Virtual Event Planning Side Hustle Guide for Women

In a world where flexibility is key and financial independence is no longer optional, many women are exploring side hustles that can be managed from the comfort of home. Among the many rising opportunities, virtual event planning stands out as one of the most promising and empowering paths—especially for women balancing careers, families, or studies.

The global pandemic accelerated a shift in how people connect. Conferences, weddings, workshops, fundraisers—even baby showers—moved online. What started as a necessity has evolved into a norm, and now virtual events are here to stay.

So, what makes this side hustle so perfect for women?

✅ Flexibility That Fits Your Lifestyle

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a student, or juggling a 9-to-5, virtual event planning can be done on your terms. You can plan events in your pajamas, schedule meetings during nap times, or work evenings while your kids sleep. You set your hours.

✅ Low Start-Up Cost

You don’t need an expensive office or a warehouse full of décor. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a laptop, and knowledge of a few user-friendly tools like Zoom, Canva, and Google Drive. It’s a low-risk investment with high-income potential.

✅ Endless Demand

Businesses are launching products. Coaches are hosting webinars. Influencers are running virtual meetups. The virtual events industry is booming. In fact, the global virtual events market is projected to surpass $700 billion by 2028. There is consistent demand for skilled virtual event planners—and it’s only growing.

✅ Creative & Personal Fulfillment

If you enjoy organizing, creating beautiful digital experiences, coordinating people, or simply making things run smoothly, this side hustle lets you bring all those talents to life. Every event becomes a canvas for your creativity.

✅ Fast Turnaround

Unlike some side hustles that take months or years to pay off, virtual event planning can help you start earning quickly. Many planners land their first paying client within 30 days if they follow the right steps.

Who Is This Guide For?

This guide is crafted especially for women who:

• Want to earn extra income without leaving home
• Enjoy organizing, coordinating, or planning
• Seek a side hustle that’s both scalable and fulfilling
• Want to build a personal brand or start a service-based business
• Crave freedom—financially and time-wise

Whether you’re a total beginner or someone with experience in event coordination or digital tools, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step blueprint to start and grow a profitable virtual event planning business.

What Does a Virtual Event Planner Really Do?

So, you’re curious about becoming a virtual event planner—but what exactly does that role involve?

Unlike traditional event planning, which might require you to rent venues, coordinate catering, and manage on-site logistics, virtual event planning is entirely digital. You’ll be the behind-the-scenes mastermind who brings people together through screens—from around the world.

Let’s break down what virtual event planners do and why it’s a perfect entry point for women looking to start a flexible, rewarding side hustle.

Core Responsibilities of a Virtual Event Planner

A virtual event planner takes care of everything involved in designing, promoting, and executing an online event. Here’s what that typically includes:

1. Understanding Client Goals

Before anything else, you’ll meet with clients to understand:

• The event’s purpose (education, networking, celebration, promotion)
• The target audience
• Key deliverables (e.g., ticket sales, engagement, brand exposure)

2. Choosing the Right Platform

From Zoom to Microsoft Teams to Hopin or Google Meet, different events require different platforms. You’ll assess:

• The size of the audience
• Features like breakout rooms, polls, or chat
• Budget and ease of use

3. Scheduling and Coordination

You’ll be in charge of:

• Picking event dates and times
• Sending out invites
• Scheduling rehearsals and walkthroughs

4. Speaker & Guest Management

If the event includes hosts, speakers, or panelists, you’ll:

• Coordinate their time slots
• Provide tech training if needed
• Share event scripts or run sheets

5. Creating Marketing Materials

You may need to design:

• Digital invitations
• Social media graphics
• Event landing pages
• Countdown emails

Tools like Canva, MailerLite, and Eventbrite are your best friends here.

6. Managing Registration & RSVPs

This includes:

• Setting up sign-up forms
• Sending confirmation emails
• Automating reminders

Many platforms let you do this for free or very affordably.

7. Running the Event Live

On the day of the event, you’ll manage:

• Opening the event and welcoming attendees
• Troubleshooting tech issues
• Monitoring chat or Q&A sessions
• Keeping everything on schedule

You can even hire or partner with a virtual assistant later on for larger events.

