Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 125,900 people employed as meeting, convention, and event planners in the United States. The median annual salary is $51,600. Entry level employees earn approximately $29,240 per year and senior employees earn approximately $88,360 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, 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.

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