Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Planners often work long hours in the period prior to and during a meeting or convention, and extensive travel may be required. Employment is expected to grow faster than average. Opportunities will be best for individuals with a bachelors degree and some meeting planning experience.
On average, Meeting and Convention Planners earn $ 42,180 per year.
Job Opportunities for Meeting and Convention Planners are expected to:
Increase faster than average.
Meetings and conventions bring people together for a common purpose, and meeting and convention planners work to ensure that this purpose is achieved seamlessly. Meeting planners coordinate every detail of meetings and conventions, from the speakers and meeting location to arranging for printed materials and audio-visual equipment.
People with a variety of educational or work backgrounds may seek meeting and convention planning positions. Many migrate into the occupation after gaining planning experience. For example, an administrative assistant may begin planning small meetings and gradually move into a full-time position as a meeting and convention planner. Although there are some certification programs and college courses in meeting and convention planning available, most needed skills are learned through experience.
Meeting and convention planners held about 51,000 jobs in 2006. About 27 percent worked for religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations; 17 percent worked in accommodation, including hotels and motels; 8 percent worked for educational services, public and private; 3 percent worked for governments; and 6 percent were self-employed. The rest were employed by convention and trade show organizing firms and in other industries as corporate meeting and convention planners.
