Sources:
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed June 11, 2021.
Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.
Event Planning
Career Diploma 2 months
New
Learn Event Planning Online
If you've got sharp organization skills, an eye for detail, and want to start a career in a creative industry, our Event Planning courses can help you learn event planning online and take the first steps toward the job you want. Through flexible, self-paced courses, you'll build the fundamental skills to start a rewarding career as an event planner on your schedule, from home.
Accredited
Online
Self Paced
Cost of Program
$899
$1,089 Save $190
or
$59/month, Start for as low as $1
1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM EST)
What You Will Learn
- The role of the event planner and the importance of the client and interview process in determining the budget, size, and style of events.
- How to choose the appropriate vendors, caterers, and more when planning an event, including working with venues to ensure the event is a success.
- How to organize and manage a variety of events including weddings, fundraisers, parties, anniversary parties, galas, and more.
- How to start and run a successful event planning business including the importance of marketing and networking.
Event Planner Career Outcomes
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
AVG SALARY*
$51,560/yr
NUMBER OF JOBS*
138,600
JOB GROWTH*
8%
Our program can help students learn event planning online and take the first steps toward a career in event planning. Graduates can find jobs as event, party, convention, and meeting planners and coordinators for established companies or even start their own event planning business!
State Licensing Requirements
Licensing and/or certification requirements for jobs in this field are not the same in every state and may include educational, testing, and/or experiential requirements beyond those offered in the Penn Foster Program. Prospective students should contact the state professional licensing board or similar regulatory body in the state(s) where they plan to work to determine their requirements before enrolling in this program. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.
Event Planning Success Stories
Penn Foster’s Event Planning Career Diploma Program can help prepare you for the first step in your event and party planning career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs or start their own businesses while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.
Adrianna G.
Penn Foster Graduate, 2021
“I feel with Penn Foster you can accomplish anything you want to. With their career programs or high school program, they will lead you on the path to success for your future careers.”
Event Planning Curriculum
- 15.1 continuing education units (CEUs)
- 5 courses
- 14 exams
- 1 graded project
Estimated completion time:
- Fast track = 2 months
- Average time = 4 months
With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework.
As part of our Event Planning curriculum, you'll learn the essential skills necessary to prepare for entry-level jobs as an event planner. Your online classes include:
- Foundations of Event Planning
- Planning the Big Event
- Types of Events
- Setting Yourself Up for Success
Need to provide training for your workers?
Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.
Event Planning Tuition
Take the first steps toward a new career with our online Event Planning Career Diploma Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!
Cost of Program
$899
$1,089 Save $190
- Best price. Best value.
- Pay the full cost today
- No monthly payments
Cost of Program
$1,089
- Pay $59 per month
- Start for $1 down
- Credit card, PayPal, or ACH from bank account
cost of program
$1,089
- Pay $59 per month
- Start for $39 down
- Mail your payment using coupon book
California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.
Our Proven Event Planning Learning Model
Empowering students to reach their professional goals
Flexible
Interactive
Connected
Supportive
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Event Planning Program FAQs
Where can I work as an event planner?
Our online event planning training can help you prepare to work in a variety of settings or to start your own business. Many event planners work on-site for convention centers, hotels, and other hospitality businesses, and they spend their time between the office and event locations. This program also provides you with the knowledge and skills to develop your own client and vendor relationships to build an independent business.
What is the average salary of an event planner?
According to national averages from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average entry-level salary for an event planner with a bachelor's degree was $51,560 per year in 2020.* Salary can vary based on your education, work experience, the company you work for, and even the state in which you live.
Can you become an event planner without a degree?
Most event planners need some background in the field. While a college degree may not be necessary to become an event planner, educational background and certification through a career training program can help you stand out and prepare to be a confident and credentialed candidate when applying for jobs.
Why should I get an event planner certification?
Industry credentials can help you stand out from the crowd of other applicants and assure potential employers you have the skills to perform your tasks. Certification is separate from education, so many event planners go through training and work in the field before sitting for any applicable exams.
What is the average job description for an event planner?
Job descriptions for open event planner positions include skills like
- Effective time management
- Negotiating with clients and vendors
- Having an eye for detail
Building your skills in areas like business management, customer service, and financial planning can be beneficial to someone working in this role.
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On average, learners can complete their program in as few as 4 months. Faster learners, or those with more time to dedicate to their coursework, can finish in as little as 2 months. If you don’t have lots of time to dedicate to your program, that’s ok too! You can learn at the pace that works for you and your schedule.