What You Need to Know About Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
Occupation Description Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
Life As a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
- Maintain records of event aspects, including financial details.
- Negotiate contracts with such service providers and suppliers as hotels, convention centers, and speakers.
- 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.
- Monitor event activities to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and laws, satisfaction of participants, and resolution of any problems that arise.
Featured schools near , edit
Qualities of a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
Below is a list of the skills most Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners say are important on the job.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Related Job Titles
- Scheduling Coordinator
- Convention Services Director
- Events Director
- Conventions Reservationist
- Conference Services Director
Job Opportunities for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
There were about 116,700 jobs for Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 10.9% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12,700 new jobs for Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 15,100 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner are Utah, Colorado, and Nevada. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Alaska, or West Virginia. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Salary for a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
The salary for Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners ranges between about $27,560 and $84,900 a year.

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners who work in District of Columbia, New Jersey, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $44,280 |
Alaska | $50,830 |
Arizona | $44,160 |
Arkansas | $45,490 |
California | $57,960 |
Colorado | $51,060 |
Connecticut | $59,790 |
Delaware | $49,280 |
District of Columbia | $67,970 |
Florida | $48,940 |
Georgia | $50,950 |
Hawaii | $60,340 |
Idaho | $37,280 |
Illinois | $52,570 |
Indiana | $48,970 |
Iowa | $44,770 |
Kansas | $42,470 |
Kentucky | $40,000 |
Louisiana | $42,320 |
Maine | $47,050 |
Maryland | $56,250 |
Massachusetts | $56,570 |
Michigan | $47,090 |
Minnesota | $51,130 |
Mississippi | $41,110 |
Missouri | $45,140 |
Montana | $40,370 |
Nebraska | $45,720 |
Nevada | $47,410 |
New Hampshire | $49,370 |
New Jersey | $65,950 |
New Mexico | $37,400 |
New York | $67,990 |
North Carolina | $47,080 |
North Dakota | $47,780 |
Ohio | $48,590 |
Oklahoma | $43,300 |
Oregon | $49,100 |
Pennsylvania | $48,670 |
Rhode Island | $57,980 |
South Carolina | $40,040 |
South Dakota | $36,840 |
Tennessee | $48,980 |
Texas | $53,230 |
Utah | $45,130 |
Vermont | $49,210 |
Virginia | $60,830 |
Washington | $53,380 |
West Virginia | $42,760 |
Wisconsin | $46,160 |
Wyoming | $44,580 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Hypertext markup language HTML
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Data entry software
- Microsoft Project
- Spreadsheet software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Publisher
- Google Docs
- FileMaker Pro
- Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign
- Geographic information system GIS software
- Google Drive
How to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
Individuals working as a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner?

Who Employs Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners?

The table below shows the approximate number of Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners employed by various industries.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those interested in being a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner may also be interested in:
Are you already one of the many Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
- Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes
- Producers
- Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
References:
Image Credit: Bblackpsu via Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |