Become a Certified Event Planner 2-Day In-Person Training | Chicago

You plan events. Now it's time to be trained, certified, and operating at the highest level.

Whether you are a professional looking to elevate your credentials or an employer investing in your team, this two-day intensive delivers the training, tools, and certification that your industry demands. Participants leave with a professional certification, a complete event plan, and a planning system they can apply immediately in any setting.

Why This Certification Matters Now

The events industry is evolving rapidly with AI. Organizations expect more from their event professionals. Budgets are smaller but expectations are higher. And the planners who deliver results consistently are the ones with structured training, professional credentials, and modern tools. This program closes that gap.

Participants Will Walk Away With

• A complete event plan built during the training.
• A planning system for creating essential documents.
• Budget templates, agendas, and execution timelines.
• Vendor coordination and team communication systems.
• AI tools and workflows that increase planning speed and accuracy.
• The official CEP designation and certification ID.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for professionals at every level. Whether you are planning your first event or have years of experience, you will leave with a structured, strategic approach to event planning.

For Employers and Organizations

Investing in certified event professionals reduces planning errors, improves execution quality, and protects your organization's reputation at every event. This program equips your team with structured workflows, professional standards, and the modern tools needed to deliver results consistently. Group rates and invoicing are available for organizations enrolling three or more participants. Contact us directly to discuss team enrollment options.

Course Modules

Module 1: Understanding Event Fundamentals

• Event planning fundamentals

• Critical roles and risk management

• The nine areas of focus in event planning

• Defining event goals using S.M.A.R.T objectives

Module 2: Event Planning Strategy

• Creating event blueprints and agendas

• Developing budgets and detailed planning timelines

• Understanding corporate and social event types

• Conducting professional event consultations

• Managing vendors including AV, florists, photographers, and decorators

• Coordinating transportation and large-scale event production

Module 3: Event Revenue and Income

• Event planner income models and fee structures

• Salary expectations for new and experienced planners

• Strategies for increasing event profitability

Module 4: Sponsorships and Fundraising

• Sponsorship development and fundraising strategies

• Creating sponsorship letters and partnership packages

Module 5: Meeting Planning Basics

• Defining key performance indicators for meetings and events

• Planning on-site, hybrid, and virtual events

• Understanding event space capacities and documentation

Module 6: Site Selection and Negotiation

• Selecting venues with confidence

• Insurance requirements and permits

• Identifying and negotiating hidden fees

Module 7: Food and Beverage Planning

• Banquet Event Orders and hotel contracts

• Menu planning and beverage management

• Staffing guidelines and volunteer coordination

Module 8: Event Marketing

• Event invitations and communication strategies

• Social media and digital promotion

• Marketing before, during, and after events

• Promoting events with limited marketing budgets

Module 9: Starting an Event Business

• Fundamentals of launching an event planning business

• Building a client base and developing professional resources

Module 10: Event Portfolio Development

• Creating a professional event portfolio

• Demonstrating expertise with or without prior experience

Certification

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

To maintain your certification, a renewal course is required every two years. Participants who maintain their certification and complete program requirements over a four-year period 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 senior leadership trusts us to execute without hand holding. That shift alone was worth every penny." – Jordan M., Manager of Event Operations

"I have worked with a lot of trainers. Most teach theory. This program taught us execution." – Samantha L., Experiential Events Manager

"We came in doing one off events with no real business strategy. We left with a complete roadmap, retainer client templates, and a positioning framework we implemented the very next week. We landed two retainer clients within 30 days of completing the training." – Alex R., Founder

Registration

Registration is non-refundable. Can't attend after you registered? Request a course credit up to 3 days before class. Seats are limited. The cohort will close once capacity is reached.

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Host or Publisher Helena Paschal