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Tiffany Denny, CMP

Get the career you want by doing what you love. In this course, you will learn the foundations of event planning. These concepts can be applied to social events, corporate events, weddings, fundraisers, etc... The concept of this course is to walk away with tangible resources and the confidence you need to get a job in the industry or start your own event planning business. This course is unique and is taught by a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional).

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Creating a vision
  • Event marketing
  • Event production
  • Event design
  • How to set goals and objectives
  • Event project management
  • Risk management
  • Financial management and budgeting
  • Site and venue management
  • Building a portfolio

Syllabus

Meet your Instructor and overview of the course
Instructor Introduction Video

Introduction to the course

Have knowledge of what a vision is and how to create a vision for an event.
Read more

The student will learn the components of creating a vision for an event.

After completing this module the student will be able to define their goals and objectives for their event clearly using the SMART Goal system.

After completing this module the student will be able to define project scope, create a project roadmap, have knowledge of contracts, and know how to construct and submit an RFP.

This module teaches the basics of risk management. The student should come away knowing what risks in event planning are, and how to manage them. There is a link to a SWOT analysis included in the module. Students will also have an event & safety plan checklist to download.

Students will learn the basics of budgeting and accounting in events. They will be reviewing basic accounting procedures and learning about setting up cash handling protocols.

The student will know the criteria on selecting a site, different types of venues, how to design a site layout, and how to do a basic site inspection.

Students will know how to develop a marketing plan and how to implement it. They will also discover marketing channels of distribution, and the importance of branding and message.

Students will learn the design process, how to engage speakers, the basic components of a speaker contract and the basics of a hybrid event.

Students will learn the main components of an Events Specification Guide (ESG) and will be able to scale a version that will best fit their needs.

Students will walk away knowing how to build their portfolio event even if they have never planned an event.

This quiz covers all 10 of the modules covered.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional), which indicates adherence to industry standards and best practices
Covers financial management and budgeting, which are essential for the success and sustainability of any event planning business
Includes risk management training, which is crucial for identifying and mitigating potential issues that could disrupt an event
Explores event marketing, which is essential for attracting attendees and promoting events effectively across various channels
Teaches how to create a portfolio, even without prior experience, which is valuable for showcasing skills to potential clients
Requires students to understand the SMART method, which may require additional research for those unfamiliar with this goal-setting framework

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Reviews summary

Professional event planning fundamentals

Learners say this course provides a solid foundation ideal for beginners looking to enter the event planning industry. Many highlight the instructor as knowledgeable and engaging, sharing practical, real-world advice. Students particularly value the tangible resources provided, such as templates for budgeting and RFPs, and the guidance on building a portfolio before securing clients. While the course covers all the essentials and helps build confidence, some feel it can be too basic or lacking sufficient depth in certain areas like advanced financials, marketing types, or legal aspects, suggesting it serves best as a starting point rather than a comprehensive guide for experienced planners.
Helpful guidance on creating your professional portfolio.
"The segment on building a portfolio before getting clients was a game-changer."
"The portfolio module was particularly helpful for getting started."
"I walked away knowing how to build my portfolio even if I had never planned an event."
Excellent starting point for new event planners.
"A solid introduction to event planning."
"Good for absolute beginners..."
"Excellent foundation course!"
Provides useful templates and tools for planning.
"The templates and resources provided are invaluable."
"The resources like templates for budgets and RFPs are super practical."
"I particularly appreciated the modules on budgeting and site selection."
Instructor provides practical, clear guidance.
"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and shares practical, real-world advice."
"The instructor is amazing! So clear, concise, and enthusiastic."
"The instructor is engaging and breaks down complex topics simply."
Content can be basic, needing more detail.
"...it's very basic. If you have any prior experience... you might find it too superficial."
"Found this course to be too general. It touches on many topics but doesn't go deep enough..."
"I wish there was more on marketing specifically for different event types..."
"Would have liked more on contracts and legal aspects."

