If Seattle is successful in expanding, and if it is at the expense of Vancouver and Whistler convention business, this may somewhat reduce the employment growth for conference and event planners in B.C. Competition for employment is expected to be keen despite the high growth rate because of the number of qualified post secondary graduates, and others with appropriate experience, looking for positions in this field. Many career seekers pursue this line of work because of its variety and interest. Educational institutions throughout the province have responded to this demand by training more people. As a consequence, despite anticipated high growth, there is a surplus of qualified people seeking careers in this occupational group. Those wanting to get into this field can still expect to encounter stiff competition in finding work.
Training is available around the province, but most of the work is centred in the Lower Mainland.
As a result, program graduates and others starting out in this occupation may find their best opportunities in and around Vancouver. It is possible to progress into paid work through volunteer experience. Conference and event planners may also work their way into the field through related jobs in the hospitality sector, such as front desk clerk. Newspaper ads are rarely used to recruit these professionals. Occasionally, training institutions with related programs will be approached to recommend qualified people.