8. Post-Event Wrap-Up

Your job isn’t done when the event ends. You’ll:

• Send follow-up emails and thank-yous
• Share recordings (if available)
• Collect feedback through surveys
• Deliver reports or analytics to the client

Types of Virtual Events You Can Plan

The beauty of this side hustle is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are just a few types of events you can specialize in:

Each category has its own structure and audience, which means you can niche down and specialize based on your interests and experience.

Do You Need Experience?

Not at all.

In fact, many successful virtual event planners had no background in event management when they started. What matters more is your:

• Communication skills
• Organization and planning
• Problem-solving mindset
• Familiarity with basic digital tools
• Passion for helping people connect

These soft skills are often second nature to women, especially those who’ve juggled household responsibilities or managed small teams. Your natural empathy, multitasking ability, and attention to detail can be powerful assets.

Skills That Make a Great Virtual Event Planner

While formal education isn’t required, here are the top skills that will help you thrive:

• Time management
• Tech savviness (Zoom, Google Docs, Canva, Trello)
• Creativity in event design
• Calm under pressure
• Communication and follow-up

Don’t worry if you don’t have all these right now—you’ll develop them as you grow.

How to Start Your Virtual Event Planning Side Hustle – Step-by-Step

By now, you understand what virtual event planning is and what a planner actually does. You’re probably feeling inspired—but also wondering:
“Where do I begin?”

Don’t worry. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home mom, or working full-time, you can start your virtual event planning side hustle from scratch using the following 7 actionable steps.

Let’s break it down:

✅ Step 1: Choose Your Niche

To stand out in the competitive world of virtual events, it’s important to niche down. This simply means picking a specific type of client or event you want to focus on.

Popular Niches for Women:

• Mompreneurs hosting community webinars
• Female coaches launching group programs
• Nonprofits organizing virtual fundraisers
• Spiritual/wellness influencers running online retreats
• Creative entrepreneurs launching digital products

🎯 Why it matters: A clear niche makes your marketing easier, your services more valuable, and your referrals stronger.

✅ Step 2: Learn the Basics (Free or Cheap)

You don’t need a degree in event planning to get started. Many free or affordable resources are available online.

Courses to Consider:

• Udemy – Virtual Event Planning 101
• Coursera – Event Planning Foundations
• YouTube – Thousands of free tutorials
• Skillshare – Short courses on Zoom, Canva, and Trello

Start small. Learn how to:

• Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams like a pro
• Design graphics in Canva
• Create event checklists and schedules
• Communicate with clients effectively

🧠 Tip: Apply your new skills by planning a mock event to practice!

✅ Step 3: Create a Basic Portfolio or Website

Clients will want to see your work—even if you’re just starting. The solution? Build a simple portfolio.

No experience yet? Here’s what you can do:

• Plan a free event for friends, a local business, or a nonprofit
• Create mock event graphics and invite samples using Canva
• Take screenshots of Zoom event setups you’ve practiced

Then put it all together into a simple website or landing page using:

• WordPress
• Wix
• Carrd
• Notion (for a super minimalist approach)

Include:

• A short bio (“Hi, I’m [Your Name], a virtual event planner for [your niche]”)
• Services offered
• Testimonials (even if it’s from a free event)
• Contact info or booking link

✅ Step 4: Get Comfortable With Your Tech Stack

Here are the essential tools that make your job smoother (many are free):

📌 Pro Tip: Master 1 or 2 tools at a time—no need to learn everything in one week.

✅ Step 5: Package and Price Your Services

Now that you know what you can offer, it’s time to create packages.

Start with 3 simple options:

1. Basic Package – Platform setup, invitations, and reminders
2. Standard Package – Everything in Basic + live event hosting
3. Premium Package – All of the above + speaker coordination, branding, and post-event wrap-up

Pricing Ideas:

• Basic: $100–$250 per event
• Standard: $300–$600
• Premium: $700–$1200+

💡 Start low to build experience, but raise your rates as your confidence and portfolio grow.

✅ Step 6: Set Up Systems for Clients

Even if you’re starting solo, having a system makes you look professional. Here’s what to prepare:

• Client intake form: Ask key questions (event date, type, number of guests)
• Contract template: Protect your time and clarify expectations
• Welcome email: Thank them, explain next steps
• Checklist or project timeline: Keep the client informed

You can automate most of this with free Google tools!

