Event Planning Schools One of my most-often asked questions is "What event planning schools do you recommend?" Understandably, people are interested in which event planning classes, courses, schools, or certifications are worth their time and money. Unfortunately, it's physically impossible for me to take every course; and therefore I can't recommend any first-hand. I started in this business long before there were any schools or online courses.
Be sure to
visit the Event Planning Schools Reviews page to see what others think!
The event planning industry is such a dynamic field that there aren’t any specific skill or educational requirements to find success as a planner. However, as the industry grows increasingly competitive, education and training are becoming increasingly more important. If you missed it, be sure to read through the checklist on Event Planning Courses to see what path is the best for you. Many people believe that you can take an event planning certification course to help you start your career. However, not only is that a misconception, but most of the online courses out there are complete farces and will only rip you off. They will take your money in exchange for some basic common-sense information about how to plan a birthday party, and then tell you that you can start your own event planning business. For more on this, be sure to read about event planning training courses here. If you have not yet finished college, however, or would like to pursue an education while working toward an event planning career, keep reading to find a list of event planning schools.
**Warning!!** A word of caution: due to the fact that the event industry is still evolving and, until recently, wasn’t considered a “real career,” very few universities and schools offer actual event planning degrees. Many universities and online programs, however, offer courses in “hospitality or restaurant management" or “travel and tourism.” Be very careful and research these programs thoroughly, ensuring that there are a fair number of classes specializing in event planning within these programs. For example, a degree in "Hospitality" might sound like it's the right path; but if most of the courses are about restaurant management, that's not a good path for someone who wants to be an event planner (unless, of course, you are also interested in restaurant management as a potential career). In other words, don't get so swept up in the name of the degree that you don't research what you'll actually be learning. Basically, in my humble opinion, it comes down to this:
George Washington University School of Business, Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Event and Meeting Management Concentration: The Event and Meeting Management Concentration is for students interested in the theoretical and practical aspects of event and meeting management, including research, design, planning, coordination, and evaluation of events and meetings of various types and sizes. Students study best practices in promotion, organization, and risk management of events and meetings. Emphasis is placed on the management competencies required for successful event and meeting professionals. For a more thorough list of event planning schools, universities and colleges, visit the Meeting Professionals International "Universities" page.
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Learn More
One of the first steps necessary to becoming an event planner is to learn everything you can about events. I have three products to help you learn different aspects of the industry:
Learn about my online "Event Planner Course"
By high demand, I have created an online, step-by-step course on how to plan events. You can take this online course at your own pace; and it will show you the essential elements of planning special events and corporate meetings, incentives, and events.
Travel and Get Paid for It
In this eBook, learn how to travel the world while working great events!
Event Planning Checklist
My own personal Event Planning Checklist and Conference Planning Checklist in one; this eBook lists just about every general "to do" that you might need for your event. (Note: this is included as a free bonus with the
Event Planner Course
and my eBook,
Travel and Get Paid for It.