Salary and Outlook
According to the US Department of Labor, there are 128,200 people employed as meeting, convention, and event planners in
the United States.
The median annual salary is $49,470.
Entry level employees earn approximately $30,170 per year and senior employees earn approximately $96,230
per year.
Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.
Job Duties
- Meet with sponsors and organizing committees to plan scope and format of events, to establish and monitor budgets, or to review administrative procedures and event progress.
- Read trade publications, attend seminars, and consult with other meeting professionals to keep abreast of meeting management standards and trends.
- Organize registration of event participants.
- Develop event topics and choose featured speakers.
- Promote conference, convention and trades show services by performing tasks such as meeting with professional and trade associations, and producing brochures and other publications.
- Design and implement efforts to publicize events and promote sponsorships.
- Obtain permits from fire and health departments to erect displays and exhibits and serve food at events.
- Coordinate services for events, such as accommodation and transportation for participants, facilities, catering, signage, displays, special needs requirements, printing and event security.
- Arrange the availability of audio-visual equipment, transportation, displays, and other event needs.
- Confer with staff at a chosen event site to coordinate details.
- Inspect event facilities to ensure that they conform to customer requirements.
- Maintain records of event aspects, including financial details.
- Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
- Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.
- Evaluate and select providers of services according to customer requirements.
- Plan and develop programs, agendas, budgets, and services according to customer requirements.
- Hire, train, and supervise volunteers and support staff required for events.
- Conduct post-event evaluations to determine how future events could be improved.
- Direct administrative details, such as financial operations, dissemination of promotional materials, and responses to inquiries.
- Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
- Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.