✅ Step 7: Offer Your First Paid Service

You’ve practiced. You’ve built a portfolio. You’re ready.

Now, offer your services in:

• Facebook groups
• Local community boards
• Freelancer platforms (like Fiverr or Upwork)
• To your email list or social media followers

Don’t aim for perfection—just get started. Even one small paid event can lead to testimonials, referrals, and momentum.

Smart Marketing Tips – How to Get Your First 5 Paying Clients

You’ve chosen your niche, learned the tools, created your portfolio, and packaged your services. Now the big question is:

How do you get your first clients?

Don’t worry—you don’t need a big following, an expensive ad budget, or years of experience. With some smart, scrappy marketing, you can land your first 5 clients and build the momentum your side hustle needs to grow.

Here’s exactly how:

✅ 1. Start with Your Personal Network

Your first few clients may already be in your circle—they just don’t know you offer event planning yet.

What to do:

• Post a friendly announcement on Facebook, LinkedIn, or WhatsApp:

“Hey everyone! I’ve recently launched a virtual event planning service for women-led businesses and creators. If you or someone you know is planning a webinar, workshop, or online party—let’s connect!”

• Message people directly who host events (coaches, small business owners, nonprofits, etc.)
• Offer a special “founding client discount” to early supporters

💡 Many women get their first paid project from someone they already know!

✅ 2. Offer a Free or Low-Cost “Beta” Event

If you have zero experience and want to build a quick portfolio, run a free or discounted event for a business, coach, or local organization.

Make it count:

• Treat it like a paid job—be professional, organized, and punctual
• Ask for a testimonial and permission to showcase the event in your portfolio
• Collect feedback to improve your process

🎯 This not only builds your confidence but also gives you real-world material to promote your services.

✅ 3. Promote Yourself on Social Media (the Right Way)

Social media is one of the best ways to get discovered—if you do it strategically.

Platforms to Focus On:

• Facebook Groups (especially women entrepreneur and freelancer groups)
• Instagram (visual storytelling & behind-the-scenes)
• LinkedIn (for professional services and corporate events)
• TikTok or Reels (for short, helpful tips or fun event stories)

What to Post:

• Tips on hosting engaging virtual events
• Before-and-after shots of event materials (graphics, landing pages)
• Testimonials from clients or attendees
• A short video introducing yourself and your services
• FAQs like “Why hire a virtual event planner?”

🧠 Pro Tip: Use Canva to design simple and branded posts—even if you’re not a designer.

✅ 4. Create a Lead Magnet and Email List

Want to build a list of potential clients who are interested in your services? Offer a freebie in exchange for their email.

Lead Magnet Ideas:

• “Virtual Event Planning Checklist for Coaches”
• “5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hosting Online Workshops”
• “Zoom Settings Guide for First-Time Hosts”

Then use a simple email tool like MailerLite or ConvertKit to:

• Send welcome emails
• Introduce your services
• Share case studies and success stories

💌 Building an email list means you’re nurturing warm leads who may convert later—even if they’re not ready right now.

✅ 5. Use Freelance Platforms to Your Advantage

While building your own brand is great, you can also find clients right now on platforms like:

Tips for success:

• Create a polished profile with clear descriptions and visuals
• Use keywords like “Zoom event host,” “virtual event manager,” or “online summit coordinator”
• Add samples of work (even mock examples)

🚀 Clients on these platforms are already looking to hire—you just need to show up with value and professionalism.

✅ 6. Partner with Other Women in Business

Forming collaborations with others who serve the same audience is a fast-track to visibility.

Examples:

• Partner with a social media manager to offer an “event + promotion” package
• Offer your service to course creators or life coaches who run group events
• Team up with graphic designers or copywriters for full event branding packages

🎁 You can even give each other referrals and bundle your services.

✅ 7. Ask for Referrals and Testimonials

After completing your first few projects, always ask:

• “Do you know anyone else who might need a virtual event planner?”
• “Would you be open to writing a short testimonial about your experience?”

🧠 Social proof (even a few kind words) is incredibly powerful when convincing others to work with you.

Time Management, Tools & Productivity Tips for Busy Women

Let’s face it—most women looking to start a side hustle aren’t sitting around with extra time on their hands. Between work, family, relationships, and personal responsibilities, finding time to grow a virtual event planning business can feel overwhelming.

