2-Day Chicago Event Planner Certification July 18-19, 2026

Anyone can plan an event with a folding table and a Costco membership.

But companies and clients are not just paying for “put together.” They expect you to build and manage real budgets, create detailed timelines, coordinate multiple vendors, communicate with stakeholders, and execute events that reflect their brand and increase revenue.

That is the difference between planning events and being a professional event planner. This certification closes that gap.

Why This Certification Matters Now

Budgets are tighter. Expectations are higher. Execution matters more than ever.

The planners who stand out today have structured training, proven systems, professional credentials, and modern tools including AI. This program gives you all of it.

What This Program Solves

Most professionals struggle behind-the-scenes due to disorganized planning, last-minute scrambling, lack of structure, vendor miscommunication, and budget issues. This program gives you a repeatable framework to plan and execute events with structure and confidence.

What You Will Walk Away With

A complete event plan built during training.

A structured planning system you can reuse.

Budget templates, timelines, and execution documents.

Vendor coordination and communication workflows.

AI tools to increase speed and accuracy.

The Certified Event Planner designation and certification ID.

Eight education hours (0.8 CEUs)

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for professionals at every level. Whether you are planning your first event or your hundredth, you will leave with a more strategic approach.

For Employers and Organizations

Disorganized events impact your brand, your team, and your results. Investing in trained and certified professionals reduces errors, improves execution, and builds trust with leadership and stakeholders. Group rates and invoicing are available for organizations enrolling three or more participants.

Course Breakdown

Module 1: Event Fundamentals

Event planning foundations

Roles, risk management, and planning structure

Defining event goals using SMART objectives

Module 2: Event Planning Strategy

Event blueprints, agendas, and timelines

Budget development and planning structure

Corporate and social event types

Vendor management and coordination

Module 3: Event Revenue and Income

Pricing strategies and income models

Salary expectations

Increasing event profitability

Module 4: Sponsorships and Partnerships

Sponsorship strategy and outreach

Creating partnership packages

Module 5: Meeting and Event Planning

KPIs and performance measurement

Planning on-site, hybrid, and virtual events

Space capacity and documentation

Module 6: Site Selection and Negotiation

Venue selection

Contracts, permits, and requirements

Identifying and negotiating fees

Module 7: Food and Beverage Planning

Banquet Event Orders and contracts

Menu planning and coordination

Staffing and volunteer management

Module 8: Event Marketing

Invitations and communication strategies

Digital promotion and engagement

Marketing before, during, and after events

Module 9: Starting an Event Business

Building a client base

Business fundamentals and positioning

Module 10: Event Portfolio Development

Creating a professional portfolio

Demonstrating expertise with or without experience

Certification

At the end of training, participants will complete a final assessment. Upon successful completion, you will earn the Certified Event Planner designation and receive a certification ID.

To maintain your certification, a renewal course is required every two years. Participants who maintain certification over four years will graduate as CEP Alumni.

Testimonials

"Before the training our events were organized chaos. Now our team has a system. Last minute scrambles are gone and leadership trusts us to execute without constant oversight." Jordan M., Manager of Event Operations

"I have worked with many trainers. Most teach theory. This program taught execution."

Samantha L., Experiential Events Manager

"We came in doing one-off events with no real strategy. We left with a complete roadmap and secured two retainer clients within 30 days." Alex R., Founder

Registration Details

Registration is non-refundable. Course credit is available if requested at least 3 days prior to the class. Seats are limited and enrollment will close once capacity is reached.

Final Note: This class is how you move from planning events casually to executing them professionally. Sign up today.

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Host or Publisher Helena Paschal