Certified Event Planning Specialist

Event planners need professional caliber information that explains everything from how to decorate, to the use of technology, and everything in between. In this course, offered by our accredited school partners, you will learn that information and much more. It is through planned events that we remember our shared history, our friends, family, and community.

We include information on greener events, corporate social responsibility, international best practices, and the expanding event field. You will also learn how technology, including the use of social media, may be harnessed to improve the financial, environmental, and other strategic outcomes of a special event.

After completing this course, you should be able to:
• Define the principles of event leadership
• Identify the steps for planning an event budget, solving problems, and making critical decisions
• Identify the requirements for working with vendors, securing a space, and marketing the event
• Identify legal considerations and guidelines for writing event contracts
• Identify the steps for starting your own event planning business

Whether a celebration, business conference, industry show or convention - event planners are often an integral part of a successful event. Whatever the occasion, planners can assist in the design of the event, locating an appropriate site, determining food, beverage as well as decor needs, locating entertainment, managing the invitation process, arranging travel accommodations, hiring and overseeing personnel, supervising the event and so on. With all there is to do – it’s no wonder that event planners are in such high demand!

After completing this course, you should be able to:

Define the event planning business
Recognize various aspects of starting an event planning business
Recall different ways to market an event planning business
Identify how to budget and control finances

Course outline:

Event Planning & Management Module 1 - Event Leadership
• Anthropological & Sociological Origins
• Global Business
• The Event Leadership Profession
• Demographic Changes
• Career Opportunities
• The 5 Phases of Event Leadership
• A Blueprint for Your Event
• Comprehensive Needs Assessment
• Good Communication
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS)
• Developing & Implementing the Event
• Research the Event
• Design a Program
• Develop a Theme
• Manage the Timeline

Event Planning & Management Module 2 - Event Administration
• Identify Leadership Characteristics
• Make Critical Decisions
• Solve Problems
• Human Resource Management
• Recruiting Staff & Volunteers
• Effective Organizational Charts
• Financial Administration
• Maintain Event Records
• Forecast Projected Revenues
• Identify Sustainable Funding
• Plan an Event Budget
• Greener Events
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• Minimize Waste
• Implement Energy Efficiency
• Market Your Greener Event

Event Planning & Management Module 3 - Event Coordination & Marketing
• Managing Vendor Contracts
• Coordinate Catering Operations
• Conduct & Analyze Site Inspections
• On-Site Event Production
• Integrate New Technologies
• Event Contingency Plans
• Registration Operations
• Lighting, Sound, and Video
• Event Leader as Producer
• Advertising & Public Relations
• Promotions & Sponsorships
• The 5 Ps of Event Marketing
• Promote Fairs & Festivals
• Online Marketing
• Using Social Media

Event Planning & Management Module 4 - Legal, Ethical, Risk Management & Technology
• Legal Event Documents
• Control Liabilities
• Risk Management Procedures
• Inclusiveness, Morality & Ethics
• Comply with ADA
• Avoid Ethical Problems
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Measure the Social Responsibility Index
• Technology & Event Planning
• Using Mobile Technology
• 360-degree Event Experience
• Building Your Resume
• Career Advancement
• The New Best Practices
• New Frontiers in Planning Events

Event Planning & Management Module 5 - Corporate Events
• What is a Corporate Event?
• The Future of Corporate Events
• Types of Venues
• Anatomy of a Venue
• Types of Staging
• Choosing the Best Stage for Your Event
• Types of Seating
• Choosing the Best Seating for Your Event
• Introduction to Rigging
• Rigging Equipment
• Introduction to Lighting
• Elements of Lighting

Event Planning & Management Module 6 - Audio, Video & Design
• Video Basics
• Video Cameras & Controls
• Introduction to Audio
• Understanding the Sound System
• Types of Speakers & Presenters
• Presentation Management
• The Value of Rehearsals
• Design Teams & Processes
• The Proposal Response Process
• Designing from the Ground Up
• Drafting Software
• Venue Floor Plans
• The Fire Marshal’s Approval

Event Planning & Management Module 7 - Developing & Presenting the Design
• The Fundamentals of Design
• Developing a Design Palette
• Scenic Design
• Design Approaches
• Environment Design
• Providing Atmosphere
• Scenic Materials & Construction
• Scenic Specialty Items
• Dealing with Transportation
• Presenting Your Design
• Effective Presentation Methods
• Ordering Your Presentation

Event Planning & Management Module 8 - Start Your Own Event Planning Business
• The Event Planning Industry
• Who Hires Event Planners
• Conducting Market Research
• Building Your Business Foundation
• Finding Your Niche
• Creating a Map for Success
• A Day in the Life
• Developing Design Ideas
• Getting Started
• Choosing a Business Location
• Financing Your Business
• Buying Equipment & Inventory
• Fundamentals of Hiring Employees
• Paying Employees
• Marketing Your Business
• Managing Your Finances
• Keeping Your Business Healthy

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 1 - The Event Planning Business
• Who Hires Event Planners
• Building Your Business Foundation
• Calculating Start Up Costs
• Design Time
• Coordinating the Event

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 2 - Getting Started
• Choosing a Location
• Creating Effective Proposals and Agreements
• Financing Your Business
• Hiring Employees
• Hiring Outside Vendors

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 3 - Types of Marketing
• Networking to Business Success
• The Power of Customer Service
• Starting Up a Website
• Marketing Your Website
• The World of Social Media

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 4 - Managing Your Finances and Final Steps
• Financial Statements
• Maintaining Cash Flow
• Planner Profiles
• Keep Your Business Healthy
• Recipe for Success

Enroll through one of our accredited university or college partners today!

