Mastering Virtual Event Planning: The Best Courses for Certification, Mentorship, and Career Growth

As remote work becomes the norm, companies around the world are increasing their investment in virtual events—from digital trade shows and webinars to virtual conferences and product launches. If you’re looking to make a career pivot or upgrade your event skills, a virtual event planning course might be the smartest move you can make in 2024.

But not all online event planning certifications are made equal.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a great virtual event planning course, break down key pros and cons, and spotlight top-rated programs like those offered by NYIAD and Lovegevity. You’ll learn what to expect, what to avoid, and how to choose the right course to launch your career—or grow your business—in the booming virtual event space.

Let’s get started.

What Is a Virtual Event Planning Course?

A virtual event planning course teaches you how to organize and manage impactful digital events using platforms like Zoom, Hopin, Microsoft Teams, and others. These programs cover everything from event design and budget planning to technical production and post-event analytics. Leading providers like Coursera, NYIAD, and Lovegevity include real-world practice, project assignments, certification upon completion, and often mentorship from industry professionals.

Top programs are designed for:

• Beginners looking to break into event management
• Professionals pivoting into digital event spaces
• Entrepreneurs wanting to offer virtual event services

Why Virtual Event Planning Is in Demand

According to a report by Research and Markets, the virtual event marketplace is expected to reach $504.76 billion by 2028. With sustainable workflows, wider audiences, and lower overhead compared to physical events, it’s no surprise that businesses are recruiting digital-savvy planners.

Whether you’re planning a multi-day virtual summit or managing a series of online team-building sessions, this skill set will remain in high demand.

What You’ll Learn From a Virtual Event Planning Course

Most well-reviewed virtual event management programs share a common curriculum foundation:

• How to design and theme virtual events
• Choosing the right technology platforms (Zoom, Hopin, GoToWebinar, etc.)
• Budgeting and vendor negotiation in a digital context
• Audience engagement strategies, sponsorship acquisition
• Technical setup, live streaming, and digital asset creation
• Deliverables like real client-facing event plans

Courses at the higher end—like those from NYIAD and Lovegevity—include certification, personal mentorship, and portfolio-building projects graded by professionals.

Here’s a quick visual glimpse:

Why This Course May Be Right for You

Wondering if this is really the right investment? Based on a deep dive into user feedback, course specs, and ratings from real learners, here’s what most successful students have in common:

• ✅ You’re a self-starter, but want structured learning
• ✅ You need real feedback, not just PDFs and static videos
• ✅ You’re looking for a path to certification—not just knowledge
• ✅ You want to attract better-paying event clients or jobs

One verified graduate on Reddit noted, “NYIAD gave me the toolkit, portfolio, and confidence to pitch and book my first paid virtual event gig—worth every penny.”

What Sets NYIAD and Lovegevity Apart?

From our research, both NYIAD and Lovegevity come out on top for a reason—they strike the balance between structured coursework and real-world application.

💡 NYIAD (New York Institute of Art + Design):

• Self-paced 6–12-month curriculum
• Industry mentorship included
• Certification upon completion
• Approx. cost: $999–$1,349

• Accredited by NCC (National Certification Council)
• Includes mentorship and optional internships
• Access to alumni network and live Q&A calls
• Approx. cost: $1,195–$1,595

Both come with certificates that are recognized across the U.S. and beyond, which matter especially if you’re looking for agency work or larger client bookings.

Let’s Talk Practical Results

Real User Experience: What Learners Say

Strong storytelling in reviews shows that learners appreciate these programs not just for content, but for context.

Emily, a freelance event planner, shared in a YouTube course review:
“I was worried this would be a waste—but I ended up planning, designing, and streaming a virtual wedding by the end of the course. The mentorship was key, and my instructor helped me polish my client pitch.”

💬 You’ll also find consistent comments like:

• “It’s self-paced but not lonely. My mentor would reply within 48 hours.”
• “The budget modules really helped me quote better prices with confidence.”
• “Lots of sample documents I now customize for clients: run-of-show, timelines, booking sheets.”

Challenges? Yes, There Are a Few

No course is 100% perfect, and part of learning is understanding where a program might not meet certain types of expectations.

Some learners found:

• They wanted more live, interactive components (Zoom classes, peer critiques)
• Mentorship response times could vary depending on demand
• Refund policies were strict or unclear—important to check before enrolling

Hot Tip: Always confirm whether your chosen course offers a satisfaction guarantee or refund window. NYIAD offers a 14-day trial; Lovegevity varies by partner school.

How to Choose the Right Online Event Course

When comparing virtual event planning certification programs, consider:

• → Support Level: Do you get feedback? A mentor?
• → Certification: Is it recognized by employers or the events industry?
• → Budget: Don’t overspend if you’re just testing the waters.
• → Time Commitment: Can you dedicate 3–6 hours a week?

If certification matters for your business credibility or LinkedIn résumé, stick with programs that offer recognizable credentials and mentor guidance.

Other Popular Alternatives

If you’re seeking a shorter or lower-budget course, here are respected competitors:

• IAP Career College’s Event Planner Certificate ($149–$299)
• Udemy’s Virtual Event Management Mini Courses (great for exposure only)
• MPI Academy’s on-demand training (designed for continuing pro education)

However, most of these don’t offer mentor feedback or certification beyond a basic badge.

Course Pricing and Long-Term ROI

Investing in your education is never just an expense—it’s a marketing tool for your services and confidence in your delivery. Mid-tier programs like NYIAD and Lovegevity generally cost in the $1,000 range, but they pay off quickly if used correctly.

Ask yourself: Would landing two extra clients next quarter justify the cost?

If your answer is yes, it’s worth considering.

Our Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you’re serious about launching or growing a career in event planning, especially in the digital space, enrolling in a well-reviewed virtual event planning course can give you both the tools and recognition needed to excel.

This is especially true for NYIAD and Lovegevity programs, which balance flexibility, mentorship, and credibility with affordable mid-range pricing.

Not ready for a full investment? Start with a preview lesson or check out free introductory content on their sites. But if you want the whole package—certification, mentorship, and skill-building to command premium rates—go all-in.

Ready to plan unforgettable virtual events that wow employers and clients alike?

ⓘ Citation: Program curriculum and user review comparisons synthesized from NYIAD’s official site, Lovegevity course descriptions, and verified reviews on Reddit and Trustpilot.