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 Learn how to become an Event Planner with these activities:
Review 'The Event Planner's Handbook'
Familiarize yourself with industry-standard practices and gain a broader understanding of the event planning landscape.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Event Planner's Handbook'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course modules.
  • Take notes on key concepts and best practices.
Review Basic Accounting Principles
Strengthen your understanding of financial management and budgeting, which are crucial for successful event planning.
Browse courses on Accounting
Show steps
  • Review basic accounting principles online.
  • Practice creating a simple budget.
Plan a Mock Event
Apply the concepts learned in the course by planning a hypothetical event from start to finish.
Show steps
  • Choose a type of event (wedding, corporate, etc.).
  • Define the event's vision, goals, and objectives.
  • Create a budget and timeline.
  • Develop a marketing plan.
  • Design the event layout and select vendors.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Develop an Event Safety Plan Checklist
Solidify your understanding of risk management by creating a comprehensive safety plan checklist for events.
Show steps
  • Research common event safety hazards.
  • Create a checklist of safety measures.
  • Organize the checklist by event phase.
Build a Portfolio Website
Showcase your skills and experience by creating a professional portfolio website.
Show steps
  • Choose a website platform (e.g., Wix, Squarespace).
  • Select a template and customize it.
  • Add information about your skills and experience.
  • Include examples of your work (mock events, designs, etc.).
Attend an Event Planning Conference
Expand your network and learn from industry professionals by attending an event planning conference.
Show steps
  • Research event planning conferences in your area.
  • Register for a conference and plan your attendance.
  • Attend sessions and network with other attendees.
  • Follow up with contacts after the conference.
Review 'Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide'
Gain a broader understanding of the event planning industry and explore different event types.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to your interests.
  • Identify areas for further research.

