Convention planners: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Convention planners plan conventions and conferences for organizations. Association planners organize annual conferences and trade shows for professional associations. Convention service managers work for hotels and convention centers. They act as liaisons between the meeting facility and the planners who work for associations, businesses, and governments. They present food service options to outside planners, coordinate special requests, and suggest hotel services that work within a planners budget.
- 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
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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
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 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