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Learn how event planners create memorable professional and social events
Large and small-scale event planning is a large part of many careers. In this online event planning course, you will learn how to plan a successful event, or take it a step further to become a professional event planner. Unlike other event planning courses, this online course provides an in-depth exploration of the diverse segments within the meeting and event industry. You will learn to identify key sectors such as corporate events, social events, meetings, weddings, trade shows, festivals, convention management, and nonprofit gatherings. The course will also explain the evolving entities within each segment, including corporations, associations, and government bodies, that organize and sponsor these events. Understanding these distinctions will equip you as the event planner with the knowledge to cater to different types of clients and their unique event needs.
A significant portion of the event course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of business and event professionals within each segment. You’ll gain insights into the duties of event coordinators, planners, and managers, along with the specific project management tasks they perform, such as logistics, event budgeting, vendor management, event contacts, and guest coordination. Additionally, the event course delves into planning requirements common to specific types of business meetings, conferences, and conventions, covering aspects like venue selection, registration processes, and post-event evaluations.
As you progress, the course also highlights the range of employment and leadership opportunities for event planners in the industry. You’ll learn how to leverage your skills to pursue roles in various sectors, from working in established event management firms to freelancing or even launching your own event planning business. Leadership paths, including managerial or directorial roles within the events industry, are also outlined, providing a roadmap for continuing education and career advancement. Whether planning events professionally or just for fun, take this course to learn more!
Why take this event planner course?
Flexible schedule
The course can be completed in 4-8 weeks and is self-paced online.
Career advisement
Receive a personal advising session with an industry leader.
High job demand
Gain a competitive edge.
Career pathways in Event Planning
Approximate return on investment for each academic pathway in event management
After taking the course, you can immediately enter the workforce or continue onto a degree through MSU Denver and increase your earning potential.
Pathway 1: Complete the Event Planning course and immediately enter the workforce as an event manager.
- The median salary is $32,000 a year.
Pathway 2: Continue your education by earning a bachelor’s degree in Event and Meeting Management at MSU Denver.
- The median salary is $49,470 a year.
About the Event Planning online course
This course presents an overview of the major segments of the events industry such as meetings, exhibitions, special events, and conventions. Students review the roles and responsibilities of destination marketing organizations and destination management companies and examine/evaluate the relationship between official service contractors and professional event planners in the context of their specific functions. This course will highlight the role of the event planner, whose responsibilities include planning, organizing, directing, and controlling various types of meetings and special events.
The course is $450, with a $35 transaction fee per payment. There are no books to purchase.
- Registration opens in December
- Course begins – February 3, 2025
- Last day to register – February 10, 2025
- Course ends – April 4, 2025
Once you successfully complete the wedding planner fundamentals course, you can immediately enter the workforce with newly learned skills. You will receive a digital badge embedded with the competencies learned. You can include this badge on your resume, LinkedIn page, portfolio, or share it with an employer. Students will also receive a certificate of completion.
Students can also convert the course to three credits and continue to an MSU Denver certificate or degree. See FAQs for more information.
- Identify meeting and event industry segments.
- Explain the evolving entities within each segment that organizes and sponsors events.
- Describe the specific roles and responsibilities of industry professionals within each industry segment.
- Describe planning requirements common to specific types of meetings, and the planning that goes into hosting a successful event.
- Identify employment and leadership opportunities within each industry segment.
About your course instructor
Event Planning instructor
Wendie Bass is a Master Wedding Planner with over 23 years of experience in the events industry. Her passion for creating unforgettable weddings and events has earned her a reputation as one of the top wedding planners in the region. With a degree in Economics from Ripon College and 27 years of experience in Retail Management, Wendie possesses a unique skill set that allows her to handle all aspects of event production with ease.
As a State Manager for the Association of Bridal Consultants in Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and Arizona, Wendie is a trusted mentor and educator in the wedding industry. She is also a sought-after speaker at industry events, where she shares her insights and experience with other professionals in the field.
Wendie’s clients appreciate her personalized approach to wedding planning, which ensures that each wedding is a unique reflection of the couple’s vision and style. She has a keen eye for detail and a talent for creative design, which allows her to bring even the most complex wedding concepts to life.
Wendie’s dedication to her clients and her passion for the industry has earned her numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Master Wedding Planner designation. She is also a breast cancer survivor, which has inspired her to give back to her community through charitable work.
Outside of work, Wendie enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Her dedication to her clients, her commitment to excellence, and her passion for teaching make Wendie Bass a true standout in the wedding industry.
Ready to register in MSU Denver’s Event Planning Online Course? Register below or request more information.
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Email usPhone: 303-615-1234
Office Location:
Jordan Student Success Building
3rd Floor – #330
Auraria Campus
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Innovative and Lifelong Learning
P.O. Box 173362
Campus Box 6
Denver, CO 80217-3362