Planning & Promotion

The Best Virtual and Hybrid Event Planning Certificates and Certifications

Eventually Learning Team

“One quality of leaders and high achievers in every area seems to be a commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.” - Brian Tracy


Events are unique in nature and operation. Each event is different and comes with its own and more often than not, peculiar share of challenges. Event organizers always have their hands full and simply have to evolve with the industry's ever-changing demands.

As Event organizers, ours is a hive that’s always on the move! Some day we could be sitting in our offices consuming and exploring exciting industry event content for research and the next day, we’d be glued to our laptops mid-air, working to make ends meet before touching down upon a new event location.

Experience plays a significant role in any context, and event planning is no exception. However, in today’s pandemic-challenged day and age, change is not just unavoidable but constant too. Knowledge (be it of event tech or email marketing) is the power that aids organizers in their pursuit of planning better events.

So, what can be done to ensure that you don’t miss out on this knowledge? Upgradation.  This can be done through undergoing sought-after event planning certifications that equip you with the needed upskilling set to tackle evolving issues.

Let’s look at some of the best event planning certifications that organizers can undertake!

Virtual Event and Meeting Management Certificate


This virtual event certification is the most suitable for organizers struggling to cope with the differences in planning virtual and in-person events. Get better at virtual event planning! The Virtual Event and Meeting Management Certificate, run by the Event Leadership Institute, features a course focused on fundamentals for planning and managing virtual events and the critical event formats that will continue to remain successful in the long run.

About the program:

This virtual event training program, which is a part of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), encompasses a six-week course on virtual event technology, strategic planning, data analysis etc. Those undergoing this program, will have to appear for the course examination. Post successful completion, they shall receive the ELI digital event certification and credential.

Cost: $695 for non-members and $556 for ELI or MPI members for this virtual event course!

Digital Event Strategist Certification (DES)


Technology's rise and its growing impact highlights the key difference between virtual and hybrid event deliveries. The Digital Event Strategist Certification (DES) provides organizers with the know-how for curating event experiences for virtual and in-person attendees.

It also ensures participants are taught the latest strategies and frameworks and they improve their skillset in planning and executing Hybrid events.

About the program:

This certification is divided into three parts for which you’ll have to showcase your prior event industry work experience, enroll in a six-module online program, and take an exam. However, the pace of this course can be adjusted according to your suitability.

Cost: $895.

Hybrid and Virtual Event Director Certificate

The demands that event organizers cater to when it comes to virtual and hybrid events are quite different than that of an in-person event. Even the production skills required to organize them vary substantially; that is precisely what this course emphasizes. Upgrade yourself by learning technical production skills, content management, show flow and directing.

About the program:

The ELI Virtual Event Director certificate is a four-week course that includes class meetings, live Q&A sessions, and a forum for attendees to network. Participants will have to submit a total of four assignments and participate in exciting quizzes. A minimum grading of 75 is required to pass and earn a digital credential.

Cost: $395 for non-members. $316 for ELI and MPI members.

Virtual Events Institute Skills Certification (VEI)

This event is exclusively designed for those seeking to gain expertise in the virtual events planning space. These can be skills to boost engagement, designing and curating strategic content.

Be the top digital event strategist! The Virtual Events Institute Skills Certification boasts an NPS of +85, has 17+ leading subject matter experts and over 2,000 professionals have taken this course. Get this virtual event certification!

About the program:

This virtual event training program has 11 modules that will be taught through an e-learning platform. Each module has its own resource sheets and exercises that culminate in an exam consisting of ten questions. An average of 60-90 minutes is required to complete each module.

Cost: $975 for the virtual event course!

GWU Professional Certificate in Event Management

Events, whether on the ground or virtual, are essentially an activity involving coordination.

The Professional Certificate in Event Management from the prestigious George Washington University’s School of Business features latest trends and industry practices in event planning, designing and execution.

It also has an elective course in virtual/online & hybrid event planning and management.

About the program:

This program includes four mandatory courses and a choice of electing three out of seven other courses. Upon successfully completing these courses, you shall receive the Professional Certificate in Event Management from GWU.

Cost: $450 per individual online course. $3,495 for all seven courses. $1,995 for the four-course pack. $1,995 for the three-course elective pack.

Conclusion

Knowledge upgradation is a needed pursuit not just for those who wish to start out in the events industry but also for those who are prominent players looking to advance their careers in this domain. Undertaking any of the above-mentioned courses will hold participants in good stead going forward in the event management space.

FAQs

What factors should one consider when hybrid event planning?

Some pointers to consider while organizing a hybrid event are:
  • Be well prepared with technical support
  • Use diverse marketing strategies
  • Pick the right hybrid event platform
  • Think from the online attendees’ perspective
  • Acknowledge online as well as onsite audience
  • Focus on engagement & interaction


What equipment is needed for a hybrid event?

In order to enable hybrid events, you need to make sure that your on ground and virtual attendees can interact with each other properly. For this, you will require a good camera, mics, speakers and a display, plus a hybrid event software platform.

How do you set up a hybrid event?

To set up a successful hybrid meeting or event:
  • Ideate a theme and an agenda for the hybrid event
  • Scout for the best virtual event platform and venue, as per your budgets
  • Undertake audience segmentation
  • Focus on networking strategies in the hybrid setting
  • Create separate event content for virtual attendees and more!

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