But here’s the good news: With the right strategies and tools, you can manage your time like a CEO and run your side hustle without burning out.

In this part, we’ll explore practical time management tips, productivity hacks, and essential tools tailored for busy women who want to thrive as virtual event planners.

1. Time-Blocking Is Your Best Friend

Time-blocking means dedicating specific chunks of time in your calendar for focused work.

How to start:

• Use Google Calendar or a planner

• Block time each week for:

  • Client communication

  • Event design

  • Tech testing

  • Admin tasks

  • Learning and skill development

• Treat these blocks as appointments you can’t skip

💡 Even 1–2 focused hours a day can move your business forward.

2. Use the Right Tools to Stay Organized

You don’t need dozens of apps—just a few key tools that do their job well.

🧠 Pro Tip: Choose tools that sync across your devices and offer mobile apps for on-the-go access.

3. Automate Repetitive Tasks

As your side hustle grows, automation will save you hours of time every week.

Things you can automate:

• Appointment scheduling with Calendly or TidyCal
• Email sequences using MailerLite or ConvertKit
• Client onboarding with a Google Form + email autoresponder
• Reminders and task alerts with Trello or Notion

The more you automate, the more time you free up for high-value tasks like event design and client relationships.

4. Set Boundaries to Avoid Burnout

Your side hustle is supposed to empower you—not exhaust you. Set firm boundaries early on so it doesn’t take over your life.

Examples:

• Limit client calls to 2–3 specific days per week
• Turn off notifications after 7 PM
• Block out one “no-work” day each week
• Use out-of-office auto-responses during weekends

🌸 Self-care is not selfish—it’s essential for sustainable success.

5. Outsource Small Tasks (Even on a Budget)

Don’t try to do everything alone. If you find yourself stuck on design, admin, or tech, consider hiring affordable help from:

• Fiverr (graphics, PDFs, templates)
• OnlineJobs.ph (virtual assistants)
• Upwork (tech support, writing)

Even outsourcing a small $20 task can save hours and reduce stress.

6. Create Systems & Templates

Repeatable processes make your business efficient.

What to template:

• Event planning checklists
• Email templates for clients
• Event scripts and timelines
• Onboarding forms and surveys

Use tools like Google Docs, Notion, or Airtable to organize your templates and reuse them with every new client.

📂 Building a system = building a business, not just a gig.

7. Stay Focused with the 3-Tier Task Method

Prioritize your daily work using this framework:

1. Money Tasks: Anything that directly leads to income (client proposals, onboarding, hosting events)
2. Growth Tasks: Marketing, networking, creating content
3. Maintenance Tasks: Admin, organizing files, tool updates

Do Money Tasks first to keep cash flow strong, then move to growth and maintenance.

8. Motivation on Hard Days

Some days, life will feel heavy. You’ll question your progress. That’s okay.

Here are a few ways to stay motivated:

• Keep a journal of small wins
• Read stories of other successful women entrepreneurs
• Join Facebook groups or communities for women in business
• Listen to motivational podcasts like:

• • Goal Digger by Jenna Kutcher

  • Side Hustle Pro by Nicaila Matthews Okome

  • Her First 100K by Tori Dunlap

✨ Celebrate every step—even the small ones.

Scaling Up – Turn Your Side Hustle into a Full-Fledged Business

You’ve learned the ropes, served your first few clients, and built confidence in your virtual event planning skills. But now, you’re asking the next big question:

“How do I grow this into something bigger?”

Scaling your side hustle doesn’t mean adding stress—it means working smarter, earning more, and building something sustainable. In this final section, you’ll learn how to transform your part-time hustle into a full-time business that supports your lifestyle and long-term goals.

1. Build a Recognizable Brand

If you want to move from freelancer to business owner, branding is the first step.

Essentials to Create:

• Business name (reflecting your niche or personality)
• Logo (design it on Canva or hire a designer)
• Brand colors and fonts
• Professional website with:

• • Services

  • Pricing/packages

  • Portfolio

  • Testimonials

  • Contact form

Your brand sets the tone for your business and helps clients remember (and refer!) you.

2. Raise Your Rates with Confidence

You’ve gained experience—now it’s time to reflect that in your pricing.

