverage for planned events. You can learn more about finding and employing competent workers in your event planning business.

To further assist you in getting your event planning firm off the ground, this course includes two articles and 33 downloadable materials. Attendees can finish this course in five and a half hours at a relaxed pace. After completing this class, members also receive a certificate of completion from the firm.

Learn more about Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management.

7. Event Planning Foundations on LinkedIn Learning

This Valerie Berry event planning course will assist you in achieving your dream of turning your passion for organizing events into a career. With the help of Event Planning Foundations, members can develop a solid grasp of event planning. This course teaches managing details of an event, from planning to leading an event successfully. In addition, you will also learn how to get over challenges like negotiating a budget, following up with vendors, and choosing a perfect venue.

You can quickly complete this ten-module short course at your own pace. Moreover, to assess your level of learning, several courses conclude with a chapter quiz.

After completing the program, members also receive a LinkedIn certification.

Learn more about Event Planning Foundations.

8. Event Planning: Where to Start on Skillshare

This event planning course covers the whys and hows of events, from planning to execution.

This course comprises short modules with audio or video content, making it simple to complete. Participants will learn all about event planning, from setting a budget to locating a venue. Additionally, this program briefly mentions suppliers and rentals, catering, and the demands for audio-visual event equipment.

In addition, Hanna Ashcraft provides various other event-related courses, such as Launch Your Career in Events Management and Event Timelines for Event Success.

Learn more about Event Planning: Where to Start.

9. Certificate Program in Event Management by the International Institute of Event Management

When it comes to event planning and management, the International Institute of Event Management has you covered with a variety of certificate programs. This course is the first step toward a Master’s Certificate in Event Management.

This course includes a primer on event planning, an introductory crash course, and a comprehensive look into corporate event planning as separate sections. Members will benefit from this event planning course in several ways, especially those interested in a MICE events industry career. The program also details fundraisers, conventions, expos, and team building exercises.

This course requires participants to complete and submit written tasks after each module. In addition to the three courses required for the certificate program, there are three more for event planners interested in pursuing the Master’s Certificate in Event Management.

Learn more about the Certificate Program in Event Management.

Event Planning Certifications

Event planning certifications are credentials from recognized professional organizations. These certifications are the pinnacle achievement in the event planning industry. The certifications signify event planners have proved themselves by passing a rigorous examination. Here is our list of the best event planning certifications to boost your career.

10. Certified Meeting Professionals

Meeting, conference, and exhibition planners can benefit from the CMP certificate. The Events Industry Council offers this prestigious certification to those who meet its stringent standards.

The Convention Industry Council states the primary purpose of the CMP program is to develop credibility for the industry, increase the effectiveness of event planners, and standardize best practices. The examination tests you on broad topics, including strategic planning, site management, and event design and marketing.

Therefore, to qualify for the test, you should currently be employed in the event planning industry and have completed 25 hours of continuing education. Those who have completed a 200-hour internship within the past two years are also fit for this program. In addition, you should have either a relevant scholarly degree or three years of full-time event planning experience before applying to take the exam.

Learn more about the Certified Meeting Professionals.

11. Certified Government Meeting Professional

Concerning government planners and vendors, the CGMP program is the pinnacle of certification. The accreditation educates planners on government collection laws and regulations to increase the government market’s visibility in the events industry.

The curriculum consists of a three-day course and a 100-question multiple-choice exam covering various topics, such as:

  • Ethics
  • Federal budget and appropriations
  • Federal travel laws
  • Contracting

Government meeting professionals can ensure they have the highest qualification in the sector and excellent knowledge of rules and regulations with the CGMP Certification. Those who have earned this certification are also more likely to advance in their current employment.

Learn more about the Certified Government Meeting Professional.

12. Certified Professional In Catering And Events

The National Association for Catering and Events offers the accredited CPCE Certification. This certification gives event planners a chance to prove themselves as experts in the catering, hospitality, and events sectors.

