Meeting, convention, and event planners
SOC Code: 13-1121Also known as:
Catering and Convention Services Manager, Catering Coordinator, Catering Director, Certified Meeting Professional, Conference Manager
Median Annual Salary
$59,440
+4.8% growth (2024-2034)
16K
Openings/Year
156K
Current Jobs
What Meeting, convention, and event planners Do
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
💰 Salary
$59,440
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+4.8%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
16K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
155,800
Projected Employment (2034)
163,300
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Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Social Perceptiveness
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Consult with customers to determine objectives and requirements for events, such as meetings, conferences, and conventions.
- Review event bills for accuracy and approve payment.
- 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.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Meeting, convention, and event planners
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a meeting, convention, and event planners:
Meeting and Event Planning
730 degrees awarded •
53 colleges offer this program
Facilities Planning and Management
59 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Meeting, convention, and event planners
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become meeting, convention, and event planners.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do meeting, convention, and event planners make?
The median annual salary for meeting, convention, and event planners is $59,440.
What education do meeting, convention, and event planners need?
Most meeting, convention, and event planners positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Meeting and Event Planning, Facilities Planning and Management.
Is becoming meeting, convention, and event planners a good career choice?
Meeting, convention, and event planners is projected to see +4.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 15,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for meeting, convention, and event planners?
Top colleges for aspiring meeting, convention, and event planners include
New York University, University of Central Florida, Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, San Diego State University, College of the Ozarks.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to meeting, convention, and event planners?
Meeting, convention, and event planners may also be known as: Catering and Convention Services Manager, Catering Coordinator, Catering Director, Certified Meeting Professional, Conference Manager, Conference Organizer, Conference Planner, Conference Planning Manager, Conference Producer, Conference Reservationist, Conference Service Coordinator, Conference Services Director, Conference Services Manager, Convention Manager, Convention Planner, Convention Services Director, Convention Services Manager (CSM), Convention Worker, Conventions Reservationist, Corporate Event Planner.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.