### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			meeting convention and event planners imageMeeting, convention, and event planners coordinate all aspects of events and professional meetings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation, and other details.							
						Quick Facts:     Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners2023     Median Pay
            						$56,920     per year
										$27.36     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    Bachelor's degreeWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    132,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    8% (Faster than average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    9,900What Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Do
                                                
                        
                        
Meeting, convention, and event planners arrange all aspects of events and professional gatherings.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Meeting, convention, and event planners work in their offices and onsite at hotels or conference centers. They often travel to attend events and visit meeting sites. During meetings or conventions, planners may work many more hours than usual.
            
                                                How to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner
                                                
                        
Meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some experience related to event planning may be helpful.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $56,920 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Employment							of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow							 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
						About 15,200 openings for meeting, convention, and event planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for meeting, convention, and event planners.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of meeting, convention, and event planners with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about meeting, convention, and event planners by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners Do 
            

			Meeting, convention, and event plannersMeeting, convention, and event planners meet with clients to understand the purpose of their meeting or event.			
Meeting, convention, and event planners arrange all aspects of events and professional gatherings. They arrange meeting locations, transportation, and other details.
Duties
Meeting, convention, and event planners typically do the following:
Meet with clients to understand the purpose of the event
Plan the scope of the event, including its time, location, and cost
Solicit bids from venues and service providers
Inspect venues to ensure that they meet the client’s requirements
Coordinate event services such as rooms, transportation, and food
Monitor event activities to ensure that the client and the attendees are satisfied
Review event bills and approve paymentsMeeting, convention, and event planners organize a variety of social and professional events, including weddings, educational conferences, and business conventions. They coordinate every detail of these events, including finances. Before planning a meeting, for example, planners meet with clients to estimate attendance and determine the meeting’s purpose. During the event, they handle logistics, such as registering guests and organizing audiovisual equipment. After the meeting, they make sure that all vendors are paid, and they may survey attendees to obtain feedback on the event.
Meeting, convention, and event planners search for potential meeting sites, such as hotels and convention centers. They consider the lodging and services that the facility can provide, how easy it will be for people to get there, and the attractions that the surrounding area has to offer.
Once a location is selected, planners arrange the meeting space and support services, such as catering and interpreters. They negotiate contracts with suppliers and coordinate plans with the venue’s staff. They may also organize speakers, entertainment, and activities.
The following are examples of types of meeting, convention, and event planners:
***Meeting planners*** plan large meetings for organizations. *Healthcare meeting planners* specialize in organizing meetings and conferences for healthcare professionals. *Corporate planners* organize internal business meetings and meetings between businesses. These events may be in person or online and held either within corporate facilities or offsite to include more people.
***Convention planners***plan conventions and conferences for organizations. *Association planners* organize annual conferences and trade shows for professional associations. *Convention service managers* work for hotels and convention centers. They act as liaisons between the meeting facility and the planners who work for associations, businesses, and governments. They present food service options to outside planners, coordinate special requests, and suggest hotel services that work within a planner’s budget.
***Event planners*** arrange the details of a variety of events. *Wedding planners* are the most well known, but event planners also coordinate celebrations such as anniversaries, reunions, and other large social events, as well as corporate events, including product launches, galas, and award ceremonies.*******Nonprofit event planners* plan large events with the goal of raising donations for a charity or advocacy organization. Events may include banquets, charity races, and food drives.
***Exhibition organizers*** are responsible for all aspects of planning, promoting, and producing a display. They are also called exhibit managers, show managers, or show organizer.
 Work Environment
			Meeting, convention, and event plannersMeeting, convention, and event planners regularly collaborate with clients, hospitality workers, and meeting attendees.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Meeting, convention, and event planners held about 132,000 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of meeting, convention, and event planners were as follows:
        Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
                17%Arts, entertainment, and recreation
                12Accommodation and food services
                12Administrative and support services
                9Self-employed workers
                4Meeting, 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 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, and many work more than 40 hours per week. They often work additional hours to finalize preparations as major events approach. During meetings or conventions, planners may work on weekends.
 How to Become a Meeting, Convention, or Event Planner

