The Gold Standard Course For Event Planning
Every few weeks, I write about what I have been loving lately. This time, it’s for a more personal reason—an event planning course that fills a long-standing gap I wish had been there when I was starting out.
When I launched my first business in event planning, Bright Ideas Event Agency, there weren’t many guidebooks or clear steps to follow—aside from the basics like booking a venue and decorating. But it’s not just about that.
Anyone who has ever taken on the task of planning an event knows—it’s far from child’s play. Behind the scenes, it’s a complex, high-pressure endeavour that demands time, skill, and serious attention to detail. What many don’t realise is just how many moving parts are involved. From securing permits to navigating hidden contractual clauses, successful event planning requires more than creativity—it demands expertise. To pull it off seamlessly, you need to know the rules of the game—and how to play to win.
That’s exactly why I’ve collaborated with Dianne Devitt—to create an event planning course that gives new professionals a strong foundation and offers seasoned planners a chance to refresh and refine their skills.
The Certificate in the Business of Meetings & Events™
A gold mine (pun very much intended) is just one click away! This resource was created by
a trailblazer in the events industry, Dianne Devitt, who brings 35+ years of experience producing high-profile events that set the standard for excellence. As an Adjunct Professor at NYU and a Preferred Educator of the Events Industry Council, she has mentored and inspired thousands worldwide event professionals.
Dianne’s expertise goes beyond event planning. She’s a visionary, author, and sought-after speaker known for her ability to blend creativity with strategy. Passionate about elevating the next generation of event leaders, she has designed this Gold Standard training program to give you the skills, confidence, and industry insights needed to thrive in this competitive field.
“Say goodbye to planning blindly.”
This certificate will help you navigate the world of event planning correctly. It breaks things down step by step—from the initial setup of the plan to the smallest details—with real examples.
The result? You will produce a higher-quality, smoother, safer, and more efficient event.
Here are two modules that need their spotlight!
Module 5: Volunteerism – A Favorite Module
No secret here—I love volunteerism. I have enjoyed taking so many new faces in the industry under my wing and guiding them to success. I genuinely believe that it opens doors for young professionals while also helping organizations save on staffing costs.
“A win-win situation in my book!”
In this module, you will learn how to build and work around volunteer programs, find and recruit volunteers, and most importantly, retain your stars! Do not forget—when bringing in volunteers, be sure to recognize their efforts and understand the value they bring.
That is just a piece of the iceberg. You will also learn in depth:
- What is involved in a volunteer program
- How to recognize and nurture volunteer talent
- The three stages of volunteerism and how they cycle
- How to design a sustainable program
- How to manage your volunteer team
- Risk and legal considerations
Module 4: Freelance Staff – The Professional Advantage
While volunteers are great—and usually, if not always, an asset rather than a burden—training them does require time and effort. If you prefer not to work with inexperienced staff, consider hiring a freelancer. Why are they a good alternative? They are hired professionals, with their reputation on the line. They likely manage their insurance and paperwork, making them ideal for project-based support.
Keep in mind that, yes, freelance staffing is perfect when you need to fill in the blank. Their extensive experience can also benefit the event itself. However, be cautious to check their references before they are positioned in a critical part of your event planning cycle.
This module is designed to clarify and set expectations of hiring one, covering the following:
- How to work with a freelance staffing company
- What to look for in a freelancer
- How freelancers support events from start to finish
- How to develop an efficient freelance plan
- Legal aspects and risk management
Get a 35% discount now using code: SBCP35
