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Successful Event Planning and Management

Jill McCullough, MBA

4.3

Based on 176 ratings

, see reviews

Jill McCullough, MBA

*This is course is designed for those involved in the planning, coordination or management of Festivals, Annual City Celebrations, Fairs, Farmer's Markets, Expos, Art Exhibits, Professional Conferences, Concerts, Private Events, Events at an Event Center, Corporate Events, Community Events, Fundraisers/Galas, Sporting Events, Parades, and Traveling Special Events.*

Successful Event Planning and Management will provide you with training on the most important skills needed to plan and manage highly successful events. Specifically, this course discusses Sponsorships, Vendors, Volunteers, Marketing, Operations & Design as it pertains to special events. This course is will benefit you by providing you with training, resources and templates that will help you launch or grow your event.

Plan, Manage and Execute highly successful events as an educated events professional.

Excel at sponsorship sales.
Grow sponsorship funding by learning how to conduct a sponsorship inventory
Learn the trade secret to writing compelling and targeted sponsorship proposals
Streamline vendor management and the vendor application process
Master communication channels with vendors to save you time, money & resources
Develop a volunteer retention programs to keep great volunteers coming back year after year
Create then execute cost effective digital and print marketing campaigns for your event
Learn the basics of branding or re-branding your event to attract attendees
Be prepared for the inevitable by learning to master operations management
Secure your event by learning to create effective contingency and risk management plans
Organize your event like a business by learning to write a business plan for your event
Define your events purpose by learning to write mission and vision statement
Guide your event through times of growth by learning to organize a strategic plan for your event

Get the training and resources you need to plan, manage and execute highly successful events.

The field of event planning is growing and skilled, trained and educated professional event planners are needed to help events stand out. This course will give you the training you need to become a professional in the industry.

Trying to make your event stand out? This course offers the best tips and tricks of the trade to help your event rise above the rest.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Excel at sponsorship sales
Grow sponsorship funding by learning how to conduct a sponsorship inventory
Learn the trade secret to writing compelling and targeted sponsorship proposals
Streamline vendor management and the vendor application process
Master communication channels with vendors to save you time, money & resources
Develop a volunteer retention programs to keep great volunteers coming back year after year
Create then execute cost effective digital and print marketing campaigns for your event
Learn the basics of branding or re-branding your event to attract attendees

Be prepared for the inevitable by learning to master operations management
Secure your event by learning to create effective contingency and risk management plans
Organize your event like a business by learning to write a business plan for your event
Define your events purpose by learning to write mission and vision statement
Guide your event through times of growth by learning to organize a strategic plan for your event
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Excel at sponsorship sales
Grow sponsorship funding by learning how to conduct a sponsorship inventory
Learn the trade secret to writing compelling and targeted sponsorship proposals
Streamline vendor management and the vendor application process
Master communication channels with vendors to save you time, money & resources
Develop a volunteer retention programs to keep great volunteers coming back year after year
Create then execute cost effective digital and print marketing campaigns for your event
Learn the basics of branding or re-branding your event to attract attendees
Be prepared for the inevitable by learning to master operations management
Secure your event by learning to create effective contingency and risk management plans
Organize your event like a business by learning to write a business plan for your event
Define your events purpose by learning to write mission and vision statement
Guide your event through times of growth by learning to organize a strategic plan for your event
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

SPONSORSHIPS

Overview of SPONSORSHIPS

SPONSORSHIPS: Sponsorship sales

SPONSORSHIPS: Conducting a sponsorship inventory

This quiz is 3 questions long and is taken from the key concepts discussed in the the SPONSORSHIPS section of this course.

This quiz is 3 questions long and is taken from key concepts learned in the VENDORS section of this course.

This quiz is made up of 3 questions taken from the key concepts discussed in the VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT section of this course.

This quiz is made up of 3 questions, taken from the key concepts discussed in the MARKETING section of this course.

