Event Planner
Career Prep

About the Program

In this course students will learn the principles and practices of event planning.

This is a self-paced program. Self-paced programs create a unique learning experience that allows students to learn independently and at a pace that best suits them.

Curriculum Developer Biography

Laurie Gilbreath holds a Master of Arts in Education and has 15 years' experience in K-12, higher education, and continuing education. She has also worked for 10 years as a professional development facilitator and designer and an educational trainer. She has developed courses, training manuals, and educational ebooks in topics ranging from healthcare to business to administration and quality management. In addition to her educational experience, she has worked as a freelance writer and editor for 10 years. Her publications include scholarly articles, training and educational materials, web content, and fiction.

Tuition: $2,997

Duration: 300 Hours

Students will have access to the program for 1 full year

All necessary materials are included.

Prerequisites: HS diploma/GED, basic computer skills and familiarity with the internet

To learn more about ETI’s tuition and financial aid options, click here.

Course Outline

  • In this lesson, we will discuss the importance of primary event objectives, why initial planning is crucial, and how to put together a budget that will cover all of the elements of an event.

  • In this lesson, we will discuss the critical path - the items, considerations, scheduling, and time planning that must be organized for the particular event. This will allow you to stay on track with the calendar, contracts, correspondence, vision, budget, and tasks that must be accomplished.

  • In this lesson, we will discuss site selection, site requirements, and site planning considerations. In addition, we will discuss the important tasks for site preparation and site direction.

  • In this lesson, we will explore various types of transportation that might be involved in an event. In addition, we will discuss advantages of providing transportation for events as well as challenges. Finally, we will discuss the relationship between transportation and site selection.

  • From the text: "Guest arrival sets the anticipatory tone for the event ahead. Your event does not start the moment the guests step into the venue but the moment they arrive on its doorstep or in the designated parking drop-off point. You have to plan and prepare for weather they could encounter stepping out of the vehicle, the appearance of the walkway to the venue and what they will see to tell them visually they have “arrived” at the event."

  • In this lesson, we will discuss requirements and considerations regarding event venues. Topics will include room requirements, staging, audi-visual, lighting, supplies, and questions that should be asked and answered when preparing a venue.

  • In this lesson, we will discuss the importance of knowing the demographics of event attendees and how those demographics affect planning.

  • In this lesson, we will explore various themes that impact food and beverage decisions, considerations that are essential for food and beverage decisions, menu planning, staffing, and donations.

  • In this lesson, we will discuss aspects of event planning that you can use to stand out from the crowd.