UPDATE
Introducing: Penn Foster’s Event Planning Career Diploma Program
While Ashworth College is no longer accepting enrollments in our Event Planning Program, we’re excited to introduce you to our partner school, Penn Foster.
Prepare for a career in event planning with our career diploma program! Learn the day-to-day operations of an event planner, coordinating with clients and vendors, marketing basics, creating event styles and themes, business fundamentals, and more. Bonus: Students enrolled in the program receive a one-year student membership to Meeting Professionals International!
LEARN MORETake the Next Steps Towards a Career You Want
Penn Foster’s online Event Planning Career Diploma Program can help you prepare to take the first steps toward the job you want. With flexible, online courses, you can learn skills and knowledge on your schedule, from home.
Why Penn Foster?
Penn Foster has been on a mission to help people like you launch, accelerate, and thrive in their careers for more than 130 years. We provide students with a quality education that fits their busy lifestyle and budget, offering over 100 self-paced, career-relevant programs across our College, Career School, and High School. The program you choose is structured to fit your learning needs so you can achieve your goals, and is designed to work with your schedule, anytime, anywhere you want to study. With a focus on relevant skills and career preparation for the job you’re after, Penn Foster can help you graduate with confidence and help provide a pathway towards your career goals.
Build your contact list with tips from professionals and membership to the largest industry association in the world.
Online classes don't have to be expensive. We offer payment plan options that can fit your budget.
Our Event Planning course will give you the confidence—and connections—you need to succeed.
What You'll Learn in Penn Foster’s Event Planning Career Diploma
- 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.
Penn Foster’s Online Event Planning Curriculum
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
Event Planning Program FAQs
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.
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 $56,920 per year in 2023.† Salary can vary based on your education, work experience, the company you work for, and even the state in which you live.
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.
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.
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.
State requirements
A career in this field may require you to meet certain licensing, training, and other requirements that can vary by vocation and state. You should check with your state, local government, and/or licensing board to find out which requirements may be applicable in your state. Click here for contact information on state licensing/regulatory boards and certain professional licensing information.