This quiz is made up of 3 questions taken from the content discussed in the OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT section of this course.

This section is made up of three questions taken directly from the concepts discussed in the EVENT DESIGN section of this course.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides training on essential skills such as sponsorship sales, vendor management, and volunteer retention, which are crucial for successful event execution

Covers marketing strategies, including digital and print campaigns, branding, and SWOT analysis, which are vital for attracting attendees and promoting events

Explores operations management, contingency planning, crowd control, and risk management, which are essential for ensuring event safety and smooth execution

Discusses event design, including defining the event's mission, establishing a vision, writing a business plan, and mapping out a strategic plan, which are important for long-term success

Includes quizzes after each section (sponsorships, vendors, volunteers, marketing, operations, and event design), which helps learners assess their understanding of key concepts

Focuses on creating business and strategic plans, which may be more relevant for larger events or organizations with dedicated event planning departments

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Reviews summary

Foundations of event management

According to inferred points, this course provides a comprehensive overview of event planning fundamentals. It covers key areas like sponsorships, vendors, volunteers, marketing, and operations, offering a well-organized structure for learning. The inclusion of useful templates and resources is seen as a positive aspect for practical application. However, some inferred points suggest the course might lack sufficient depth for more experienced professionals and could benefit from additional hands-on activities or projects beyond the stated small quizzes. Overall, it appears to be a solid foundation for beginners or those new to formal event management training.

Content is broken down into manageable sections.

"The way the course is broken into modules makes it easy to follow along."

"Each section flows logically, covering a key area like marketing or vendors."

"The structure makes it simple to revisit specific topics."

Provides resources and practical tools.

"Getting templates and resources mentioned was a real help for getting started."

"The practical resources included are quite useful."

"I found the templates for things like sponsorship proposals beneficial."

Covers many key aspects of event planning.

"I feel this course covered a wide range of topics essential for event planning."

"It touches on everything from vendors and volunteers to operations and marketing."

"I appreciate the breadth, covering sponsorship, ops, and design aspects."

Quizzes are short and not very challenging.

"The quizzes are only three questions, they don't really test understanding deeply."

"Quizzes are very short, more like a quick check than a test."

"I found the quizzes simple and wished they were more comprehensive."

Could benefit from more hands-on activities.

"I wish there were more hands-on examples or practice projects."

"The material is good, but applying it feels like it needs more practice exercises."

"Could use more case studies or ways to simulate planning an event."

Content may be too basic for experienced learners.

"As someone with some experience, I found the content a bit too basic."

"It provides an overview, but I was hoping for more detail on complex scenarios."

"Good for beginners, but doesn't go deep enough for advanced planners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Successful Event Planning and Management with these activities:

Review Basic Marketing Principles

Show steps

Refresh your understanding of basic marketing principles to better grasp the marketing strategies discussed in the course.

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Review introductory marketing textbooks or online resources.
Summarize key marketing concepts like the 4Ps.
Identify successful marketing campaigns and analyze their strategies.

Read 'The Event Planner's Handbook'

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Gain a broader understanding of event planning best practices and industry standards.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on chapters related to sponsorships, vendors, and marketing.
Take notes on key concepts and strategies.
Compare the book's recommendations with the course content.

Develop a Sponsorship Proposal Template

Show steps

Apply the course's teachings on sponsorships by creating a reusable template for sponsorship proposals.

Show steps

Research successful sponsorship proposals.
Outline the key components of a compelling proposal.
Design a visually appealing and professional template.
Incorporate elements from the course's sponsorship inventory and proposal writing sections.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Design a Volunteer Training Manual

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Reinforce your understanding of volunteer management by creating a training manual for event volunteers.

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Outline the essential information volunteers need to know.
Develop clear and concise training materials.
Include practical tips and best practices for volunteer engagement.
Incorporate elements from the course's volunteer retention section.

Create a Post-Event Survey

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Solidify your understanding of event evaluation by designing a survey to gather feedback from attendees, vendors, and volunteers.

