One of my most-often asked question 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.
But fortunately, there's the web! I have recently added a page to my website where you and other visitors can write in and let me know your experiences with different event planning schools. And if you don't have any input or experience with online event planning courses, it's a great place to read what others have to say!
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. As mentioned before, your specific personality traits and experience are more important than formal education or taking courses at event planning schools.
However, as the industry grows increasingly competitive, education and training will become more important. If you missed it, be sure to read through the checklist on
Event Planning Courses
to see if investing the time and money in event planning schools is a wise choice for you. Only you can know your situation and goals; and only you can decide which path to take.
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 certification 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.
Basically, in my humble opinion, it comes down to this:
If you already have a college degree, have been in the work force (or out of it) for a few years, and if you know you want to be an event planner and are not interested in working in restaurants, hotels, or travel and tourism, getting a degree will not be worth the investment of your time or money. I, personally, would focus on taking a few online courses, and then following the steps on the
Career Planning
page; basically, getting out in the field!
If you have not yet attended university and obtained a degree, then there are a few schools and universities that offer event management degrees; which I will outline below. If you can't attend one of these schools, you have a few options for a degree that would be a wise choice. Be sure to click on the following link to
read which courses to take in preparation of your event planning career.
Are There Any Recommended Schools or Universities?
There are two ways to get an event planning education:
If, however, you are able to go to college and pursue a degree, then there are a few event planning schools that might be beneficial to your future as an event planner.
Below are a few event planning schools, universities, or colleges that offer event planning and/or hospitality programs. Please note that I am not personally endorsing any of these programs, as I do not have direct experience with any of them. This list is merely a starting point for your research.
The International School of Hospitality
The International School of Hospitality is dedicated to training individuals for careers in hospitality related industries. The concept on which the school was founded is based on a strong belief that education must be practical and current.
Courses at The International School of Hospitality are condensed and completely career focused. The Conference Management & Event Planning Certificate is offered in its entirety or as 12 independent courses for those seeking specific knowledge. A few of the courses offered are: Contracts and Risk Management, Site Selection, and Special Events & Trade Shows.
Northeastern State University
The Hospitality and Tourism Management program offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and provides students with knowledge necessary for success in enterprises related to the meetings, travel, tourism, gaming and hospitality industries.The program in Hospitality and Tourism Management at Northeastern State University was one of the first event planning schools to be approved by the Professional Convention Management Association.
The program consists of three distinct but interrelated components:
Meeting and convention management, tourist destination development, and gaming operations and procedures.
Students may select one option or elect to complete any combination of areas.
The meeting and convention management program emphasizes managing and serving meetings, conventions, trade shows, and special events. The student who specializes in tourist destination development studies the development, management and marketing of tourist attractions and destination.
Johnson & Wales University
Over 3,500 hospitality employers have recruited Johnson & Wales graduates, and with good reason. Our students get practical, on-the-job experience at on- and off-campus properties including hotels and restaurants. The professionalism and skills our students possess, well before graduation, are an unmistakable asset to any hospitality career.
The Hospitality College, through a philosophy of experiential learning, seeks to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge which enables graduates to be successful in their chosen careers and to contribute significantly to society.
You can get your Bachelor of Science Degree in one of the following:
Hotel & Lodging Management
International Hotel and Tourism Management
Restaurant, Food & Beverage Management
Sports/Entertainment/Event Management
Travel, Tourism & Hospitality Management
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.
If you would like some training without committing to a two or four-year program, and have some work experience with events, then perhaps pursuing one of the many event planning certifications might be a better path for you.
Click here
to read much more about getting certified!
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One of my most-often asked question is "What event planning schools do you recommend?" 
