Online Class: Special Events Planning

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
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14Lessons
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29Exams &
Assignments -
1,567Students
have taken this course -
8Hours
average time -
0.8CEUs
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?:
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Aspiring Event Planners: Lay a robust foundation, learning the ropes of event planning, ensuring every event you manage is memorable.
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Professionals Seeking a Career Change: Leverage your existing skills, channeling them into a rewarding career in event management.
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Existing Event Planners: Enhance your techniques, discover the latest industry trends, and streamline your processes for increased efficiency.
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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.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. A Deep Dive into the World of Event Coordinators
From lavish weddings to corporate meetings, event planners ensure every detail is perfected by coordinating locations, vendors, timelines, and budgets, highlighting their pivotal behind-the-scenes role. Essential traits for success include organization, leadership, adaptability, and exceptional communication skills, as the planner's goal is to create memorable and purposeful events.Lesson 2. Decoding the Mystique of Event Planning: Why Clients Seek Professional Guidance
Navigating the event planning landscape involves understanding clients' nuanced needs and executing a vision with both artistic flair and operational know-how, transforming abstract ideas into tangible experiences. A successful planner draws on communication, intuition, and industry knowledge, crafting events that range from intimate gatherings to grand affairs filled with bespoke details.Lesson 3. Unlocking Event Planning Success: Skills and Mindset
In a field where leadership and teamwork are paramount, event planners inspire trust and confidence, guiding teams towards a shared vision. Their sociability enables them to engage with clients and vendors, facilitating successful event outcomes.Lesson 4. From Concept to Launch: Preparing to Enter the Event Planning Industry
Deciding to venture into event planning necessitates understanding your market, identifying a suitable niche, and drafting a strong business plan to navigate industry challenges effectively. Securing proper training and insurance, and conducting competitive analysis are vital steps for longevity and success.Lesson 5. Business Fundamentals for Event Planners
Setting up an event planning business requires identifying your target market and understanding local dynamics while distinguishing your services in a crowded space. Proper training and strategic planning are essential components that can boost your success as you navigate the industry's demands.Lesson 6. Mastering Vendor Coordination for Flawless Events
Navigating the event planning landscape demands a deep understanding of vendors' specialties, like bakers or interior decorators, to create memorable experiences. The planner's role involves confirming all logistics and creatively problem-solving to prevent mishaps.Lesson 7. Mastering Event Finances: Contracts, Payments, and Insurance Explained
To ensure payment, event planners utilize contracts with initial deposits and detailed follow-ups for non-paying clients; resolving disputes begins with thorough documentation. Completing legal procedures such as obtaining necessary permits and insurances can shield against potential liabilities and cancellations.Lesson 8. Client-Centered Event Planning
Successful event planning hinges on defining client goals and participating in meticulous planning sessions, where the planner's role is to transform objectives into reality. Throughout the process, creativity in décor, strategic venue selection, and thoughtful budget management are essential.Lesson 9. Event Planning 101: Precision and Poise
In event planning, meticulous behind-the-scenes preparations culminate in a flawless live event, where second chances don't exist. Effective communication and timelines ensure seamless execution, with planners acting as supportive hosts to both clients and guests.Lesson 10. The Intricacies of Collaborative Event Management
Corporate events are meticulously planned productions, relying on precise coordination between corporate planners, on-site contacts, and facility planners to ensure flawless execution. Effective communication and detailed documentation, like BEOs and resumes, are crucial for seamless operation.Lesson 11. Social Events and Their Intricacies
Rites of passage, including Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and Quinceañeras, are deeply rooted in cultural and religious traditions, requiring planners to gain comprehensive knowledge to respectfully and accurately execute these significant ceremonies. By managing intricate details, event planners play a crucial role in creating meaningful celebrations that uphold family and religious values.Lesson 12. Effective Communication in Event Planning
Strong vendor relationships elevate event planning businesses by ensuring reliable service and quality, founded on mutual respect and small gestures of goodwill, such as event invitations and complimentary assistance.Lesson 13. Building Bridges: The Art of Networking in Event Planning
Event planning success hinges on visibility and networking, with effective management of both resulting in opportunities such as media engagements and valuable industry partnerships. Volunteering and leveraging existing contacts can broaden your reach, paving the way for new clients and collaborations.Lesson 14. Tips for Staying Relevant and Memorable in Your Industry
Keeping a business thriving requires continuous visibility and strategic networking within local media, bolstered by an engaging online presence. Event planners must stay prepared for unpredictable challenges while maintaining professionalism to ensure seamless experiences for their clients.
Learning Outcomes
- Define the roles and responsibilities involved in event planning, including client consultation, budget setting, and venue selection
- Demonstrate the ability to create a timeline for an event, scheduling tasks with attention to detail and time management
- Demonstrate the ability to organize and execute complex events by systematically coordinating vendors, logistics, and team members to meet predefined objectives.
- Recognize the specific needs and desires of clients by effectively communicating and extracting information during initial consultations.
- Define the essential characteristics required for a successful event planner, including people skills, organizational abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under stress.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply effective communication techniques, both verbal and nonverbal, to coordinate with clients, vendors, and team members during event planning.
- Calculate the necessary start-up costs, including equipment, space, and insurance, to develop a viable financial plan for your event planning business.
- Define the specific niche within the event planning industry based on local market needs and competition analysis.
- Analyze the local event planning market and identify a viable niche within your target area by conducting demographic and competitive research.
- Calculate and summarize necessary start-up costs for an event planning business, distinguishing between home-based and office-based operations to ensure financial preparedness.
- Define the roles and responsibilities of key vendors in event planning, including floral designers, caterers, and decorators, to ensure successful collaboration.
- Demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain effective communication and organizational strategies with vendors to consistently meet client expectations and timelines.
- Demonstrate the ability to create a comprehensive event planning contract that includes all essential elements to ensure clarity and legal protection.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- 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

Choose Your Subscription Plan
No Certificate / No CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | X |
Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
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Includes CEUs |
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Self-paced |
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Instructor support |
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Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
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.
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