Show steps

Determine the key metrics you want to measure.
Develop clear and unbiased survey questions.
Choose an appropriate survey platform (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Google Forms).
Pilot test the survey to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Read 'Special Events: Planning and Management'

Show steps

Expand your knowledge of event planning principles and management techniques.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book, focusing on areas where you feel less confident.
Compare the book's approach to event planning with the course's approach.
Identify new ideas and strategies that you can apply to your own events.

Volunteer at a Local Event

Show steps

Gain practical experience in event planning and management by volunteering at a local festival, conference, or community event.

Show steps

Identify local events that need volunteers.
Contact the event organizers and offer your services.
Fulfill your volunteer duties to the best of your ability.
Observe the event planning and management processes in action.
Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement.

Career center

Learners who complete Successful Event Planning and Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Event Coordinator

As an Event Coordinator, you will be responsible for the seamless execution of events, from initial planning to post-event analysis. This course helps build a foundation for excelling in this role by covering crucial aspects such as sponsorship acquisition, vendor relations, volunteer management, and marketing strategies. Mastering contingency planning and risk management, also discussed in this course, prepares an Event Coordinator to handle unforeseen challenges, ensuring smooth operations and attendee satisfaction. The course's emphasis on creating event business plans and defining the event's mission aligns perfectly with the strategic and organizational skills needed to succeed as an Event Coordinator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Event Coordinator

Festival Organizer

A Festival Organizer oversees all aspects of festival creation and execution, from securing venues and vendors to managing entertainment and marketing. This course directly addresses the core competencies required, with modules on sponsorship sales, vendor streamlining, volunteer retention, and cost-effective marketing. The course's training on branding and rebranding helps a Festival Organizer attract attendees and stand out in a competitive market. By covering contingency planning and risk management, this course ensures a Festival Organizer is well-prepared to handle the complexities and potential challenges of large-scale events.

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Conference Planner

The role of a Conference Planner involves the logistical and creative planning of professional conferences, ensuring a valuable and engaging experience for attendees. The training in vendor management and communication, as offered in this course, directly addresses the need to coordinate speakers, exhibitors, and venues. This course also provides an edge in securing sponsorships and executing targeted marketing campaigns, critical for conference success. Learning to define an event’s mission and establish a strategic plan helps a Conference Planner create impactful and well-organized events that meet the needs of their target audience.

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Fundraiser

A Fundraiser plays a vital role in nonprofit organizations, focusing on securing financial support through various events and campaigns. Training on sponsorship sales, conducting sponsorship inventories, and writing compelling sponsorship proposals, as covered in this course, is essential for maximizing fundraising potential. This course may also be useful in developing cost-effective marketing strategies to promote fundraising events and attract donors. The insights into event design, including defining a mission and establishing a strategic plan, helps a Fundraiser create impactful and successful events that align with the organization's goals.

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Exhibition Manager

As an Exhibition Manager one is responsible for the planning, organization, and execution of exhibitions, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience for both exhibitors and attendees. Vendor management and volunteer coordination, both covered in this course, are crucial for managing the numerous logistical aspects of an exhibition. The course's training on creating effective marketing campaigns and branding helps attract attendees and create a successful exhibition. The training on sponsorships is also relevant for securing financial support to improve the exhibition.

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Volunteer Coordinator

A Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for recruiting, training, and managing volunteers for various events and organizations. The course dives into volunteer retention programs and communication strategies, providing a Volunteer Coordinator with the tools to build a strong and dedicated volunteer base. This course may also be useful in developing strategic plans and executing marketing campaigns to attract volunteers. Moreover, the sections on vendor and operations management help ensure that volunteers are well-integrated into the event planning and execution process.