Career center

Learners who complete Learn how to become an Event Planner will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Corporate Event Planner
Corporate Event Planners plan events for businesses, such as conferences, product launches, and team-building activities. You will learn the foundations of event planning in this course, which applies directly to corporate events. The course's emphasis on event project management, financial management, and event marketing are critical for corporate events. As a Corporate Event Planner, you must create a vision, and this course covers that. You will also benefit from risk management awareness, which is covered in the course.
Special Events Coordinator
A Special Events Coordinator focuses on planning and executing unique and memorable events such as galas, concerts, and themed parties. This course helps build a foundation for special events due to its coverage of essential topics like event marketing, event production, and event design. As a Special Events Coordinator, you will need to manage budgets, which this course explores. Risk management, addressed in the course, is necessary to handle unexpected issues.
Event Coordinator
An Event Coordinator is responsible for the logistical aspects of events, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This course helps build a foundation for the role by covering essential topics like site and venue management, event production, and risk management. You will gain tangible resources to feel confident in the field. The course's emphasis on financial management and budgeting may be helpful as you manage event finances. As an Event Coordinator, you will need to set objectives, which this course also covers.
Conference Organizer
Conference Organizers specialize in planning and managing large conferences, from logistics to speaker selection. The essential topics in this course, such as site and venue management, event production, and financial management, may be useful for managing the complexities of conference planning. The course covers building a portfolio, which is helpful for demonstrating your experience. Conference Organizers also need to engage speakers, which is discussed in the course.
Meeting Planner
A Meeting Planner focuses on organizing meetings, conferences, and seminars, often for businesses. This course may be helpful as it provides an overview of event project management, which is essential for planning successful meetings. The course also covers site and venue management, a critical aspect of meeting planning. With a strong understanding of financial management and budgeting, thanks to this course, a Meeting Planner can effectively manage meeting costs. The course's focus on creating a vision and event design may also be helpful for creating engaging and productive meetings.
Tourism Event Planner
A Tourism Event Planner creates and manages events that attract tourists to a specific location or region. This course's foundations of event planning may be helpful, especially the focus on event marketing and creating a vision. You will need to select a site for the event, which is discussed in the course. As a Tourism Event Planner, you will need to understand financial management, which the course covers.
Wedding Planner
A Wedding Planner specializes in organizing and coordinating weddings, ensuring the special day is seamless. This course will introduce you to the foundations of event planning, which easily applies to weddings. You will learn how to create a vision and event design, which are crucial for making each wedding unique. The course's coverage of financial management and budgeting may be helpful to manage wedding expenses. Risk management, as studied in the course, is relevant for anticipating and resolving potential issues during a wedding.
Fundraising Coordinator
A Fundraising Coordinator plans and executes fundraising events to support nonprofit organizations. This course may be useful because it emphasizes event marketing and financial management, both critical for successful fundraising campaigns. The course's focus on building a portfolio empowers a Fundraising Coordinator to showcase successful events. By understanding risk management, you can navigate the challenges of fundraising events. This course's coverage of setting goals and objectives may be helpful for aligning fundraising efforts with organizational goals.
Brand Activation Manager
Brand Activation Managers create engaging experiences that promote brand awareness and loyalty. This course may benefit Brand Activation Managers, especially the coverage on event marketing, event production, and event design. A Brand Activation Manager benefits from knowing how to create a vision, which is covered in the course. The course may help with financial management and budgeting, which is relevant to this role.
Exhibition Planner
Exhibition Planners are responsible for organizing trade shows, conferences, and other large-scale exhibitions. This course covers site and venue management, a critical aspect of exhibition planning. You may find the course's exploration of event production, financial management, and event project management helpful as you manage the complexities of large exhibitions. The course's emphasis on event design may be useful as you create visually appealing and engaging exhibition spaces. As an Exhibition Planner, you will need risk management skills, which this course may help you develop.
Festival Organizer
Festival Organizers plan and execute festivals, managing all aspects from logistics to entertainment. This course can help develop a foundation in event planning, which is directly relevant to festival organization. The course's coverage of site and venue management, event production, and event design applies to the setting and atmosphere of a festival. Additionally, the course's focus on risk management may be helpful for anticipating and addressing potential hazards. The course's exploration of financial management and budgeting is also relevant for managing festival finances.
Catering Manager
Catering Managers oversee the food and beverage services for events, ensuring quality and customer satisfaction. This course's knowledge of site and venue management may be useful when planning catering services for optimal efficiency and presentation. The financial management and budgeting knowledge covered in this course can help manage catering costs effectively. Additionally, the course's insights into creating a vision and understanding event design may be helpful for creating cohesive and memorable experiences.
Hospitality Manager
Hospitality Managers oversee the operations of hotels, resorts, and other hospitality venues, ensuring guest satisfaction. While this role typically requires experience and may require a relevant degree, this course may still be useful. The knowledge of site and venue management may be useful in a hospitality setting. This course's risk and financial management knowledge may also be helpful in a hospitality role. This course may help develop a foundation upon which to build.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages a company's public image and communications. This course helps build a foundation for event planning concepts, which is just one part of what a public relations specialist does. A Public Relations Specialist may utilize events in their field, and would benefit from the event marketing knowledge in the course. You will need to set objectives, and this course may help you to do so.
Business Development Manager
The Business Development Manager is responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities for a company. This course may be useful for planning and executing events to attract and engage potential clients. Event marketing is highly relevant to this role. The course's emphasis on creating a vision may be useful when creating new business. This course may help develop a basic foundation for business development planning.

