I take pride in being a well-rounded individual. I went to school for political science and economics, developed my passions in music and art, am a self-taught graphic designer, and have built a writing career after years of freelancing. All of these skills have pushed my career forward at one point or another.
All of these skills—and surrounding required education—stemmed from the same internal push that’s benefitted me since I was little: I just wanted to learn something new.
But finding the right resources to push a skill or interest forward can be frustrating. Online courses are often senselessly organized and end up being a cash grab instead of helpful, and certifications mean less to hiring managers than whether or not you made honors in high school. So if you, like me, are an event professional looking to develop your event management skills, you might feel overwhelmed with the number of choices for education and training in logistics, management, design, personal relationships, and event management software.
Yet those quality courses are out there, so I took the time to scout out this list of quality online event planning classes you ought to consider. I looked at curriculum, reputation, and student testimonials to guide me in my selection process. Courses are ranked by extensiveness of educational content.
1. Emory University Event Planning Certification
Emory University’s Event Planning course is a hybrid of online and in-person training, using many of the same techniques used in traditional classrooms such as Q&A sessions and group projects. The entirety of the course is performed remotely online until the sixth week, when students are brought together for a full-day in-person session.
Course Topics:
- Event Budgeting
- Client/Vendor/Volunteer Relations
- Event Logistics
- “Green” Events
- Event Marketing
- Event Terminology
Price: $1,995
Sample Testimonials:
“The event planning program was a great continuing education opportunity. The program provided me an opportunity to receive formal training to compliment the professional experience I have received from previous jobs. I started my own wedding and event planning business prior to the class and I am using the knowledge I have gained from the class to further grow my business.”
“THANK YOU again for the incredible learning experience I received in this class. My program directors are so engaged with our upcoming November conference based off of the feedback I gave them from my course.”
2. Universal Class: Event Planning 101
This event management certification course is made strictly for online learning, offering 24/7 availability and the ability to set your own pace. Universal Class splits this course up into ten lessons covering all general aspects of event management.
Course Topics:
- Wedding Planning
- Networking Events
- Corporate Events
- How to Start Your Own Event Planning Service
- Is Event Planning Right for You?
Price: $70.00 no certificate/$95 with certificate
Course Rating: 5 Stars (2659 votes)
3. International Institute of Event Management (IIEM)
The International Institute of Event Management has split up their courses into three certifications: one for wedding planning, one for general event management, and one combining both event management and wedding planning. This system allows for a more personalized style of learning centered around a student’s needs.
Certificate in Wedding Planning
- Budgeting
- Wedding Planning Strategy
- Venue Selection
- Wedding Amenities
- Wedding Logistics
- Wedding Aesthetics
Price: $345
Certificate in Event Management
- Corporate Event Planning
- Social Event Planning
- Contracts
- Event Logistics
- Conferences
- Fundraisers
- Tradeshows
- Meetings
- Career Strategies
- Team Building Events
Price: $445
Master’s Certificate in Event Management
- All course topics offered under wedding and event planning courses
- Event Marketing and Social Media
- Starting Event Management Business
- Event/Wedding Business Strategies
- Birthday Planning
- Baby Showers
- Family Reunions
- Anniversary Parties
Price: $875
Sample Testimonials:
“This course was one of the best I’ve ever taken and I’m so thrilled I went with IIEM! In life, it provides me with an exciting future as well as helps me pay the bills. I feel like I have the skills that interviewers want, so a job in this field shouldn’t be hard to find.”
“Since taking your course, I received two very good job offers and have gone on to accept one of them. I felt during the interviews that I was able to answer questions referencing things I had learnt during my course. Thank you very much!”
4. QC Event School
Similar to IIEM, QC Event School splits up their courses between event and wedding planning, and even offers a supplementary course on event decorations. If you want to combine all three, QC also offers a joint course designed to cover all aspects of event management.
- Event/Wedding Planning
- Logistics
- Starting your business
- Vendor/Client Relations
- Project Management
- Social Events
- Wedding Aesthetics
- Budgeting
Price: $998 or $100/month
- Vendor/Client Relations
- Social Events
- Event Marketing
- Budgeting
- Logistics
- Starting your Business
Price: $748 or $81/month
- Starting your Business
- Wedding Marketing
- Budgeting
- Logistics
- Wedding Aesthetics
- Receptions
- Vendor/Client Relations
Price: $748 or $81/month
- Intro to Event Decor
- Color Scheming
- Layouts
- Lighting
- Table Decor
- Floral Design
- Rentals
- Building your Brand
Price: $748 or $81/month
Sample Testimonials:
“Every moment I spent on this course was more than worth it. I learned both little and big details that I otherwise still wouldn’t know now! It really is a valuable course, with great tutors and support!”
“I’m happy to have the opportunity to work with amazing and talented people in our industry and the chance to work in completely different and unique wedding locations and venues. From a converted country convent to a glamorous city venue, beach locations, and historic homes and gardens—every day is different.”
5. Special Events Institute: Event Planning Certification
Moreso than the other five online event planning classes, Special Events Institute divides their courses into specific aspects of event management, such as industry specific events and different event management roles. If all aspects of event management interest you, SEI also offers a combination course, which covers the all major aspects of the industry.
Five Course Certificate Program
- Includes all materials from all five main courses
Price: $199 initial payment plus $199/month for ten months
Main Courses:
Foundations of Event Planning
- Event Life Cycle
- Event Types
- Event Proposals
- Budgeting
- Contracts
Price: $499
Event Design and Decor
- Event Design Process
- Layouts and Schematics
- Floral Decor
- Design Elements
- Color Schemes
- Site Selection
Price: $499
Event Production and Logistics
- Event Elements Assessment
- Catering and Cuisine
- Tented Events
- Event Technology
- Entertainment
- Event Lighting
- Special Effects
Price: $499
Event Management and Leadership
- Service Management
- Risk Analysis
- Financial Management
- Vendor/Contract Management
- Contracts
- Green Events/Event Sustainability
- Management Ethics
Price: $499
Event Marketing
- The “Five W’s” of Event Marketing
- Promotional Tools
- Web and Print Marketing
- Marketing Design
- Marketing Funding
Price: $499
Specialty Courses:
Academy Specialty Course
- Intro to Academic Events
- Commencement Ceremonies
- Fundraisers
- Foundation and Campaign Events
Price: $499
Wedding Specialty Course
- Specialty Weddings
- Wedding Design
- Wedding Budgeting
- Wedding Logistics and Protocol
- Starting a Wedding Business
Price: $499
Corporate Events Specialty Course
- Intro to Corporate Meetings, Events, and Conferences
- Exhibitions and Tradeshows
- Corporate Event Budgeting
- Event Evaluations
- Training Events
Price: $499
Sample Testimonies:
“I enjoyed every course and know that each has helped me to grow and will continue to benefit me with my career in the future and hopefully one day allow me to open my own company. Owning a company in this industry today can be very overwhelming but after taking these courses I now can say that I feel more comfortable and know I will be successful at anything I do!”
“Thank you for providing me with the education and resources I needed to start and succeed in my business!”
Other resources?
Our event management blog has plenty of resources regarding event management software, tech trends, and industry information here at your fingertips. If you found the information in this piece helpful, be sure to check out these resources:
- The 4 Most Important Event Tech Trends for 2017
- The 5 Worst Things Organizations are Doing to Plan and Market their Events
- The Top 5 Event Professional Social Media Mistakes You Should Avoid
Have you attended an event management course you found helpful that I negletetced to mention? Make the case for it in the comments below!
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