Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners

 1. OVERVIEW

Meeting, convention, and event planners are responsible for coordinating all aspects of professional gatherings, ranging from small meetings to large-scale conventions. These professionals ensure that events are planned smoothly and successfully by handling logistics, coordinating with vendors, and managing schedules. The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and excellent communication abilities.

• 2024 Median Pay: $59,440 per year

• Job Growth (2023–2033): 7% (Faster than average)

• Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree

• Work Experience in a Related Occupation: None

• On-the-job Training: None

• Number of Jobs (2023): 149,000

• Employment Change (2023–33): 9,900

2. Role Breakdown by Level

Entry-Level Role: Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

• Job Titles: Event Coordinator, Meeting Planner, Conference Planner

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in meeting and event management, business, communications, or social science.

• Experience: Typically no experience required, but internships or event-related work experience are helpful.

• Certifications: Certifications like Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) or Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) are optional but beneficial for career advancement.

• Core Duties:

• Meet with clients to understand their event goals.

• Plan event scope, including time, location, and cost.

• Coordinate with venues, catering, transportation, and other vendors.

• Monitor event activities and ensure client satisfaction.

• Salary Range: $35,990 – $59,440 per year

• Key Skills:

• Organizational skills

• Communication and negotiation

• Problem-solving abilities

• Time management and multitasking

Mid-Level Role: Senior Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

• Job Titles: Senior Event Planner, Senior Meeting Planner, Conference Manager

• Education: A bachelor’s degree, with preference for those who have studied meeting and event management or hospitality management.

• Experience: Several years (3–5) of experience in event planning or coordination.

• Certifications: CMP or CGMP certification is advantageous.

• Core Duties:

• Manage and oversee multiple events or larger conferences.

• Negotiate contracts and handle larger budgets.

• Lead teams of junior planners or assistants.

• Ensure events stay within budget and meet client specifications.

• Salary Range: $59,440 – $75,000 per year

• Key Skills:

• Leadership and team management

• Advanced project management

• Vendor management and contract negotiation

• Financial and risk management

Senior-Level Role: Event and Convention Director

• Job Titles: Event Director, Convention Director, Event Operations Manager

• Education: Master’s degree or specialized certifications in event planning or business management can be beneficial.

• Experience: 7–10 years of experience in event planning with a proven track record of managing large-scale events.

• Certifications: CMP, CGMP, or other professional event management certifications are highly valued.

• Core Duties:

• Oversee the planning and execution of large conventions or multi-day events.

• Manage multiple event teams across different venues.

• Build relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, vendors, and sponsors.

• Develop and execute long-term event strategies and goals.

• Salary Range: $75,000 – $101,310 per year

• Key Skills:

• High-level strategic planning

• Financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting

• Crisis management and conflict resolution

• Strong leadership and team coordination

3. How to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner

Education Requirements:

• Entry-Level: A bachelor's degree is typically required. Degrees in business, hospitality management, communications, or related fields are common. Some colleges offer specialized programs in event planning.

• Mid-Level: For career advancement, a bachelor’s degree in event management or a related field is preferred. Additional experience in a related role, such as working for a hotel or convention center, can help.

• Senior-Level: A master’s degree in business, hospitality management, or event planning may be beneficial. Professional development through certifications and continuous learning is important.

Certifications and Licenses:

• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional): This certification, offered by the Events Industry Council, is widely recognized and may help in career advancement.

• CGMP (Certified Government Meeting Professional): This designation is for planners who specialize in government events.

• CEM (Certified in Exhibition Management): Offered by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events, this certification focuses on exhibition planning.

Experience:

• Entry-Level: Internships or part-time roles in event planning, hospitality, or volunteer work will be beneficial.

• Mid-Level: 3–5 years of experience in event planning or a related field, including the management of small to medium-sized events.

• Senior-Level: 7–10 years of experience managing larger-scale events and a proven ability to lead teams and handle complex logistics.

4. Skills & Tools

Core Skills:

• Communication: Essential for exchanging information with clients, vendors, and team members.

• Negotiation: Planners need to secure the best deals for clients and ensure vendors meet their obligations.

• Organization: Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines is critical.

• Problem-Solving: Event planners must anticipate challenges and come up with creative solutions.

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring every aspect of the event is planned and executed flawlessly.

Tools & Equipment:

• Event Management Software: Tools like Social Tables, Cvent, or Eventbrite for managing invitations, RSVPs, and event schedules.

• Communication Tools: Email, phone systems, and messaging platforms for coordinating with clients and vendors.

• Project Management Tools: Software like Asana or Trello to track tasks, timelines, and responsibilities.

5. Work Environment

• Meeting, convention, and event planners typically work in an office but often travel to event sites. They spend a significant amount of time at hotels, convention centers, and other venues.

• The work is fast-paced, especially during the lead-up to an event. Planners may work evenings, weekends, and even holidays to ensure events run smoothly.

Work Schedule:

• Most planners work full time, often exceeding 40 hours per week during major event planning or event dates.

• Schedules can be unpredictable, especially when events are nearing, and planners may need to be available to handle emergencies or last-minute changes.

6. Pay

• 2024 Median Pay: $59,440 per year, with the lowest 10% earning less than $35,990 and the highest 10% earning more than $101,310.

Pay by Industry:

• Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional organizations: $60,940

• Accommodation and food services: $57,400

• Arts, entertainment, and recreation: $49,760

7. Job Outlook

• Job Growth: 7% (Faster than average)

• About 16,500 openings are expected each year, driven by growth in demand for professional event planning, especially in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.

8. Related Occupations

• Administrative Services Managers: Plan and coordinate activities to improve organizational efficiency.

• Fundraisers: Organize events and activities to raise money for various causes.

• Lodging Managers: Oversee the operations of hotels and other accommodations.

9. Resources for Learning & Advancement

• Books:

• "The Art of Event Planning" by Gianna Gaudini

• "Meeting Architecture: A Manifesto" by Maarten Vanneste

• Online Courses:

• LinkedIn Learning: Event Planning courses

• Coursera: Event Planning and Management Basics

• Certifications:

• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) from Events Industry Council

• CGMP (Certified Government Meeting Professional)

• Communities:

• Reddit: r/eventplanning

• YouTube: Event Planning tutorials and advice