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 Learn how to become an Event Planner.
Classic text on project management that provides a comprehensive overview of the field. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn about project management or improve their skills.
Widely recognized and comprehensive textbook used in undergraduate and graduate corporate finance courses globally. It provides a strong theoretical foundation and covers essential topics like valuation, investment decisions, and financing. It's an excellent resource for gaining a broad understanding and deepening knowledge, often serving as a core reference throughout one's career.
A widely adopted textbook for corporate finance courses, this book offers a rigorous treatment of the subject. It is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and is known for its comprehensive coverage of theoretical concepts and their applications. It's a valuable resource for deepening understanding and is often used as a primary academic text.
Another highly regarded textbook in financial management, this book balances theory with practical applications. It's suitable for both undergraduate and graduate students and is known for its clear explanations and numerous examples. It's valuable for gaining a broad understanding and is often used as a primary textbook in academic settings.
Considered a leading guide on valuation, this book provides a comprehensive framework for valuing companies and making value-creating decisions. It's essential reading for finance professionals, particularly those in investment banking, private equity, and corporate development. It offers a deep dive into a critical aspect of financial management.
Focuses on financial risk management, a crucial contemporary topic in the field. It covers various types of financial risks and the tools and techniques used to manage them, particularly in financial institutions. It's highly relevant for graduate students and professionals specializing in risk management.
A definitive guide to financial risk management, this handbook provides in-depth analysis of methods for measuring and managing risk in financial institutions. It covers various types of financial risk and crucial reference for professionals and advanced students in finance.
Is an essential desk reference for FP&A professionals and CFOs. It covers key aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and performance management. It is particularly useful for working professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of practical financial management in a corporate setting.
This influential book challenges conventional notions of risk and probability by focusing on the impact of rare and unpredictable events ("black swans"). It argues that these events have a disproportionate impact on the world and that we are often ill-equipped to deal with them. It's a provocative read that encourages a different way of thinking about risk and uncertainty.
Offers a unique perspective on the purpose and structure of gatherings, encouraging readers to rethink conventional approaches. It's valuable for deepening understanding by focusing on the human-centered aspects of events and creating meaningful experiences. It's considered a must-read for its insightful and unconventional approach to event design.
This collection of Warren Buffett's letters to shareholders offers practical wisdom on business, finance, and investing. While not a traditional textbook, it provides invaluable insights into the mindset and principles of one of the world's most successful investors. It's a must-read for anyone interested in corporate finance and value creation.
Provides a comprehensive overview of social media event marketing, covering everything from using social media to promote your events to selling tickets and registrations online. It valuable resource for anyone who is looking to learn more about social media event marketing or improve their social media marketing skills.
Comprehensive guide to project management that provides answers to common questions. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn more about project management or solve specific problems.
Delves into advanced topics in corporate finance, specifically focusing on mergers, acquisitions, and restructuring activities. It's highly relevant for graduate students and professionals in corporate finance and investment banking. It provides in-depth coverage of complex transactions and strategies.
Offers a more accessible introduction to financial management concepts compared to its more in-depth counterparts. It's well-suited for undergraduate students and those new to the subject, providing a solid foundation in key areas like financial analysis, time value of money, and capital budgeting. It's an excellent starting point for a broad understanding.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the financial services industry, including budgeting, lending, and investing. It valuable resource for individuals and organizations who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the financial services industry.
Practical guide to agile project management that is full of tips and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use agile methods to improve their project management skills.
Provides a foundational understanding of risk management and insurance principles, making it ideal for those new to the topic or seeking a broad overview. It covers basic concepts, traditional insurance, and introductory enterprise risk management, serving as a valuable textbook for undergraduate programs and a solid starting point for professionals.
Practical guide to project management that is full of insights and advice. It great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to manage projects more effectively.
Widely used resource for learning financial modeling techniques using Excel. It bridges the gap between finance theory and practical application, providing hands-on examples for building financial models. It's highly valuable for students and professionals who need to develop practical financial skills.
Focused specifically on operational risk in the financial services industry, this book provides a detailed guide to managing this critical area. It covers frameworks, techniques, and best practices for identifying, assessing, and mitigating operational risks. It's essential for professionals working in risk management within banks and financial institutions.
