Online Event Planning Course

Unit 1 Event Planning Basics

• Lesson 1.1 Welcome to Event Planning

  In Lesson 1.1: Welcome to Event Planning, we'll start by going over the basic functions of an event planner- from different types of event planning tasks to familiarize yourself with to managing corresponding needs and expectations, this lesson will serve as a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of a potential career in the event planning industry.

• Lesson 1.2 Getting Started

  In Lesson 1.2: Getting Started we're mostly going to be talking about working as a professional. However, everything taught here also applies if you're putting on an event for a friend or family member. Whether you're working for a company, running your own event-planning business or just putting together a terrific event for yourself, this lesson will provide you with the skills to pull off an event from start to finish with professionalism.

• Lesson 1.3 Jumping In

  In Lesson 1.3: Jumping In, we'll start by examining the aspects that make up the initial written contract you'll draw up for your clients. From there, we'll explore the negotiation that often comes as a next step. Then we'll dive into budget creation as well as the process of finding and securing the right vendors.

• Lesson 1.4 Personal Qualities of a Planner

  In Lesson 1.4: Personal Qualities of a Planner, we'll dive into the communicative, professional and social qualities you'll need to develop in order to succeed in the competitive field of event planning.

Unit 2 Let's Start Planning an Event

• Lesson 2.1 Time and Style

  In Lesson 2.1: Time and Style, we will help you organize an effective time management system to ensure that you aren't stuck getting things done at the last minute. From choosing an appropriate event date to developing a coherent timeline, we'll talk about the most practical ways to work on a schedule. From there, we'll dive into the aesthetic decisions you'll need to start making as this process unfolds.

• Lesson 2.2 Choosing the Venue/ Inviting the Guests

  In Lesson 2.2: Choosing the Venue/ Inviting the Guests, we'll help you develop a routine workflow to use when working with clients as they develop the initial guest list for their special event. Once this number is effectively determined, it will set the subsequent stage for planning nearly every other aspect.

• Lesson 2.3 Interviewing and Hiring Vendors

  In Lesson 2.3: Interviewing and Hiring Vendors, we discuss the reality that despite the fact that you're seemingly coordinating the event overall as the main planner, there will unavoidably be other individuals on your team, also very closely involved in the process as well. This lesson will help you learn the right questions to ask when composing a productive, reliable team.

• Lesson 2.4 Specific Vendors

  In Lesson 2.4: Specific Vendors, we'll look at the role of all the individuals you might find yourself collaborating with down the road in the event planning industry. From floral specialists to pastry chefs, this lesson will prepare you to ask all the right questions in making sure your team members are qualified and trustworthy assets.

Unit 3 Fundraising and Corporate Events

• Lesson 3.1 Fundraising Events

  In Lesson 3.1: Fundraising Events, we talk about the benefits of adding pro-bono work to your portfolio as we review the best, most helpful ways to go about doing so. Fundraising via events is an effective enjoyable way to give back while doing something fun. From budgeting to sponsorship coordinating, this section will provide you with the know-how for doing so.

• Lesson 3.2 Silent and Live Auctions

  In Lesson 3.2: Silent and Live Auctions, we will discuss the best methods for planning these two specific types of auctions. From collecting item donations to establishing appropriate bidding increments, this lesson will provide you with the know-how to execute either type of event like a pro.

• Lesson 3.3 The Corporate Event

  In Lesson 3.3: The Corporate Event, we discuss the uniquely challenging task of planning a special event for a professional corporation. By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to partner with any size company in an effort to throw the perfect event as a gesture to reward employees for a job well done.

Unit 4 Events for All Ages and Stages

• Lesson 4.1 Baby Showers

  In Lesson 4.1: Baby Showers, we dive into the details of planning a baby shower to accommodate the wishes of various clients. From scheduling a practical time for a party to planning a uniquely exciting gender reveal, we'll help familiarize you will any aspect of this process that a potential client may want your assistance with.

• Lesson 4.2 B'rit Malahs, B'rit Bats, and Christenings

  In Lesson 4.2: B'rit Malahs, B'rit Bats, and Christenings, we start by giving you information on how to effectively plan the first coming-of-age ritual in the Jewish faith. From there, we'll move on to discuss the proper planning techniques for baptisms and christenings. We'll also provide you with supplementary information on planning a variety of additional coming of age traditions so you're prepared to work with any given client demographic.

• Lesson 4.3 Coming of Age Rituals

  In Lesson 4.3: Coming of Age Rituals, we'll go over events you might have to plan for clients' children subsequent to the rituals we previously discussed. We'll survey the events that you as an event planner will likely have to handle for clients. These social events span a human lifetime, from birthdays to final memorials.

Unit 5 Event Planning Details

• Lesson 5.1 Destination Events

  In Lesson 5.1: Destination Events, we'll discuss the art of planning events at a distant location. From scouting and helping clients research popular event destinations to booking accommodations and amenities for all the invited guests, this lesson will provide you with the skills to seamlessly plan and execute destination events with professional ease.

• Lesson 5.2 Gifts

  In Lesson 5.2: Gifts, we provide you with some knowledge regarding the etiquette of gift giving. As a planner, gifting is a process you may become involved in or may be sought out for advice on- whether it's about gifts for the guest of honor, awards presented to employees or gifts given to the guests. This lesson will provide you with the best practices for responding to any of these questions.

• Lesson 5.3 Beating Event Stress

  In Lesson 5.3: Beating Event Stress, we're going to change our focus a bit and examine how you can help your clients deal with event stress. From establishing realistic initial expectations to avoiding awkward situations, after this lesson you will be prepared to handle all emotional eventualities with professionalism and ease.

• Lesson 5.4 Planning an Event from Start to Finish

  In Lesson 5.4: Planning an Event from Start to Finish, we'll check out an interview with New York City wedding and event planner Katie Berger as she walks us through the experience of planning a high-profile fundraising event. Throughout this section you'll gain some great insight on a day in the life of a planner as you see the lessons we previously learned applied effectively in real life.

Unit 6 Professional Pathways

• Lesson 6.1 Starting Your Own Event Planning Business

  In Lesson 6.1: Starting Your Own Event Planning Business, we'll dive deeper into the business-related intricacies of this field, and the opportunities in professional event planning. By the end of the lesson, you'll have a better understanding of how you can use your skills and creativity in a lucrative way.

• Lesson 6.2 Marketing, Networking and Growing Your Business

  In Lesson 6.2: Marketing, Networking and Growing Your Business, we talk about the most effective methods for bringing in new clients. From creating a professional website to networking within the event planning community, this lesson provides you with the best advice on getting your name out there and promoting a positive image for your services and personal brand.

• Lesson 6.3 The Web and Social Media

  In Lesson 6.3: The Web and Social Media, we wrap up the unit by continuing to share advice on self-promotion and brand image as we talk about the best ways to promote your services and work on social media platforms. We'll talk about SEO best practices and blog maintenance, helping you develop a cohesive plan for incorporating this unique advertising platform into your business plan.

Reference Library

• When you enroll in NYIAD's Complete Course in Event Planning you have the option to purchase a set of physical materials to go along with your online course.

  While we are committed to always providing the highest-quality online courses for creative professionals available, we recognize that many of our students would also like to receive printed lessons that they can keep on their shelves and refer back to anytime they like.

  We have created a beautiful set of brand new physical materials, filled with all of the same amazing photographs and expertly prepared course content. They are available for purchase at a cost of $250, which is due upon enrollment.

  These materials are not required to complete the course. Without them you will still have access to everything you need online.