How to increase rates:

• Add more value to your packages (e.g., branding, marketing support, custom event strategy)
• Show social proof: testimonials, case studies, visuals of past events
• Position yourself as a premium service provider in your niche

💡 Clients who value quality won’t blink at $1,000+ for a fully planned, professional event.

3. Create Signature Packages & Offers

Having structured packages not only simplifies your sales process—it also increases perceived value.

Examples:

• Launch Event Package for online coaches
• VIP Webinar Experience for product creators
• Done-For-You Virtual Retreat for wellness brands

✨ Bonus: Give each package a branded name like “Elevate Live” or “Glow Virtual Summit” to stand out.

4. Hire Support and Delegate

To grow, you need to free up your time for higher-value tasks (like strategy, client relations, or expansion).

Roles you can outsource:

• Virtual Assistant: handles scheduling, email, client communication
• Graphic Designer: creates event visuals, slides, branding
• Tech Support Specialist: manages event platforms, livestream setups
• Social Media Manager: promotes your services and past events

📌 Hire freelancers first, then move to long-term contractors if needed. Platforms like Upwork, OnlineJobs.ph, or Fiverr are great places to start.

5. Offer Event Consulting or Coaching

Once you’ve planned several events and built your reputation, you can start making passive or leveraged income by:

Teaching others:

• Create a mini-course on Skillshare or Teachable
• Host live group training for aspiring event planners
• Sell templates (event checklists, onboarding emails, planning spreadsheets)

This allows you to earn money without trading time for every dollar.

6. Become a Thought Leader in Your Niche

Want to stand out in a crowded market? Share your knowledge and experiences.

How to build authority:

• Start a blog or YouTube channel on event planning
• Host your own virtual summits
• Get featured on podcasts
• Write guest posts for business or lifestyle websites
• Speak at online entrepreneur events

🎯 This not only attracts new clients but also opens doors to collaborations, affiliate deals, and partnerships.

7. Refine, Repeat, and Reinvest

Your business won’t be built overnight—but steady growth leads to powerful results.

Tips to keep growing:

• Revisit your goals every 3–6 months
• Ask for feedback after every project
• Join a mastermind or coaching group
• Reinvest a portion of your income into tools, ads, or education

Growth is a cycle: Plan → Serve → Improve → Expand.

Final Words of Empowerment

Virtual event planning isn’t just a job. It’s a creative, scalable, and empowering business model—especially for women who want:

• More freedom
• More control
• More purpose

You’ve already taken the first step by learning. Now all that’s left is to take action. Whether you’re planning a baby shower or a global summit, you’re in the business of bringing people together—and that’s a powerful thing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need prior experience to become a virtual event planner?

No! Many successful virtual event planners started with no background in event management. Strong organization skills, basic tech know-how, and a willingness to learn are all you need to get started.

2. How much can I earn as a virtual event planner?

Beginners can charge anywhere from $100 to $500 per event. With experience and specialization, many planners earn $1,000+ per event or make consistent monthly income from recurring clients.

3. What are the best platforms to host virtual events?

Popular platforms include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Hopin, and StreamYard. The best choice depends on the event type, audience size, and features needed.

4. How much time does it take to plan a virtual event?

A basic event may take 5–10 hours to plan. More complex events like online summits or retreats may take several weeks, depending on scope and team involvement.

5. Can I do this side hustle part-time while working or raising kids?

Absolutely. Many women run virtual event planning businesses part-time. With proper scheduling, you can manage your side hustle in just a few hours a week.

6. What types of virtual events can I specialize in?

You can specialize in webinars, online workshops, corporate meetings, virtual baby showers, product launches, or nonprofit fundraisers. Picking a niche helps you stand out.

7. What tools do I need to get started?

You’ll need a computer, reliable internet, and tools like Zoom, Canva (for designs), Google Drive (for file storage), and Trello or Notion (for planning). Most are free or very affordable.

8. How do I find my first clients?

Start by promoting your services on social media, offering free or discounted events, joining Facebook groups, using freelancer platforms like Fiverr or Upwork, and asking for referrals.

9. What skills are most important for virtual event planning?

Organization, communication, time management, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of online tools are key. Creativity and problem-solving also go a long way.

10. Can I eventually turn this into a full-time business?

Yes! Many women scale from part-time event planning to full-time businesses by raising their rates, building a team, offering premium services, and even teaching others.