Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
- Education Required
- Most meeting, convention, and event planners need a bachelors degree. Although some colleges offer degree programs in meeting and event management, other common fields of study include communications, business, and business management.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- The Events Industry Council offers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, a voluntary certification for meeting and convention planners. Although the CMP is not required, it is widely recognized in the industry and may help in career advancement. To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of 36 months of meeting management experience, recent employment in a meeting management job, and proof of continuing education credits. Those who qualify must then pass an exam that covers topics such as strategic planning, financial and risk management, facility operations and services, and logistics.
- Median pay: How much do Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners make?
- $47,350 Annual Salary
- $22.76 per hour
Meeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of events and professional meetings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation, and other details.
What do Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners do?
Meeting, convention, and event planners typically do the following:
- Meet with clients to understand the purpose of the meeting or event
- Plan the scope of the event, including its time, location, and cost
- Solicit bids from venues and service providers
- Inspect venues to ensure that they meet the clients requirements
- Coordinate event services such as rooms, transportation, and food service
- Monitor event activities to ensure that the client and the attendees are satisfied
- Review event bills and approve payments
Meeting, convention, and event planners organize a variety of events, including weddings, educational conferences, and business conventions. They coordinate every detail of these events, including finances. Before planning a meeting, for example, planners will meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meetings purpose. During the event, they handle logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audiovisual equipment. After the meeting, they make sure that all vendors are paid, and they may survey attendees to obtain feedback on the event.
Meeting, convention, and event planners search for potential meeting sites, such as hotels and convention centers. They consider the lodging and services that the facility can provide, how easy it will be for people to get there, and the attractions that the surrounding area has to offer. Planners may also consider whether an online meeting can achieve the same objectives as a meeting that requires attendees to gather in a physical location.
Once a location is selected, planners arrange the meeting space and support services, such as catering and interpreters. They negotiate contracts with suppliers and coordinate plans with the venues staff. They may also organize speakers, entertainment, and activities.
The following are examples of types of meeting, convention, and event planners:
Careers for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
- Association planners
- Certified meeting professionals
- Conference organizers
- Conference planners
- Conference planning managers
- Conference services coordinators
- Conference services directors
- Conference services managers
- Convention managers
- Convention planners
- Convention service managers
- Corporate meeting planners
- Corporate planners
- Event planners
- Events managers
- Government meeting planners
- Healthcare meeting planners
- Meeting and convention planners
- Meeting directors
- Meeting managers
- Meeting planners
- Promoters
- Promotions specialists
- Wedding planners