How to Learn Virtual Event Planning Online in 2024 (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

Virtual events are booming—and so is the demand for professionals who know how to organize them. Whether it’s live webinars, online conferences, or immersive hybrid experiences, companies are investing heavily in virtual formats to connect with global audiences.

So if you’re wondering how to get started as a virtual event planner (without spending years in school), you’re in the right place.

In this guide, we’ll review one of the top-rated online virtual event planning courses, explore the key skills you’ll learn, and help you decide if online learning is the right path for your event planning career.

Spoiler: If you want a flexible, beginner-friendly course with real-world applications, there’s a clear winner.

What Is Virtual Event Planning?

Virtual event planning is the process of designing, producing, and managing events that take place entirely or partially online. These include virtual conferences, summits, product launches, workshops, online training, trade shows, and even virtual reality expos.

To create successful virtual events, planners need to master more than just tech. You need skills in digital marketing, engagement strategy, production logistics, and analytics.

That’s where a high-quality virtual event planning course comes in.

Why Learn Virtual Event Planning Online?

Let’s face it—modern event planning looks nothing like it did 10 years ago.

According to a report from Allied Market Research, the global virtual events market is projected to reach $701 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 12.6% from 2021 to 2028. That’s nearly double in less than a decade.

If you’re not learning how to plan and run virtual events, you’re missing out.

Here’s why enrolling in an online virtual event planning course makes sense in 2024:

• High Demand: Virtual event planners are needed across industries—tech, education, corporate, nonprofits, and beyond.
• Remote Work Friendly: Gain the skills to work from anywhere, managing events with global teams and audiences.
• Cost-Effective: Online courses are significantly cheaper than traditional degrees, often yielding faster results.
• Self-Paced: Learn in your spare time around work, family, or other commitments.

Top Pick: Coursera’s Virtual Event Planning Course

If you’re looking for the best course for beginners, the Virtual Event Planning course by Coursera stands out for its practicality, expert instruction, and career-readiness.

Developed by Berklee College of Music—yes, the premier institution for creative arts—it brings a creative and professional lens to the world of digital events.

What You’ll Learn

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most valuable skills taught in the course:

• How to select the right virtual event platform based on audience size and goals
• Strategies to keep your audience engaged when they’re behind a screen
• Marketing, promo, and registration tactics that actually convert
• Budgeting and managing production costs with remote teams
• How to troubleshoot common technical issues live
• Post-event follow-ups, surveys, and ROI reporting

It’s designed not just for theory—but for actual execution. Ideal for anyone transitioning into the space or working in adjacent fields like marketing, admin, or HR.

Pros and Cons of the Course

Pros:

• Accredited by Berklee—giving it real career credibility
• Offered on Coursera, with flexible payment tiers (free audit or full certificate)
• Easy to follow, even if you’ve never managed an event before
• Useful templates and checklists for repeat use

Cons:

• No live practice sessions—entirely pre-recorded
• Certification may not hold weight with regulated industries (e.g. medical or legal events)
• Some parts rely on outdated examples (as per past student reviews on Reddit and Quora)

Still, if you’re looking to get a modern, accessible introduction to the field, this is the best virtual event planning course online right now.

Is This Course Right For You?

✅ You’ll love this course if you are:

• A beginner looking to break into digital events
• Already working in admin, partnerships, or marketing and want to specialize
• Trying to transition into a remote-friendly career
• An entrepreneur who wants to host their own workshops or webinars

✋ It might not be for you if you need:

• Hands-on practice or internship experience
• Advanced tools training for platforms like Hopin or WebEx
• A course tailored to a specific industry sector (e.g., corporate events vs. education)

Alternative Course Options

While Coursera’s offering is our top pick for beginners, you may want to explore these other options if you’re looking for something more advanced or industry-specific:

• Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Certificate in Virtual Events: More advanced; better for experienced planners. Considered a gold standard in certification.
• Event Leadership Institute: Offers both free and paid options, plus live virtual workshops.
• LinkedIn Learning: Shorter beginner-friendly overview (2–3 hour crash courses).

Comparison-wise, Coursera wins for affordability, structure, and certification access. MPI’s certificate is more elite but comes at a steeper price and intensity.

Coursera offers multiple ways to enroll:

• Free Audit: Watch all course materials (without getting a certificate)
• Paid (approx $49 USD): Full access plus graded assignments and a verified certificate
• Coursera Plus Subscription: Includes this course and 7,000+ others for one annual price (best for ongoing learners)

You pay only when you’re ready to submit assignments and earn the certificate—meaning no upfront requirement.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps

Virtual events are here to stay—and so is the need for skilled professionals who can plan and manage them. If you’ve been thinking about making a move into this space, now’s a perfect time.

Whether you want to level up your résumé, grow your business, or add a high-value service to your freelance offerings, learning how to plan virtual events is a smart move.

And Coursera’s Virtual Event Planning course offers a perfect launching pad. It’s flexible, credible, and packed with actionable tips.

If you’re ready to start building your skills and stepping into the digital event planning world, there’s no better time to begin.

Sources and References

• Allied Market Research (2021). Virtual Events Market by Component
• Coursera Virtual Event Planning (Berklee Institute for Creative Entrepreneurship)

Tags:

event management, virtual event planning, Coursera, online courses, career development, remote work, digital marketing