Are you looking to start your own event-planning business? Or maybe you’re already in the business, and you’re looking to take your skills to the next level? No matter where you’re at in your event planning career, there’s always room for improvement.
The internet has drastically changed the event planning industry. Because of this, the demand for event planners has increased significantly in recent years. However, the best way to improve your event planning skills is to get some formal training.
The event planning industry is booming. The event planning industry is worth billions of dollars in the United States alone. This doesn’t come as a shock, as events are a great way to bring people together and create memories that will last a lifetime.
There are a ton of different event planning courses available online, ranging from free courses to paid courses. These online event planning courses make it easier than ever to get started in this exciting and challenging field.
In this article, we’ll share with you the 12 best online event planning courses to consider in 2023. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a seasoned pro, these courses will help you take your event planning business to the next level!
What Makes a Great Event Planner?
Organizing and executing a successful event involves some level of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. But if you’re the type of person who loves a good challenge and thrives in fast-paced environments, then a career in event planning might be the perfect fit for you.
But what exactly does it take to be a great event planner like the ones at popevents? Here are a few key qualities that all successful event planners share:
Organization
Event planners have to juggle between a lot of different parts of the event and should possess the key skill of organization. They have to keep track of all the different elements of the event, from catering to the entertainment to the décor. Eventually, they also have to consider the event’s budget.
Creativity
It is important because event planners have to see the big picture. Event planners need to make sure they consider every aspect of an event while also being able to envision the big picture and see all the potential that space can offer. It takes creativity and ingenuity to create something extraordinary – but with enough effort and skill.
Attention to Detail
Every detail matters when it comes to event planning. From the invitations to the menu to the entertainment, a great event planner pays attention to everything and ensures everything is perfect. No detail should be overlooked, no matter how small. Event planners must be able to understand the needs of their clients and guests and be prepared for any eventuality.
People’s Skills
The ability to manage different personalities is crucial for event planners. You’ll be working with a variety of clients, vendors, and guests, and you need to keep everyone happy. This means being able to handle difficult situations with grace and diplomacy.
Time Management Skills
An event planner must be able to manage their time well to keep everything organized and on track. This includes being able to work on multiple projects at once and being able to meet deadlines. Any good event planner knows how to prioritize tasks, set deadlines, and work well under pressure. For event planners, strong time management skills are a must.
Detail-Oriented
Event planning is all about the details. From the pre-planning stages until the day of execution, event planners must be meticulous in planning and organization. This attention to detail ensures that no detail is overlooked and the event goes off without a hitch.
The Best Online Event Planning Courses
Finding the right event planning course can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. But, whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll surely find a course that fits your needs.
These courses cover a wide range of topics, from budgeting and décor to catering and customer service. And best of all, they’re all available online so that you can learn at your own pace and on your own time.
1. Skillshare – Event Planning: Where to Start (Subscription-based)
Are you planning an event and feeling lost? If so, you’re in the right place. This course is designed for people who have never planned an event before and don’t know where to start. You’ll learn how to create a budget, find the perfect venue, and choose the right suppliers. And by the end of the course, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to plan a successful event. Best of all, this course comes with a free month of membership.
2. Event Planning Blueprint – Event Planner’s Hub (Paid)
The Event Planning Blueprint is designed to give you the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful event planner. You’ll learn everything from how to find clients and build a successful business to the ins and outs of event planning.
This event planning course will show you how to find your niche, start a business, and master the art of event planning. Whether you are brand new to event planning or looking to take your skills to the next level, this comprehensive course has it all.
The course starts with the foundations of event planning, including defining your niche and marketing yourself. Then, you’ll learn how to create a business plan for your event planning business. Once you’ve got everything set up, the course dives into what makes an excellent event planner by focusing on organization and creativity.
3. CreativeBug – Planners 101: Creative Ideas for Choosing and Using a Planner (Subscription-based)
CreativeBug is an online education platform that provides online creative training programs to help people in all industries. The Creative Bug 101 course is a subscription-based course that goes over the basics of planning to make a perfect planner. This CreativeBug course is perfect for those who want to learn event planning from scratch. You’ll get an overview of the event planning process and learn tips and tricks for planning successful events. This event planning course focuses on all aspects of event planning, from choosing an event planner to promoting yourself through social media. The course also includes templates and checklists that you can use for event planning.
4. Udemy – Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management (Paid)
Udemy is a platform where you can enroll in self-paced online video tutorials to learn new skills. They offer an extensive catalog of courses at various cost levels and focus on all different events. The course Successful Events: Event Planning, Marketing & Management offers full lifetime access to a variety of video lectures that cover all aspects of event planning and management. This course offers over 70 lectures and has more than a 4.0 rating. You’ll get an overview of the full planning process and tips for time management and delegation skills. You’ll also learn how to negotiate with vendors, be able to write proposals and budgets, as well as creative media marketing to promote your business and grow your client base over time—a great introduction to the fundamentals and nuances around event planning.