			Meeting, convention, and event plannersMeeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor's degree.			
Meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some experience related to event planning may be helpful.
Education
Meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor’s degree. Although some colleges offer programs in meeting and event management, other common fields of degree include business, communications, and social science.
Planners who have studied meeting and event management or hospitality management may start out with greater responsibilities than do those from other academic disciplines. Some colleges offer continuing education courses in meeting and event planning.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
A number of voluntary certifications are available for meeting and convention planners. Although not required, these certifications demonstrate specific knowledge or professional expertise.
The Events Industry Council offers the Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credential, which is widely recognized in the industry and may help in career advancement. To qualify for the CMP, candidates’ applications must include proof of experience and education. 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 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 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.
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events offers the Certified in Exhibition Management (CEM) designation, which demonstrates meeting professional standards for exhibitions and events management. Candidates obtain this credential by completing nine courses.
Some organizations, including the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners, offer certifications in wedding planning that may be helpful for attracting clients.
Other Experience
Meeting, convention, and event planners may benefit from having some experience in meeting and event planning. 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.
Important Qualities
***Communication skills.*** Meeting, convention, and event planners exchange information with clients, suppliers, and event staff. They must have excellent written and oral communication skills to express the needs of their clients.
***Interpersonal skills.*** Meeting, convention, and event planners must establish and maintain positive relationships with clients and suppliers.
***Negotiation skills.*** Meeting, convention, and event planners must be able to secure quality products and services at reasonable prices for their clients.
***Organizational skills.*** Meeting, convention, and event planners must multitask, pay attention to details, and meet tight deadlines.
***Problem-solving skills.*** Meeting, convention, and event planners must be able to anticipate potential issues and prepare creative solutions that satisfy clients.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                Meeting, Convention, and Event PlannersMedian annual wages, May 2023Business operations specialists$78,500  Meeting, convention, and event planners$56,920  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for meeting, convention, and event planners was $56,920 in May 2023. 


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 $34,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $99,010.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for meeting, convention, and event planners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations
                $59,310Administrative and support services
                58,640Accommodation and food services
                52,020Arts, entertainment, and recreation
                48,680Most meeting, convention, and event planners work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. They often work additional hours to finalize preparations as major events approach. During meetings or conventions, planners may work on weekends.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                Meeting, Convention, and Event PlannersPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Meeting, convention, and event planners8%  Business operations specialists6%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Employment				of meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to grow				 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
			
			About 15,200 openings for meeting, convention, and event planners are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
Event planners' services are expected to be in demand by people who want help organizing personal events, such as weddings. In addition, demand for professionally planned meetings and events will stem from businesses and organizations that host events. However, virtual meeting technology may dampen employment growth as virtual meetings continue to replace some in-person events.
			

                        Employment projections data for     meeting, convention, and event planners, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Meeting, convention, and event planners**
			13-1121
			132,000
			141,900
			8
			9,900
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Meeting, convention, and event planners **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of meeting, convention, and event planners. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Administrative Services and Facilities Managers**
            Administrative services and facilities managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help an organization run efficiently.
            Bachelor's degree
            $104,900**Floral Designers**
            Floral designers arrange live, dried, and silk flowers and greenery to make decorative displays.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $34,690**Food Service Managers**
            Food service managers are responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $63,060**Fundraisers**
            Fundraisers organize events and campaigns to raise money and other kinds of donations for an organization.
            Bachelor's degree
            $64,160**Lodging Managers**
            Lodging managers ensure that guests have a pleasant experience at an accommodations facility. They also plan, direct, or coordinate activities to ensure that the facility is efficient and profitable.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $65,360**Travel Agents**
            Travel agents sell transportation, lodging, and entertainment activities to individuals and groups planning trips.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $47,410
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about professional planning for meetings, conventions, exhibitions, and events, including information about certification and industry trends, visit
Events Industry Council
International Association of Exhibitions and Events
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
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Meeting, convention, and event planners (PDF)

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/meeting-convention-and-event-planners.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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