Having a CPCE accreditation gives you a competitive edge by demonstrating to your company and clients that you have proven experience and knowledge. The CPCE accreditation distinguishes event planners from the competition and improves their employment and business opportunities.

As an event planner, you will build a solid foundation for your career in the catering and events business by mastering the basic competencies outlined by the CPCE. The CPCE exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions covering the eight CPCE key competencies, which include the following:

  • Accounting
  • Contracts & Agreements
  • Event Management
  • Human Resources
  • Food Production
  • Beverage Management
  • Catering Services
  • Sales and Marketing

Event planners who pass the CPCE test will have a solid base in several event planning domains.

Learn more about the CPCE certification.

13. Certified Special Events Professional

The International Live Events Association recommends this event management certification for industry professionals to advance their careers and improve customer service. The CSEP program also addresses the difficulty of enforcing a rapidly evolving uniform standard of conduct for the events business.

Obtaining a CSEP certification might open up many professional doors for members. Firms worldwide accept this certification, linking planners to a vast network of like-minded global experts.

The CSEP program occurs four times a year, and event planners should have worked in the special events sector full-time for at least three years in order to participate in the program. Those who have earned the CSEP credential should renew their certification every five years to demonstrate continued mastery of the field’s standards.

Learn about the CSEP certification.

14. Certified In Exhibition Management

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events offers this certification to event planners to provide a widely accepted standard for event management proficiency.

This program takes a comprehensive approach to teaching event planners about the industry. Thus, graduates of the Certified In Exhibition Management program benefit from the knowledge and strong network of other CEM professionals.

The scope of the certification program includes a wide range of event-related topics, such as:

  • Management Guidelines for Conferences and Other Events
  • Promotional Management for Consumer Shows
  • Promotional Activities for Events
  • Administration of Events
  • Principles of Exhibition and Event Marketing

The CEM program aims to provide event professionals with a well-rounded education to excel in their chosen fields. Eligible individuals must take nine required courses from a list of 12 and pass their exams. In addition, the participants have a three-year time limit to take and pass all nine required modules.

Learn more about the CEM certification.

15. Certificate In Meeting Management

Faculty from the University of Virginia covers crucial facets of business management, such as risk mitigation, business analytics, and strategic negotiations. This course teaches future corporate leaders about financial management, risk assessment, and team leadership. Moreover, the CMM program emphasizes data literacy, risk management, and managerial and leadership skills for event success, which benefits event professionals.

Along with traditional classroom learning, participants will engage in a practical case study project to put what they have learned into practice in the real world.

The CMM Certification is a highly-recommended training course offering in-depth instruction on the fundamentals of effective business management. In addition to certifying participants in business management-related subjects, the CMM program has created “a benchmark for excellence around the world” for this sector.

You can also tailor this training and education program for an event management certification to your specific needs.

Learn more about the CMM certification program.

Conclusion

Being an event pro requires both education and experience. Remember to include learning the ins and outs of sophisticated event programs while considering which educational courses and credits suit you.

Various courses are available for those interested in learning more about event planning. However, the price of such programs might vary significantly depending on the professionalism and degree of study involved.

Next, check out our lists of corporate vendors you can partner with to make your event successful.

FAQ: Event planning courses

Here are answers to questions about event planning courses.

What are event planning courses?

Courses in event planning educate participants on how to design, plan, and organize events. Learning more about event planning is easy with the help of these courses. By enrolling in event planning classes, you can also receive guidance on how to master the art of event management and advance professionally.

What are the best event planning courses?

Here are some of the best event planning courses:

  • Virtual Events Certification by Cvent
  • Event Planning 101 by Universal Class
  • Event Planning: Where to Start by Skillshare

Some of these courses overview event planning and management, while others detail each part of planning and managing events.

Why should you take an event planning course?

Event planning courses allow you to arrange many events, from team building activities to festival logistics. Event managers with a firm grasp of knowledge produce innovative event ideas. Such events also prove organizations highly recognize client success. Therefore, event planning courses prepare you to encounter many innovative issues, each presenting an opportunity for creative problem-solving and professional growth.

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