Best Virtual Event Planning Course for Beginners Online

Are you dreaming of building a career in event planning—or pivoting your in-person skills into the virtual world? As digital events continue to dominate the industry, you’ve likely wondered: “What’s the best online course for learning how to plan virtual events professionally?”

In this post, I’ll break down one of the most popular online programs for aspiring event planners—and why it might be your best launchpad. Whether you’re a career switcher, a creative freelancer, or just curious, we’ll look at how this course helps you gain the skills, confidence, and credibility to succeed with digital and hybrid events.

Why Learn Virtual Event Planning in 2024?

Virtual events used to be a plan B. Now, they are the plan.

From Zoom webinars and live-streamed panels to global conferences hosted on platforms like Hopin or Webex, the event industry has changed dramatically. According to research by PCMA and EventMB, more than 65% of events in 2023 had at least some virtual component—and that trend continues.

Today’s event professionals need strong digital skills—fast. That’s where self-paced, expert-led online courses come in.

But before you enroll just anywhere, it’s important to find a program that’s flexible, educational, and proves credibility in the job market.

Is the NYIAD Online Event Planning Course Right for You?

One of the most widely discussed programs is the Event Planning Course offered by the New York Institute of Art and Design (NYIAD). It’s not just a general business course—it’s tailored toward practical event management, both in-person and virtual.

And here’s something unique: every NYIAD student gets a personal mentor—an experienced event producer who gives feedback and answers your direct questions via email and phone.

What’s in the course?

• Training on event types: conferences, fundraisers, virtual retreats, weddings, and more
• Step-by-step vendor and venue management guidance
• How to create a digital presence and grow professionally online
• Real-world project assignments to test your skills

One of the standout features? The practical approach. You’ll be building event plans, drafting vendor proposals, and mapping out digital experiences—great for building a portfolio or side hustle from scratch.

What About the Virtual Component?

While the course isn’t marketed as 100% virtual-focused, many modules teach how to adapt traditional events to online formats. That includes planning tools, digital RSVP systems, social media marketing, and even attendee engagement strategies for remote environments.

However, if you’re already an experienced planner looking for Zoom- or Webex-specific training (like breakouts or AV overlays), this course might be too broad. Consider supplementing with industry webinars or platform tutorials.

Still, for absolute beginners or career changers, this course offers far more in terms of mentorship and structure than cheaper or free tutorials.

What Students Are Saying

Across Reddit, Quora, and Trustpilot, the NYIAD Event Planning course gets strong reviews from beginners and creative professionals who value the:

• One-on-one mentorship.
• Self-paced lessons (perfect for busy people).
• Class projects that reflect actual workflows.

Reddit users often praise how approachable the content is, calling it a “great starter program” while recommending additional learning for some tools (like event software or live-streaming gear).

One Quora user shared: “I’m finally freelancing as a virtual events manager. NYIAD gave me the basics, but YouTube filled in some software gaps. The mentorship was the real difference—they helped me map my first paid gig from scratch.”

How Does It Compare to Other Online Courses?

When compared to other options like Lovegevity’s Certified Master course or industry webinars (such as those offered by MPI or PCMA), NYIAD sits in the sweet spot for early-stage professionals.

What NYIAD offers that Udemy or YouTube videos don’t:

• Structured lessons you can follow without getting overwhelmed
• Feedback from a working professional planner
• Real assignments (not passive watching)

That said, you might want to join a few active online communities—like LinkedIn event planning groups or r/eventplanning on Reddit—to stay fresh with virtual event technology. According to recent PCMA reports, tech tools change often, and staying updated is key to scaling your skills.

Is the Virtual Event Planning Course Worth It?

For the $1,000 to $1,500 price range, the NYIAD Event Planning Course isn’t the cheapest—but it brings real value if you’re seeking:

• A flexible, career-launching online education
• Personalized mentorship and not anonymous forums
• Portfolio-worthy project work and guidance
• Practical training adaptable to both in-person and digital events

If you’re looking to break into the event world—or shift your real-world skills to virtual production—this could be your smartest first move.

Not sold yet? Take a quick audit of your goals:

• ✅ Want to plan virtual retreats, webinars, networking nights, or conferences?
• ✅ Need help figuring out the logistics, marketing, or tech?
• ✅ Prefer some hand-holding instead of figuring it all out solo?

If you checked yes, then NYIAD is likely the foundational course you need to get started the right way.

Takeaway: Your Next Step in a Virtual Future

No one becomes a professional overnight. But with a guided course, real feedback, and hands-on practice, you’ll be better equipped to turn your passion into a career.

Start today—and 60 days from now, you could have a portfolio full of event planning projects and new career options on the table.

Ready to explore the course in detail?

Sources:

• https://www.reddit.com/r/eventplanning – Discussion on NYIAD and value for beginners.
• Coursera Event Planning – https://www.coursera.org/learn/virtual-event-planning

Now is the time to pivot into the future. With virtual and hybrid events here to stay, what’s stopping you from learning to lead one like a pro?