Meeting, convention, and event planners held about 134,100 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of meeting, convention, and event planners were as follows:
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 19% |
| Accommodation and food services | 11 |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 11 |
| Administrative and support services | 10 |
| Self-employed workers | 8 |
Meeting, convention, and event planners spend time in their offices and at event locations, such as hotels and convention centers. They may travel regularly to attend the events they organize and to visit prospective meeting sites.
The work of meeting, convention, and event planners can be fast paced and demanding. Planners oversee many aspects of an event at the same time and face numerous deadlines, and they may coordinate multiple meetings or events at the same time.
Work Schedules
Most meeting, convention, and event planners work full time. As major events approach, they often work additional hours to finalize preparations. During meetings or conventions, planners may work on weekends and for more hours than they usually work in a day.
Most meeting, convention, and event planning positions require a bachelor’s degree. Some hospitality industry experience related to event planning is considered valuable for many positions.
Education
Most meeting, convention, and event planners need a bachelor’s degree. Although some colleges offer degree programs in meeting and event management, other common fields of study include communications, business, and business management.
Planners who have studied meeting and event management or hospitality management may start out with greater responsibilities than those from other academic disciplines. Some colleges offer continuing education courses in meeting and event planning.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
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.
The Society of Government Meeting Professionals (SGMP) offers the Certified Government Meeting Professional (CGMP) designation for meeting planners who work for, or contract with, federal, state, or local government. This certification is not a requirement for those looking to work as a government meeting planner; however, it may be helpful for candidates who want to show that they know government purchasing policies and travel regulations. To qualify, candidates must have worked as a meeting planner for at least 1 year and have been a member of SGMP for 6 months. To become a certified planner, members must take a 3-day course and pass an exam.
Some organizations, including the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners and the Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants , offer voluntary certifications in wedding planning. Although not required, the certifications can be helpful in attracting clients and proving knowledge.
Other Experience
It can be beneficial for new meeting, convention, and event planners to have some experience in the hospitality industry. Working in a variety of positions at hotels, convention centers, and convention bureaus provides knowledge of how the hospitality industry operates. Other beneficial work experiences include coordinating university or volunteer events and shadowing professionals.
Meeting or convention planners typically have an interest in the Helping, Persuading and Organizing interest areas, according to the Holland Code framework. The Helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counseling, or teaching other people. The Persuading interest area indicates a focus on influencing, motivating, and selling to other people. The Organizing interest area indicates a focus on working with information and processes to keep things arranged in orderly systems.
If you are not sure whether you have a Helping or Persuading or Organizing interest which might fit with a career as a meeting or convention planner, you can take a career test to measure your interests.
Meeting or convention planners should also possess the following specific qualities:
Communication skills. Meeting, convention, and event planners communicate with clients, suppliers, and event staff. They must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be able to convey the needs of their clients effectively.
Composure. Planners often work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to make quick decisions while remaining calm under pressure.
Customer-service skills. Planners must understand their clients’ needs. They must act professionally in a variety of situations, know how to keep an audience engaged, and help participants network with peers.
Interpersonal skills. Planners must be good at establishing and maintaining positive relationships with clients and suppliers.
Negotiation skills. Planners must be able to negotiate service contracts to get good prices for their clients.
Organizational skills. To provide high quality meetings, planners must be detail-oriented and be able to multitask and meet tight deadlines. Many meetings are planned more than a year in advance, so long-term thinking ability is vital.
Problem-solving skills. When problems arise, planners must be able to come up with creative solutions that satisfy clients.
The median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $50,600 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $28,590, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $86,390.
In May 2019, the median annual wages for meeting, convention, and event planners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Administrative and support services | $53,460 |
| Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations | 51,970 |
| Accommodation and food services | 44,590 |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 43,380 |
Most meeting, convention, and event planners work full time. As major events approach, they often work additional hours to finalize preparations. During meetings or conventions, planners may work on weekends and for more hours than they usually work in a day.
Employment of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for professionally planned meetings and events is expected to remain steady as businesses and organizations continue to host events regularly.
For organizations with geographically separate offices and members, meetings are the only time they can bring everyone together. Despite the spread of online communication, face-to-face interaction remains important.
Job Prospects
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in meeting and event management, hospitality, or tourism management should have the best job opportunities. Those who have experience in the hospitality industry or with virtual meeting software and social media outlets should also have an advantage.
Job opportunities for corporate planners fluctuate with economic activity. When the economy is in a downturn, companies often cut budgets for meetings.
For more information about meeting, convention, and event planners, including information about certification and industry trends, visit
Society of Government Meeting Professionals
For more information about wedding planners, including information about certification, visit
American Association of Certified Wedding Planners
Association of Bridal Consultants
Association of Certified Professional Wedding Consultants