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Certificate in Virtual Event Planning


The Certificate in Virtual Event Planning is a professional development program designed to provide UWF employees with the knowledge and skills needed to plan and host virtual events. Participants will learn how to develop, host, and moderate virtual events. Participants must complete five classes within two years to earn the certificate. This certificate was created by the Event Leadership Team. For more information, please contact Patti Spaniola at pspaniola@uwf.edu.

Participants must complete a total of five (5) courses to earn this certificate. Of these five (5) courses, participants must complete one (1) required course and an additional four (4) courses. All courses must be completed within two years. 

  • Best Practices for Planning Virtual Events (Required Course)
  • Presenting in a Virtual Environment
  • All in Moderation
  • Effective Engagement Techniques
  • Hosting Events in Zoom Meeting and Zoom Webinar
  • Creating a Plan B for Virtual Events

Upon completion of the five (5) courses for the Certificate in Virtual Event Planning, employees must complete a Verification of Professional Development Completion Form and submit it to Human Resources to receive the certificate.

Course Outline

Best Practices for Planning Virtual Events (Required Course)

Course Description: Now that events, conferences, and workshops have gone virtual, brush up on your planning skills to make the best use of this new event space. Virtual events can deliver all the same elements of an “in the room” event and more. Discover the best practices for planning virtual events that engage, inspire, and include your participants in this dynamic environment. This course will count towards both the Certificate in Event Planning and the Certificate in Virtual Event Planning.

Presenting in a Virtual Environment

Course Description: Presenting in a virtual environment has become an unexpected daily routine. Are you presenting your best self? This interactive workshop offers you the opportunity to evaluate your technology, environment and presence in the virtual environment as well as how to engage participants with your content.

All in Moderation

Course Description: Moderating a virtual event can sound intimidating, but can easily be conquered with a few simple tools, a bit of confidence and plenty of practice. This engaging workshop will give you the tools to prepare and support the speaker, skillfully manage the room, set up the virtual venue for success and actively listen for the important takeaways from the speaker.

Effective Engagement Techniques

Course Description: Are you struggling to create engaging events that participants won’t want to miss? Can it be done? Yes, it can! This highly interactive workshop offers you the opportunity to explore engagement techniques, evaluate how to incorporate them into your event and allow yourself to tap into your creativity to engage participants in a meaningful and productive way that leaves them wanting more

Hosting Events in Zoom Meeting and Zoom Webinar

Course Description: This course will offer insight into using Zoom Meeting and Zoom Webinar for events. The features available with each platform will be identified and discussed. Attendees will learn which events work best in each platform. Additional information will be provided on how to request Zoom Webinar for events.

Creating a Plan B for Virtual Events

Course Description: When planning meetings and events, planners should consider potential risks and how they will overcome them. While creating a Plan B is vital to both in person and virtual events, this session will focus on virtual events. Attendees will learn key features to include in their Plan A and how to create a Plan B.