Event Planning & Management Module 1 - Event Leadership
• Anthropological & Sociological Origins
• Global Business
• The Event Leadership Profession
• Demographic Changes
• Career Opportunities
• The 5 Phases of Event Leadership
• A Blueprint for Your Event
• Comprehensive Needs Assessment
• Good Communication
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS)
• Developing & Implementing the Event
• Research the Event
• Design a Program
• Develop a Theme
• Manage the Timeline

Event Planning & Management Module 2 - Event Administration
• Identify Leadership Characteristics
• Make Critical Decisions
• Solve Problems
• Human Resource Management
• Recruiting Staff & Volunteers
• Effective Organizational Charts
• Financial Administration
• Maintain Event Records
• Forecast Projected Revenues
• Identify Sustainable Funding
• Plan an Event Budget
• Greener Events
• Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• Minimize Waste
• Implement Energy Efficiency
• Market Your Greener Event

Event Planning & Management Module 3 - Event Coordination & Marketing
• Managing Vendor Contracts
• Coordinate Catering Operations
• Conduct & Analyze Site Inspections
• On-Site Event Production
• Integrate New Technologies
• Event Contingency Plans
• Registration Operations
• Lighting, Sound, and Video
• Event Leader as Producer
• Advertising & Public Relations
• Promotions & Sponsorships
• The 5 Ps of Event Marketing
• Promote Fairs & Festivals
• Online Marketing
• Using Social Media

Event Planning & Management Module 4 - Legal, Ethical, Risk Management & Technology
• Legal Event Documents
• Control Liabilities
• Risk Management Procedures
• Inclusiveness, Morality & Ethics
• Comply with ADA
• Avoid Ethical Problems
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
• Measure the Social Responsibility Index
• Technology & Event Planning
• Using Mobile Technology
• 360-degree Event Experience
• Building Your Resume
• Career Advancement
• The New Best Practices
• New Frontiers in Planning Events

Event Planning & Management Module 5 - Corporate Events
• What is a Corporate Event?
• The Future of Corporate Events
• Types of Venues
• Anatomy of a Venue
• Types of Staging
• Choosing the Best Stage for Your Event
• Types of Seating
• Choosing the Best Seating for Your Event
• Introduction to Rigging
• Rigging Equipment
• Introduction to Lighting
• Elements of Lighting

Event Planning & Management Module 6 - Audio, Video & Design
• Video Basics
• Video Cameras & Controls
• Introduction to Audio
• Understanding the Sound System
• Types of Speakers & Presenters
• Presentation Management
• The Value of Rehearsals
• Design Teams & Processes
• The Proposal Response Process
• Designing from the Ground Up
• Drafting Software
• Venue Floor Plans
• The Fire Marshal’s Approval

Event Planning & Management Module 7 - Developing & Presenting the Design
• The Fundamentals of Design
• Developing a Design Palette
• Scenic Design
• Design Approaches
• Environment Design
• Providing Atmosphere
• Scenic Materials & Construction
• Scenic Specialty Items
• Dealing with Transportation
• Presenting Your Design
• Effective Presentation Methods
• Ordering Your Presentation

Event Planning & Management Module 8 - Start Your Own Event Planning Business
• The Event Planning Industry
• Who Hires Event Planners
• Conducting Market Research
• Building Your Business Foundation
• Finding Your Niche
• Creating a Map for Success
• A Day in the Life
• Developing Design Ideas
• Getting Started
• Choosing a Business Location
• Financing Your Business
• Buying Equipment & Inventory
• Fundamentals of Hiring Employees
• Paying Employees
• Marketing Your Business
• Managing Your Finances
• Keeping Your Business Healthy

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 1 - The Event Planning Business
• Who Hires Event Planners
• Building Your Business Foundation
• Calculating Start Up Costs
• Design Time
• Coordinating the Event

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 2 - Getting Started
• Choosing a Location
• Creating Effective Proposals and Agreements
• Financing Your Business
• Hiring Employees
• Hiring Outside Vendors

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 3 - Types of Marketing
• Networking to Business Success
• The Power of Customer Service
• Starting Up a Website
• Marketing Your Website
• The World of Social Media

Start Your Own Event Planning Business Module 4 - Managing Your Finances and Final Steps
• Financial Statements
• Maintaining Cash Flow
• Planner Profiles
• Keep Your Business Healthy
• Recipe for Success

All required reference materials are provided with this program. Technical requirements:

Internet Connection
• Broadband or High-Speed (DSL, Cable, Wireless)
Hardware Requirements
• Processor - 2GHz Processor or Higher
• Memory - 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended

Software Requirements
• Operating Systems - Windows 7, 8 or 10; Mac OS x 10 or higher
• Microsoft Office 2007, 2010 or 2013 or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
• Internet Browsers - Google Chrome is highly recommended
• Cookies MUST be enabled
• Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
• Adobe PDF Reader

The Event Planning Specialist Certification (CEPS) exam from the National Career Certification Board (NCCB) prepares individuals for a rewarding career as an Event Planning Professional. One of the best ways to distinguish yourself in the Event Planning industry is to pursue a national certification from NCCB.
Certified Event Planning Specialists (CEPS) are responsible for coordinating every last detail of an event; regardless of the size of the event. He or she arranges everything for an event to include; venue, menu selection, entertainment, decorations and everything in between. As more companies learn the value of professionally organized events, there is an increasing need for formal training in event planning.
Each state may have additional licensing requirements, be sure to research your states requirements for employment by visiting your states occupation board.

This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.