Online Event Coordinator Classes and Courses Overview

Event coordinator classes and courses are available to students interested in creating and coordinating events for individuals and businesses. Some classes are offered in hybrid format and require on-campus participation, while others are available fully online. Students learn to design, plan and coordinate weddings, corporate functions and other major events, from gaining permits to the final production. Students can take event coordinator classes as part of certificate or degree programs.

Overview of Online Classes for Event Coordinators

Event coordinator classes and courses are offered at many colleges and universities through distance learning programs. Although typically offered as part of graduate and undergraduate certificate programs, online event coordinator classes may also be part of degree-granting programs. Graduates may find employment working for private planning organizations, convention centers, hospitality or recreation businesses, or may open their own event planning business. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes, as of 2008, approximately six percent of event planners were self-employed (www.bls.gov).

Online Class Requirements

Online event coordinator classes can be completed using a personal computer with high-speed Internet and e-mail capabilities. Students should be comfortable browsing the Internet and be proficient with word processing software. Many of the course elements require Microsoft Office products, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint, which students are required to purchase.
Depending on the school, learning materials are delivered in various formats, including video and audio files, message board forums, lectures or online delivery systems, such as Blackboard. Computers must be equipped with sufficient RAM, processor speed, hard drive space and media drives to support these learning formats. Computers may also need certain software, such as antivirus programs or media players.

Online Event Coordinator Classes

Meeting and Event Planning Class

Students learn the various aspects of event coordinating from initial planning to follow-up activities. Topics include pre-planning, initiating meetings, facility and equipment setup, travel arrangements and final review.

Technology Tools for Electronic Meetings Class

This class teaches students the basics of electronic meetings for event planning. Students use computer software programs to participate in electronic planning sessions and organize meetings electronically.

Meeting and Event Planner Legal Issues Class

This class introduces students to the legal issues involved in event coordinating and planning. Students learn when and where to negotiate, along with the skills needed to develop contracts. Topics include insurance, cancellation clauses, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and fire protection.

Event Planner Project Management Class

Students gain an understanding of the complete event planning process from planning, scheduling and organizing to tracking each task. Part of this class has students planning an event from the beginning to final closing. Emphasis is on different types of events.

Professionalism and Business Etiquette Class

This class prepares students for the various types of business settings and protocols involved in different cultures and markets. Focus is on cultural sensitivity, social and dining skills, proper etiquette and conflict management.

Green Business Practices and Events Class

Students learn to plan an event based on green living. This class teaches students to plan and organize an event using 'green', or environmentally friendly products and services, including attire, invitations, decorations and location. The course focus is also on selling the idea of 'going green' to the client.