Addressing the critical contemporary topic of sustainability in event planning, this book provides a step-by-step guide to managing events responsibly. It covers identifying and evaluating environmental and social impacts and offers practical tools and case studies. This is essential reading for anyone looking to incorporate sustainable practices into their event planning.
Offers a step-by-step action plan for creative professionals to establish their personal brand, build a strong portfolio, and successfully navigate the job search. It emphasizes the importance of personal branding in conjunction with the portfolio. This book useful reference tool for students and professionals seeking to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Considered a classic in value investing, this book provides timeless principles for sound investing and financial decision-making. While not solely focused on corporate financial management, its principles on valuation and risk are highly relevant. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind successful long-term investing.
Highly relevant to contemporary event planning, this book focuses on the strategies and execution of digital and hybrid events. It addresses the growing importance of technology in the industry and provides insights into creating engaging online experiences. is essential for understanding the current landscape of event planning.
Considered a foundational text in event management, this book provides a thorough overview of the principles and practices of planning special events. It combines theoretical concepts with practical applications and case studies. is often used as a textbook in academic programs and is essential for a deep understanding of the field and its evolution.
As the title suggests, this book aims to be a complete guide to event planning, covering a wide range of topics and event types. It's a valuable resource for gaining a broad understanding and serves as a good starting point for those new to the field.
Aligned with international standards like ISO 31000 and the COSO ERM Framework, this book offers a comprehensive introduction to enterprise risk management. It covers identification, analysis, and treatment of various risks, including emerging trends. It's suitable for students and risk professionals seeking a thorough grounding in ERM principles and practices.
This textbook provides a comprehensive treatment of financial risk management, covering market, credit, and operational risks within financial institutions. It's widely used in undergraduate and graduate finance programs and solid resource for understanding the principles and practices of financial risk management.
Offers a critical look at common risk management practices and argues for more quantitative approaches. It challenges conventional wisdom and provides insights into improving risk assessment and decision-making. It's valuable for both students and professionals looking to refine their risk management methodologies.
Is designed for those in machine learning who want to build a portfolio through hands-on projects. It guides readers through creating and deploying ML models for various applications, providing practical experience that is essential for a technical portfolio. This book useful reference tool for aspiring machine learning engineers and data scientists.
Understanding and mitigating risk is vital in event planning. focuses specifically on risk management for meetings and events, providing essential knowledge for ensuring safety and security. It's a critical resource for professionals and those responsible for the well-being of event attendees.
Provides real-world examples and case studies of how organizations have implemented enterprise risk management. It offers practical insights into the challenges and successes of ERM implementation, making it valuable for those involved in establishing or improving an ERM program.
FinTech is rapidly transforming the financial landscape. examines the legal, regulatory, and policy aspects of financial technology, including areas like cryptocurrencies and blockchain. It's a valuable resource for understanding the contemporary issues at the forefront of financial management.
This handbook provides a comprehensive guide to the interconnected areas of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC). It covers frameworks, best practices, and practical guidance for implementing an integrated GRC program. It's a valuable reference for professionals responsible for GRC in their organizations.
Delves into practical issues and presents case studies related to the execution of Enterprise Risk Management programs. It provides insights from senior risk management professionals and explores how organizations measure the impact of ERM. It is particularly useful for understanding real-world challenges and best practices in ERM implementation.
Offers a practical approach to financial management, illustrating theoretical concepts with concrete cases and exercises. It is suitable for both students and financial managers, bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. It's a useful reference tool for applying financial management principles.
Emphasizes the principles and practices of event planning and management, offering a structured and practical approach. It's suitable for academic study and professional development, providing a solid understanding of the core concepts and their application.
Explores the art and science of prediction in various fields, from weather forecasting to finance. It examines why some predictions succeed while many fail, emphasizing the importance of probability and understanding uncertainty. It offers valuable lessons for risk managers who rely on forecasting and data analysis.
This textbook offers a structured approach to event planning and management, covering principles, planning, and the importance of professionalism. It's a practical guide suitable for students and aspiring event managers, providing a step-by-step formula for planning and delivering successful events.
Provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts and techniques in financial risk management, covering market risk, credit risk, and operational risk. It offers practical insights into identifying, assessing, and mitigating these risks and valuable resource for students and professionals in finance.

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