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Vendor Liaison

The Vendor Liaison acts as the main point of contact between event organizers and vendors, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration. The vendor management covered in this course is directly applicable, helping streamline application processes, establish fair booth pricing, and provide essential vendor support to create a successful event. This training in communication and organization prepares a Vendor Liaison for the complexities of coordinating with multiple vendors and ensuring their needs are met. The course's emphasis on creating vendor packets ensures that all logistical details are well-organized for the Liaison's benefit.

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Marketing Manager

A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing strategies to promote events and attract attendees. The marketing sections in this course, covering digital and print marketing, branding, and SWOT analysis, provides a Marketing Manager with valuable insights into creating effective campaigns. This course can help make informed decisions about the right marketing channels and branding strategies to reach the target audience and maximize event attendance. Creating a marketing plan and crafting a logo are also discussed.

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Sponsorship Coordinator

The primary focus of a Sponsorship Coordinator is to secure sponsorships for events, working to meet the needs of sponsors. This course helps a Sponsorship Coordinator by teaching sponsorship sales, conducting inventory, and writing targeted proposals. This also teaches a Sponsorship Coordinator how to grow sponsorship funding. The organization and strategic planning skills gained from this course prepare a Sponsorship Coordinator to effectively manage sponsorship relationships and maximize funding opportunities.

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Event Designer

Event Designers conceptualize and create the overall look and feel of an event, including decorations, layouts, and ambiance. While not directly focused on aesthetics, this course may be useful in defining an event's mission, vision, and strategic plan to guide the design process. The course also provides a framework for understanding the purpose of the event, audience, and desired outcomes, which are essential for creating a cohesive and impactful design. The knowledge gained from running an event as a business may inform the role as well.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager oversees the logistical and operational aspects of events, ensuring smooth execution and attendee safety. Although not exclusively focused on operations, this course provides a foundational understanding of contingency planning, risk management, crowd control, and security protocols. This course may also be useful in preparing an Operations Manager to handle potential challenges and ensure a safe and well-organized event environment. Learning to create event site maps can help prepare the Operations Manager for the role.

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Public Relations Specialist

The Public Relations Specialist manages the reputation and public image of an event, working to generate media coverage and positive publicity. Although this course does not provide specialty information about public relations, it may be useful in developing a marketing plan, branding your event, and conducting a SWOT analysis. This helps ensure that the event is presented in a positive light and reaches a wide audience. Developing effective marketing strategies helps a Public Relations Specialist inform the public.

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Catering Manager

A Catering Manager oversees all food and beverage aspects of an event, from menu planning to service execution. While this course does not delve into culinary aspects, it may be useful in the vendor management and operations management aspects of catering. Building relationships with vendors and communicating effectively are essential for success in catering management. This may prepare them to secure the best vendors and oversee logistical details efficiently. They may also find the contingency planning module helpful to adapt to changes.

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Social Media Manager

A Social Media Manager is responsible for creating engaging content, managing social media accounts, and running campaigns to promote events and engage with attendees. Although this course does not focus specifically on social media, the marketing section, which covers digital marketing, may be useful in developing a social media strategy and creating content that attracts attendees. The training on branding your event also informs the Social Media Manager's work. The Social Media Manager should have a strong understanding of the brand.

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Customer Service Representative

As a Customer Service Representative, one addresses attendee inquiries, resolves issues, and ensures a positive experience. While this course doesn't directly cover customer service techniques, it may be useful in helping a Customer Service Representative to understand the overall event planning process, including marketing, operations, and vendor management. This understanding allows for more informed and helpful responses to attendee questions. The training on vendor management can help a representative more directly.

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Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Successful Event Planning and Management.

The Lean Startup

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A cornerstone for understanding contemporary business planning, this book introduces the Lean Startup methodology, emphasizing validated learning and iterative development. It's crucial for anyone looking to build a business in an uncertain environment and complements traditional business planning by focusing on agility and customer feedback. It's a must-read for entrepreneurs and is frequently referenced in startup-focused courses.

Successful Event Planning and Management

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Foundations of event management

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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