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

Take Your Event Planning From Good to Great!

This comprehensive event planning program equips aspiring and emerging planners with the practical skills needed to plan and execute successful events.

Successful event planning requires more than creativity. It requires strong organization, budgeting skills, vendor management, and the ability to coordinate every detail from concept to execution.

Participants learn how to plan events strategically, manage budgets, negotiate with vendors, and deliver professional event experiences. You will leave class with the knowledge and confidence needed to plan great events!

What You Will Learn

Participants receive practical training in key areas of professional event planning, including:

• Initial planning steps

• Budget development

• Event policies and procedures

• Creating agendas and event programs

• Event marketing strategies

• Timelines and production schedules

• Event planner income and pricing strategies

• Event planner contracts

• Booking speakers and entertainment

• Site selection and venue evaluation

• Event space capacities and layouts

• Vendor sourcing and management

• Negotiation strategies

• Catering and menu planning

• Staffing and volunteer coordination

• Guest list management and invitations

• Event themes and program development

• Weather considerations and contingency planning

• Transportation logistics

• Portfolio development

• Event planning business fundamentals

Who Should Attend

This program is ideal for:

• Aspiring event planners

• Professionals seeking a career change

• Meeting planners

• Festival and community event organizers

• Administrative professionals

• Party planners

• Special event coordinators

• Professionals who support corporate events

Anyone interested in learning how to professionally plan and manage events will benefit from this course.

Career Opportunities

This certificate program can support roles such as:

• Event Coordinator

• Meeting Coordinator

• Wedding Planner

• Training Coordinator

• Marketing Assistant

• Independent Meeting Planner

• Executive Assistant

• Sales Manager

Certificate

Participants who complete the 2-day training will earn the Certified Event Planner (CEP) designation and receive a unique Event Certification ID. Records of certification are maintained for two years. An online renewal course is required every two years for up to four years to complete the 4-Year CEP program and become a CEP Alumni. A permanent record is maintained for alumni, and participants with an active certificate may request a professional reference letter.

Ongoing Support

Graduates continue to receive support including event planning guidance, resume critiques, and business coaching to help them grow their careers.

Registration

Secure your seat with a non refundable deposit. The remaining balance is due prior to the program start date. The course is non-refundable but a course credit can be requested 3 days prior to class if you are unable to attend.

Testimonials

"Working with Correlations Training helped us streamline our events and eliminated last-minute issues. Their strategic approach ensures flawless execution every time."

-Jordan M., Director of Event Operations

"Correlations knows how to make events memorable and get results. They really get what it takes to pull off experiences that people talk about."

-Samantha L., Manager of Experiential Events & Marketing

"During the Event Planner Certification, my team and I learned how to position our services, scale our business, and land retainer clients. The exercises we went through gave us a clear roadmap for retention and building our brand."

-Alex R., Founder

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Host or Publisher Helena Paschal