Meeting, convention and events planners essential career information:
- 2011 median pay: $46,020
- 2010, number of jobs: 71,600
- Employment growth forecast, 2010-2020: 44 percent
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
Meeting, convention and events planners; what they do:
Meeting, convention and events planners make things happen in an orderly, effective fashion when groups gather. All details, large and small, fall to the meeting, convention or events planner.
Meeting and convention planner careers involve selecting the best location and transportation for an event. Meeting and event planner careers also include making all logistical arrangements.
Corporate event planners use their connections to find the best site and the best cost.
Meeting and event planners’ efforts show in the food and amenities, information provided about local attractions, the speakers, entertainment and other activities. With the technology available, corporate event planners or government meeting planners might organize an online meeting instead of a face-to-face discussion.
Receive Free Info about a Matching
Online Degree for this Career
Meeting, convention and events planners job duties:
- Planning agendas, programs, budgets and services
- Meeting with organizers to plan the format of the event
- Coordinating attendees’ transportation and accommodations and food, and facilities
- Discuss with clients their objectives and requirements
- Inspecting the event site to ensure it meets clients’ needs
- Taking care of signs, displays, printing and security
- Reviewing and authorizing payment of bills
- Resolving any problems that arise
Meeting, convention and events planners job titles:
- Government Meeting Planner
- Conference Planner
- Catering Manager
- Event Manager
- Director of Events
- Conference Manager
- Convention Services Manager
- Director of Conference Services
- Meeting Event Planner
- Corporate Event Planner
Meeting, Convention and Events Planners Education, Certification and License Requirements
Many employers prefer to hire applicants with a Bachelor of Hospitality Management degree or a degree in a relevant area such as communications, public relations, marketing or business. A meeting event planner without a relevant degree should have one to two years of experience.
Some colleges and universities provide degree programs such as:
- Bachelor of Business Administration Hospitality degree
- Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a Hospitality and Tourism Management Concentration
- Master of Business Administration Hospitality Management degree
- MBA degree with a Hospitality and Tourism Concentration
Often a corporate event planner with a hospitality management degree gains greater responsibilities. Experience can come in the form of internships. Some schools also offer continuing education courses in meeting and event planning.
Begin a Rewarding Career
Learn about an Online B.S. in Bus. Admin. – Hosp. Mgmt. Degree
Career Advancement Opportunities
A professional can advance in their meeting and convention planning career through obtaining credentials as a certified meeting professional from the Convention Industry Council. Candidates must pass a test and have three years of meeting management experience, recent employment as a meeting event planner, and proof of continuing education credits.
Some government meeting planners acquire Certified Government Meeting Professional credentials to show potential clients they know government buying policies and travel regulations.
Meeting, convention and events planners programs cover subjects such as:
- Financial management
- Facilities and services
- Managerial communications
- Logistics
- Marketing
- Meeting programs
- Hospitality management principles
- Operations management
Meeting, Convention and Events Planners Outlook
Forecast: 44 percent employment growth from 2010 to 2020 for meeting and convention and events planners .
Due to companies and organizations becoming increasingly international, meetings and conventions have become more important. Executives recognize the value of hiring professional meeting and event planners.
Meeting, Convention and Events Planners Salary
- 2011 median annual wage: $46,020
- 2011, workers at the 75th percentile annual wage: $60,100
- 2011, workers at the 25th percentile annual wage: $35,470
Begin Your Online Education for a Meeting and Convention Planner Career
Meeting, Convention and Events Planners Major Employers
- Travel accommodation
- Business, professional, labor, political organizations
- Support services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Local government
Related Degrees
Learn about an Online
B.S. in Communication – Pub. Relations Degree