5. Coursera – Organize an event with Canva (Paid)
This course teaches you how to use Canva to create a custom event poster, flyer, and logo. Organizing an event is a complex undertaking that can involve dozens of different people and many materials. You’ll also get access to the Canva tool for creating custom graphics, posters, and designs with ease. It will also help you learn how social media can help you amplify your brand as well as allow you to reach out to new people.
6. Wedding Academy – Certificate in Wedding Planning (Paid)
The next on the list is an online course from Wedding Academy that will give you the skills and knowledge you need to be a successful wedding planner. This course offers event planning training from scratch until the final execution stage.
In this class, you’ll learn how to provide excellent customer service and how to provide a memorable experience for your clientele. It also provides complete guidance from choosing a venue to managing the budget to dealing with difficult clients, and you’ll even get a certificate to show for it when you’re done.
This online certificate course is designed for people who are already working in the wedding industry or who want to plan their wedding. This course also includes a one-year membership, so you’ll have access to new information and instructional videos at all times.
7. LinkedIn Learning- Marketing Your Event (One Month Free)
Marketing Your Event on LinkedIn Learning is one of the best online event planning courses because it offers a broad look at event marketing. It is best for event planners who want to learn how to market their businesses. The course is taught by experts in the field, and it covers everything from choosing the right event platform to promoting your event and measuring its success. It is a free month-long trial, so you can try the course before committing to it. The course features many videos that cover how to identify your target audience for your event and how to reach out to them.
8. Emory University- Event Planning Certificate (Paid)
Emory University is a well-respected institution, and its Event Planning Certificate program is one of the best in the country. The course is taught by experienced industry professionals, and you’ll learn about all aspects of event planning, from budgeting and logistics to marketing and customer service.
This Event Planning Certificate program is a great investment if you’re serious about a career in event planning. The course is reasonably priced, and you can complete it in as little as three months. You’ll learn about budgeting, location, theme selection, guest list management, and more.
This event planning certificate offers an expansive guide to the event industry and is an accredited program, so it will look good on your resume when applying for new jobs in the field.
9. Udemy- Event Planning | 1.5 Hour Crash Course and How to Guide (Paid)
Udemy’s Event Planning is a great place to start. This event planning course is designed to equip you with the power to make your event vision a reality. They cover how to find and book the ideal venue for you, plus the basics of creating an effective timeline and cost proposal. You’ll also pick up tips on how to collaborate effectively with suppliers, advertise your event, and navigate any challenges that come up along the way.
The course is designed for both complete beginners and people who already have some knowledge of event planning and marketing. The course will take you around 1.5 hours to complete if you work through each video at your own pace.
10. International Institute of Event Management- Certificate Program in Event Management (Paid)
The International Institute of Event Management is a well-regarded institution. Their event management program is designed for people who work in the event industry or want to transition into event planning from another career path.
This certificate program will give you a foundation in the field and teach you how to plan and organize events, regardless of their type. The program includes guest speakers, video lectures, and more, as well as practical experience with other students working on their events in the classroom setting.
You’ll have a great time learning how to market your events with efficient and successful strategies. Uncover these secrets of event operations and ensure you reach out to the right audience every time. With these skills under your belt, your events will be crowd-pleasers!
11. Universal Class- Event Planning 101 (Paid)
Universal Class offers hundreds of different educational classes that teach you how to make a living by creating different products and services. Their event planning course is a great place to start if you have any experience in the event industry.
This course will help you put together the perfect event plan. You’ll learn how to create a successful online presence, design and launch an effective marketing strategy, handle guest lists efficiently and smoothly, create budget-friendly plans, and more. You’ll find out how to work with suppliers while streamlining your costs – getting the most out of every dollar spent.
This is a great course if you’re looking to start an event planning business or already work in the industry but want a fresher course on handling specific situations. The course takes you around six months to complete, and it is broken into short videos that are easy to navigate and watch at your own pace.
12. Cvent Academy – Virtual Events Certification (Free)
The Cvent Academy is the online education arm of Cvent, which is one of the leading event-planning software companies in the industry. Its virtual events certification course will teach you how to plan and manage virtual events. You’ll learn about creating your event website and how to promote them using social media. It is free, so you won’t have to pay anything to take the course. You don’t have to purchase any software or attend a physical classroom setting to complete the course.
This event planning course is ideal if you’re a complete beginner in the event planning industry. This online program includes demos, instructional videos, and assessments of your skills. It also offers access to a virtual mentor who will help you develop as an event planner.
The Bottom Line
Event planning school is not as easy as there are different principles and methods with which the students have to learn. There are four levels or steps if these events are to be held in a venue or on a property.
Planning the Conceptual Approach is the first step. The second step would be the plan of implementation and design. The third step is the implementation stage, where many plans and designs must be dispersed, communicated, and implemented to make it all real. And finally, when everything comes together under one roof; then you have reached the final step of realization.
Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive overview of event planning or want to focus on a specific area, like event marketing or corporate event planning, we’ve got you covered. We’ve scoured the internet to find the best of the best and put together the above list in one place. So what are you waiting for? Get started today and learn everything you need to know about event planning.
